Gynostemma (Jiaogulan), Southern Ginseng 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Gynostemma (Jiaogulan), Southern Ginseng – 100 g ($16.99), 50 g ($10.99), 25 g ($7.99)

Benefits:
An amazing, not well known and even less appreciated group of plants that nature has provided for humans is intelligent, adaptogenic herbs to regulate their bodily functions and achieve optimal health.

Adaptogens, especially well known in Ayurveda, Taoist Tonic Herbalism, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, are also known as dual-directional herbs.  This means that they are able to regulate certain bodily functions in whatever direction is needed by the body, distinguishing them from all other herbs, which will only be able to push bodily functions in one direction or another.  There are many different adaptogens in the world, including ginseng, maca, gynostemma, astragalus, and ashwagandha, to name just a few.

Gynostemma wasn’t widely known, even in China, until the early 1970s when Japanese researchers took a closer look into the incredible longevity being achieved by residents of a particular region in Southern China where gynostemma tea was being consumed on a daily basis.  The dual-directional nature of adaptogens is generally attributed to compounds in the herbs called saponins.  While the most famous adaptogenic herb in the world, ginseng, contains on average 36 saponins, the Japanese researchers found that gynostemma contained over 100 different saponins.  Gynostemma holds the record to this day for the broadest range of saponins of any known plant in the world.  The similarities in the saponins between ginseng and gynostemma earned gynostemma nicknames such as “7-Leaf Ginseng,” “Southern Ginseng,” and “Ginseng at a tea price,” reflecting how affordable it was compared to ginseng of comparable potency.  However, the people who have been drinking it for hundreds, if not thousands of years still call it “The Magical Grass.”

Gynostemma’s incredible saponin profile gives it the ability to regulate a vast myriad of bodily functions, covering everything from energy, to immunity, to weight and cholesterol.  For example, whether one is tired or overly-anxious, gynostemma will help restore a state of peaceful vigor, without being stimulating or sedative.  Both athletes and those wanting to lose weight will equally appreciate that gynostemma simultaneously increases the body’s ability to burn fat and build lean muscle.  Furthermore, studies in Japan and China have shown gynostemma to have an effective rate of 94.8% in lowering “bad” cholesterol while increasing “good” cholesterol.

Nutrients  The gynostemma plant belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes other well-known vegetables, including melon and cucumbers. Within these leaves you’ll find many protective compounds, including antioxidants like polysaccharides, plant sterols, flavonoids, ginsenosides and saponins that may help to fight oxidative stress and promote healthy aging. It’s also rich in enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Gynostemma/jiaogulan is also called by several other names, including “miracle grass” and makino. Gynostemma contains amino acids, vitamins and minerals, including selenium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese & phosphorus.

Increase Energy  Is gynostemma a stimulant? Although it’s sometimes called southern ginseng, gynostemma is not directly related to panax ginseng, the popular herb in Chinese medicine that is still taken today mostly for its stimulant effects. Still, some people use gynostemma for its potential ability to fight fatigue and help improve concentration and stamina. It’s caffeine-free, however, and generally not considered to be a stimulant — although it might have the ability to increase energy due to supply of antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds.

More formal research is needed to explain exactly how it works, but it’s thought that gynostemma might releases AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This helps turn up fat-burning and energy-releasing metabolic processes.

Adaptogen/Stress-Fighting  Jiaogulan has traditionally been considered a naturally rejuvenating herb that acts as an adaptogen. This means that it helps the body cope with stress and maintain homeostasis or balance.

Adaptogen herbs do this by helping maintain normal levels of stress hormones, including cortisol. When released in high amounts, they can lead to a number of symptoms, like poor sleep, digestion and metabolic health.

A 2019 study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that supplementation with gynostemma “reduced ‘anxiety proneness’ in subjects under chronic psychological stress, as shown by a decrease in the score of T-STAI (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory).”

Jiaogulan is one of many medicinal herbs thought to relieve stress. A study in South Korea looked at 72 people with a history of chronic stress and anxiety. Half were given jiaogulan leaves and the other half got a placebo for eight weeks and were assessed for stress. The researchers found lower self-reported stress levels in the jiaogulan group but no differences in the levels of stress hormones like norepinephrine and cortisol between people taking jiaogulan and those taking a placebo.

While it’s also known as “poor man’s ginseng”, the much higher quantity of saponins in gynostemma compared to ginseng lead to it being referred to as ginseng on steroids and being a much stronger adaptogen. Gynostemma protects and enhances the function of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system through its antioxidant properties and its ability to regulate nitric oxide production.  Nitric oxide protects nerve cells from damage and cell death from free radical damage.

The saponins in gynostemma exert a regulatory effect on the body. They bring a wide range of biological systems such as the central nervous system, the immune system, the reproductive system and the endocrine system into balance. This increases the natural ability of the body to respond to a wide range of internal and external stress.

Gynostemma also has a biphasic effect on brain functioning, meaning it can energize or calm the system depending on what is needed.

Longevity  People in the original local region of China where Gynostemma was traditionally taken were found to have longer life spans, less disease and greater vitality than just about any other people in the world. This discovery prompted Chinese and Japanese researchers to seriously study this herb, finding that certain plant saponins known as “gypenosides” seem to be responsible for the many benefits of Gynostemma.

Combinations of compounds in Gynostemma appear to stop the DNA from being degraded and broken down too quickly. Gynostemma has been found to stop and even reverse the process of erosion of the telomeres. Telomeres are the ‘end caps’ on strings of DNA, and the remaining length of telomeres is a major factor governing your remaining life span.  The effects of Gynostemma on telomeres make it one of the most powerful longevity substances ever known.

