MemberGynostemma pentaphyllum, also called jiaogulan (Simplified Chinese: 绞股蓝, Traditional Chinese: 絞股藍, Pinyin: jiǎogǔlán), literally "twisting, crotched indigo plant" (or "crossed thighs indigo plant"), is a dioecious, herbaceous climbing vine of the family Cucurbitaceae(cucumber or gourd family) indigenous to the southern reaches of China, northern Vietnam, southern Korea, and Japan. Jiaogulan is best known as an herbal medicine reputed to have powerful antioxidant and adaptogenic effects purported to increase longevity. Pharmacological research has indicated a number of therapeutic qualities of Jiaogulan, such as lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure, strengthening immunity, and inhibiting tumors.
Antioxidant
Jiaogulan has been found to increase superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is a powerful endogenous cellular antioxidant. Studies have found it increases the activities of macrophages, T lymphocytes and natural killer cells and that it acts as a tumor inhibitor.
Adaptogen
Jiaogulan is known as an adaptogen, which is an herb reputed to help the body to maintain optimal homeostasis. Its chemical constituents include the triterpenoid saponins gypenosideswhich are closely structurally related to the ginsenosides which are present in ginseng. Most research has been done since the 1960s when the Chinese realized that it might be an inexpensive source of adaptogenic compounds, removing pressure from the ginseng stock. Adaptogenic effects include regulating blood pressure and the immune system, improving stamina and endurance. Jiaogulan is also believed to be useful in combination with codonopsis for jet lag and altitude sickness.
Blood pressure
The adaptogenic nature of gypenosides have been found to keep blood pressure in a normal range. In vitro studies indicate that jiaogulan stimulates the release of nitric oxide in isolated heart cells; this is one proposed mechanism by which jiaogulan reduces high blood pressure. In a double-blind study, gypenosides administered to those with Grade II hypertension showed 82% effectiveness in reducing hypertension, compared to 46% for ginseng and 93% for indapamide (a hypertension medication).
Cardiovascular functions
Animal studies as well as clinical testing on humans suggest that jiaogulan, when combined with other herbs, has beneficial effects on cardiovascular system, increasing heart stroke volume, coronary flow, and cardiac output while reducing the heart rate, without affecting arterial pressure.
Cholesterol reduction
Numerous clinical studies in Chinese medical literature have shown that jiagolan lowers serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) while raising HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels, with reported effectiveness rates ranging from 67% to 93% on over 980 patients with hyperlipemia.
Diabetes
Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea has been studied in a randomized controlled trial in type 2 diabetic patients. It may have potential as a hypoglycemic treatment to reduce blood glucose.
Hepatoprotection
Jiaogulan is a source of ampelopsin, a compound which displays some hepatoprotective effects in rodent models. It is a major source of the compound for the supplement industry.
Can help with pulsatile tinnitus as lowers blood pressure among other things. Hope this helps! Additionally, it's caffeine free!
http://www.amazon.com/Jiaogulan-Tea-Gynostemma-Premium-Pentaphyllum/dp/B00AVIVMUS/
http://www.amazon.com/Paradise-Herbs-Jiaogulan-12-Vegetarian/dp/B001AZV5GM/
Antioxidant
Jiaogulan has been found to increase superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is a powerful endogenous cellular antioxidant. Studies have found it increases the activities of macrophages, T lymphocytes and natural killer cells and that it acts as a tumor inhibitor.
Adaptogen
Jiaogulan is known as an adaptogen, which is an herb reputed to help the body to maintain optimal homeostasis. Its chemical constituents include the triterpenoid saponins gypenosideswhich are closely structurally related to the ginsenosides which are present in ginseng. Most research has been done since the 1960s when the Chinese realized that it might be an inexpensive source of adaptogenic compounds, removing pressure from the ginseng stock. Adaptogenic effects include regulating blood pressure and the immune system, improving stamina and endurance. Jiaogulan is also believed to be useful in combination with codonopsis for jet lag and altitude sickness.
Blood pressure
The adaptogenic nature of gypenosides have been found to keep blood pressure in a normal range. In vitro studies indicate that jiaogulan stimulates the release of nitric oxide in isolated heart cells; this is one proposed mechanism by which jiaogulan reduces high blood pressure. In a double-blind study, gypenosides administered to those with Grade II hypertension showed 82% effectiveness in reducing hypertension, compared to 46% for ginseng and 93% for indapamide (a hypertension medication).
Cardiovascular functions
Animal studies as well as clinical testing on humans suggest that jiaogulan, when combined with other herbs, has beneficial effects on cardiovascular system, increasing heart stroke volume, coronary flow, and cardiac output while reducing the heart rate, without affecting arterial pressure.
Cholesterol reduction
Numerous clinical studies in Chinese medical literature have shown that jiagolan lowers serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) while raising HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels, with reported effectiveness rates ranging from 67% to 93% on over 980 patients with hyperlipemia.
Diabetes
Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea has been studied in a randomized controlled trial in type 2 diabetic patients. It may have potential as a hypoglycemic treatment to reduce blood glucose.
Hepatoprotection
Jiaogulan is a source of ampelopsin, a compound which displays some hepatoprotective effects in rodent models. It is a major source of the compound for the supplement industry.
Can help with pulsatile tinnitus as lowers blood pressure among other things. Hope this helps! Additionally, it's caffeine free!
http://www.amazon.com/Jiaogulan-Tea-Gynostemma-Premium-Pentaphyllum/dp/B00AVIVMUS/
http://www.amazon.com/Paradise-Herbs-Jiaogulan-12-Vegetarian/dp/B001AZV5GM/
