White Hare of the Moon mixing the elixir of
immortality above an ancient Chinese dragon.
Imagine one of this planet's most powerful medicines growing on your kitchen counter. This attractive, fairly easy-to-grow vine may actually be one of the most potent adaptogens in the world. In China, its name means "twisting crotched indigo plant". Although it is in the family Cucurbitaceae, and therefore related to cucumbers and melons, you wouldn't think so by looking at it. It bears what appear to be small, blue-purple berries, that are actually tiny gourds.
Those living in southwest China (such as the Guizhou Province), who drank tea made from this plant regularly were said to have unusually long lifespans of 100+ years! So in certain regards, this plant is considered even stronger than the famed Panax ginseng. Any guesses?
Gynostemma pentaphyllum,
Jiaogulan
Although the history behind Gynostemma pentaphyllum is interesting to say the least, I'm hoping to keep this article tilted more towards the scientific side of this amazing botanical. Please click here if you'd like to read up on info that isn't covered by this article.
This climbing vine stacks up impressively against other incredible plants such as Panax ginseng. There are 28 identified saponins in ginseng (called ginsenosides), while there are over 180 identified in Jiaogulan (called gypenosides). New gypenosides are still being discovered to this day!!
Dammarane - A triterpene that forms
potent saponins in plants such as Jiaogulan
As for pharmacological effects, this amazing plant has many! Whether you're looking for a natural treatment or to simply improve your health, Jiaogulan has a wide range of uses. Where do I possibly begin?
Adaptogenic:
What is an adaptogen? In short, it is a substance that supports the body's major systems (such as the endocrine system, nervous system, circulatory system, respiratory system, etc.) and aids the body in adapting to certain stresses while causing the body no harm.
Jiaogulan does just that. It elicits multiple, powerful benefits on multiple organ systems which allow the body to reach and maintain optimal balance (homeostasis). I'll get into the specific benefits below:
Immunomodulation:
The compounds present in Gynostemma pentaphyllum are thought to modulate the immune system in a few different ways. It is thought that it aids in regulating nitric oxide production, a substance that is used by macrophages and other cells to control (well... destroy) infectious organisms in the body. Although the role nitric oxide plays in the immune response is complex and rather perplexing, it is believed that too little nitric oxide will result in a weakened immune system, and too much results in complications such as inflammation and certain autoimmune diseases. A Nobel Prize was awarded to Robert F. Furchgott, PhD, Louis J. Ignarro, PhD, and Ferid Murad, MD, PhD in 1998 for discovering that nitric oxide plays an incredibly large and important role in the body. You can only imagine the value in controlling its levels in the body!
Being an adaptogen, Gynostemma pentaphyllum has been shown to regulate nitric oxide production accordingly. On top of that, polysaccharides produced by this botanical miracle increase the immune response and activity of natural killer (NK), macrophages, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, making this plant an incredible immunomodulator.
This alone makes it a worthy staple of my daily herbal regimen.
Being an adaptogen, Gynostemma pentaphyllum has been shown to regulate nitric oxide production accordingly. On top of that, polysaccharides produced by this botanical miracle increase the immune response and activity of natural killer (NK), macrophages, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, making this plant an incredible immunomodulator.
This alone makes it a worthy staple of my daily herbal regimen.
Anti-Cancer Research:
There is some very promising research behind the anti-cancer effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum that goes hand-in-hand with its immunomodulative properties. Research shows that the increased activity and quality of lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells results in significant reductions in metastasis rates, cancer relapse, and mortality rate in cancer patients. Whether you decide to treat cancer with an all-natural regimen or with modern methods such as chemotherapy/radiation, Jiaogulan could be an important part of your treatment plan. Studies show that Gynostemma can protect the body's cellular immunity and stress-resistance during chemotherapy and radiotherapy and lower toxic side effects associated with those undeniably harsh treatments.
Not too shabby for a plant you can grow in your garden!
There is some very promising research behind the anti-cancer effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum that goes hand-in-hand with its immunomodulative properties. Research shows that the increased activity and quality of lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells results in significant reductions in metastasis rates, cancer relapse, and mortality rate in cancer patients. Whether you decide to treat cancer with an all-natural regimen or with modern methods such as chemotherapy/radiation, Jiaogulan could be an important part of your treatment plan. Studies show that Gynostemma can protect the body's cellular immunity and stress-resistance during chemotherapy and radiotherapy and lower toxic side effects associated with those undeniably harsh treatments.