Cardiovascular  It’s thought that jiaogulan benefits heart health by helping reduce inflammation as well as the negative effects of stress, such as changes in blood pressure.

It may also increase circulation and promote healthy cholesterol levels thanks to the presence of compounds called saponins. Saponins bind to reduce cholesterol. There’s some evidence that taking jiaogulan can decrease total cholesterol and increase the “good” HDL cholesterol.

A study by Vanderbilt University found that one of the saponins found in Gynostemma facilitates the release of nitric oxide by the blood vessels. This in turn causes them to relax, permitting increased blood flow, thus lowering high blood pressure and decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis.

The study also showed that this herb has blood thinning properties, reducing the aggregation of blood platelets and ameliorating the build up of plaque.

Respiratory  Gynostemma herbal tea has been used in natural systems of medicine to help reduce coughing, colds, asthma and symptoms caused by other respiratory issues, such as infections like chronic bronchitis.

Available research indicates that it can help promote respiratory health by reducing inflammation of the airways and potentially decreasing allergic reactions. Studies have also found that G. pentaphyllum can promote positive immune responses through the activation of T and B cells.

Liver   Certain studies suggest that gynostemma benefits include supporting detoxification, healthy liver function and protecting against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

One small, randomized clinical trial found that adults who received 80 mL of gynostemma extract while following a prescribed diet for four months experienced a reduction in body mass index and fatty liver scores, as well as scores related to insulin resistance. Based on the results, researchers concluded that gynostemma extract “is an effective adjunct treatment to diet therapy for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Cancer-Fighting   There’s some evidence indicating that gynostemma’s antioxidants, including polysaccharides, can help inhibit cancer cell migration and invasion.

Observations from studies suggest that gynostemma has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can help induce apoptosis and repair DNA. This is linked to protection against some types of cancer, including colon cancer.

For example, according to a 2016 study published in Chinese Medicine, “Multiple mechanisms of action have been proposed regarding the anti-cancer activities of GpM, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, inhibition of invasion and metastasis, inhibition of glycolysis and immunomodulating activities.”

Anti-Diabetic   Some research has demonstrated that compounds called gypenosides found within gynostemma have anti-diabetic effects due to how they can help balance blood sugar levels and fight insulin resistance. There’s still more to learn about how it works to promote insulin sensitivity, and at this time doctors recommend using it alongside standard anti-diabetic therapy as an adjunct treatment.

If you’re looking for further support for metabolic health with help from other herbs, consider trying gymnema sylvestre, an herb with a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, including helping with blood sugar balance.

In one small study, 16 people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were given either 6 grams per day of jiaogulan tea or green tea for four weeks. The jiaogulan was found to improve the body’s response to insulin. In another small study, 25 people with type 2 diabetes were given a blood sugar–lowering medicine for four weeks and then randomly assigned to take either 6 grams (g) a day of jiaogulan tea or a green tea placebo for eight additional weeks.  The group that used the jiaogulan tea in addition to the standard diabetes medication achieved better blood sugar control, demonstrated by decreased hemoglobin A1C and fasting plasma glucose levels.

Obesity: Jiaogulan may affect body composition. In one study, researchers gave either 450 milligrams (mg) of a commercial jiaogulan extract called ActivAMP or a placebo treatment daily to 117 people assigned male or female at birth who were overweight.  At the end of 16 weeks, the jiaogulan group showed a significant reduction in the oft-controversial body mass index (BMI), and total fat mass and total body weight, compared to the placebo group.

With obesity, the research suggests some differences between people assigned males and females. Males who took jiaogulan had significant decreases in visceral fat (around internal organs). Females had reductions in gynoid fat (around the hips, thighs, and breasts). The researchers said that the study supported earlier research that had similar findings.

BMI is a dated, flawed measure. It does not take into account factors such as body composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age. Even though it is a biased measure, BMI is still widely used in the medical community because it’s an inexpensive and quick way to analyze a person’s potential health status and outcomes.

Additional Uses
In addition to the potential health benefits listed above, preliminary studies in a test tube or animal models have looked at jiaogulan for the following conditions:

• Cancer
• High cholesterol
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Vascular dementia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Liver injury
• Aging
• Exercise endurance

Botanical Name: Gynostemma pentaphyllum
English: Fairy Herb, Gynostemma Tea
Also, known as: Adaptogen, Adaptogène, Amachazuru, Dungkulcha,, Gimseng du Sud, Gynostemma, Gynostemma pedatum, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Herbe de l’Immortalité, Immortality Herb, Jiao Chu Lan, Jiao Gu Lan, Miracle Grass, Penta Tea, Plante de l’Immortalité, Southern Ginseng, The de l’immortalité, Vitis pentaphylla, Xian Cao, Xianxao.
Origin: China
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Aerial Part

General Information:
Jiaogulan is a plant that grows wild in parts of Asia. The leaf is used to make medicine. Jiaogulan is sometimes referred to as “Southern Ginseng” because it grows primarily in south central China and is used in similar ways as ginseng. Gynostemma pentaphyllum, also called jiaogulan (Chinese, 绞股蓝, Pinyin: jiǎogůlán, literally “twisting blue plant”), is a dioecious, herbaceous climbing vine of the family Cucurbitaceae (cucumber or gourd family) widely distributed in South and East Asia as well as New Guinea. Jiaogulan has recently been incorporated into traditional medicine.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s amount of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat 1/7th of this each day of the week. This approach is particularly helpful if you take several herbs.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.