Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan)

Benefits of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan)

• Anti-ageing
  Gynostemma offers antioxidant protection for cells and membranes, and can help slow down the aging process. Gynostemma has been shown in several studies to increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) production, lower Lipid levels, decrease free radical damage and proliferation, and inhibit the effects of UV radiation.
  A 1993 study from Loma Linda University revealed that Jiaogulan saponins decrease free radical production in immune cells, protect biomembranes against oxidative damage and improve vascular cell function.

• Powerful immunomodulator
  Research has shown that Gypenosides isolated from Gynostemma Pentaphyllum have a powerful immunomodulatory effect and can help maintain a healthy immune system and assist with stress-related symptoms.
  In research conducted by the University of Sydney, Gypenosides derived from Gynostemma pentaphyllum suppress nitric oxide synthesis by
  inhibiting iNOS enzyme activity.

• Maintain normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels
  Scientific studies have demonstrated Gynostemma’s ability to reduce serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol, while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
  HDL (good) cholesterol. Crude Gypenosides were tested for their effect on lipid metabolism in rats fed high-sugar, high-fat diets. Gypenosides were found to reduce serum triglyceride levels, total cholesterol, phospholipids and lipid peroxidation.

• Maintain healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular health
  Gynostemma has been widely recognized as effective in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Research has indicated that animals treated with Gypenosides had significantly lowered blood pressure, and had increased coronary blood flow throughout the body.
  Studies have shown that Gynostemma improves cardiovascular health by releasing nitric oxide in the body, which helps relax coronary blood vessels.
  Jiaogulan also improves HDL levels, which can metabolize cholesterol more efficiently, thus maintaining good cardiovascular health.

• Adaptogen
  Gynostemma is a powerful adaptogen. Its regulating effect on bodily functions can help balance the body in a wide range of stressful circumstances. Improving physiological functions, helping the body recover from illness, stress and fatigue, restoring homeostasis to the body’s various systems, including the cardiovascular, digestive, nervous, immune and reproductive systems.

• Maintain healthy digestion and regulate weight
  By improving and strengthening digestion, Gynostemma can regulate weight by efficiently metabolizing food into energy and blocking the conversion of sugar into fat.
  Gynostemma can also help reduce weight in overweight people by speeding up the body’s metabolism, enabling an underweight person to increase nutrient absorption and gain weight in the form of lean muscle mass.

• Improve energy and sports performance
  Gymostemma’s saponins increase strength and endurance, and can help build lean muscle mass.

• Protects against radiation
  A study published in American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that Gynostemma pentaphyllum helped preserve immune function in rats receiving gamma bombardment, suggesting that the herb may help cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

• Sexual enhancement
  Gynostemma’s ability to stimulate the release of nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation, may be useful for sexual enhancement.

• Maintaining healthy brain functions
  Studies have shown that Gynostemma has a regulating, two-way adaptogenic influence on the central nervous system. Simply put, this herb is calming when overexcited and stimulating when depressed.
  Gynostemma can be useful for simple depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.

• Protects the liver from toxins

• Calming, anti-stress effect

Other indications

• Asthma
• Migraines
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Bronchitis
• Herpes zoster
• Cystitis
• Chronic tracheitis
• Chronic atrophic gastritis
• Hyperlipidemia
• Nodule
• Lower back pain
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Shoulder stiffness
• Reduces side effects of steroids

Instructions for use and dosage

Place 3g of gynostemma in a large mug, pour in simmering spring or filtered water. Cover the mug and leave to infuse for 5 to 1 minute. Do this at least 2 times a day (the minimum dosage for effects is 5g a day, maximum 12g a day).

Contraindications

– Jiaogulan has a slightly sedative effect. Be careful if you are taking barbiturates, as the effects will be reinforced by this herb.
– During pregnancy and breast-feeding.