Not too shabby for a plant you can grow in your garden!
Neuroprotection:
Currently, Jiaogulan is also being investigated as a possible treatment for stroke recovery. This is due to research pointing towards Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract significantly prolonging life in damaged brain cells. What does this mean? Jiaogulan may help prevent brain damage from low-oxygen or low-glucose, Parkinson's Disease, and Alzheimer's Disease. It can even lower excess glutamate levels in the brain (which is toxic when elevated) by regulating sodium and potassium levels.
So get smart, and stay smart with Jiaogulan.
Antioxidant Activity:
Jiaogulan has been proven to act as an antioxidant and increase superoxide dismutase in humans. What does this mean? Gynostemma pentaphyllum has the capacity to scavenge free-radicals and promote the production of endogenous antioxidants in the human body. From an athletes perspective, this can (theoretically) make recovery from a tough workout faster and easier by reducing oxidative stress on the muscles.
Cardiovascular Function:
Regulation of nitric oxide has benefits reaching far beyond immunomodulation. Properly regulated endothelial nitric oxide levels actually cause vasorelaxation. Why is this important? Well, this is one reason why gypenosides have an 82% success rate in reducing high blood pressure in patients, which is comparable to the medicine Lozol, aka indapamide (93%) and about twice as effective as Panax ginseng in this regard (46%).
On top of this potentially life-saving benefit of this medicine, Jiaogulan also regulates blood lipid levels. In this study, Gynostemma reduced blood triglycerides by 33%, total cholesterol by 13%, and LDL cholesterol by 33% in obese rats in just 4 days. This is incredible news for those worried about their blood chemistry and the side effects of potentially problematic classes of medicines such as statins. This herb can also significantly reduce platelet aggregation, which means you can reduce your chances of having a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke.
I know, I know, this plant sounds too good to be true. Particularly for Americans, who have an absurd three-million cases of Coronary Artery Disease per year.
Multiple Organ Protection:
Jiaogulan has been shown to protect organs such as the liver. It has been proven effective for fatty liver disease and even chronic hepatitis B. There is research that shows gypenosides may even protect the liver from some nephrotoxins (toxins that affect the kidneys specifically) such as indomethacin. Compounds present in this plant can even protect the respiratory system from diseases related to inflammation and the digestive tract from ulceration caused by various sources such as NSAIDS (such as indomethacin), bacteria, and acids.
But that isn't all!
Diabetes Treatment and Weight Loss:
To top it all off, Gynostemma pentaphyllum has been proven to improve blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity in type II diabetics. Actually, a few studies show that Jiaogulan has a potent antidiabetic effect and helps the body regulate insulin quite well. This improvement in insulin sensitivity can help the body regulate glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and, consequentially, fat storage. This means extracts produced from Gynostemma pentaphyllum may give you a significant advantage on weight management, without the risks often found in other herbal and non-herbal remedies.
With all of these incredible benefits, its hard to find a reason to forgo the "Gospel Herb". Jiaogulan is a natural medicinal that I include in my daily regimen and even grow in my own home. It is a joy to nurture, a joy to brew, and a joy to sip on.
Sit down, relax, and brew yourself a magical cup of tea!
Currently, Jiaogulan is also being investigated as a possible treatment for stroke recovery. This is due to research pointing towards Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract significantly prolonging life in damaged brain cells. What does this mean? Jiaogulan may help prevent brain damage from low-oxygen or low-glucose, Parkinson's Disease, and Alzheimer's Disease. It can even lower excess glutamate levels in the brain (which is toxic when elevated) by regulating sodium and potassium levels.
So get smart, and stay smart with Jiaogulan.
Antioxidant Activity:
Jiaogulan has been proven to act as an antioxidant and increase superoxide dismutase in humans. What does this mean? Gynostemma pentaphyllum has the capacity to scavenge free-radicals and promote the production of endogenous antioxidants in the human body. From an athletes perspective, this can (theoretically) make recovery from a tough workout faster and easier by reducing oxidative stress on the muscles.
Cardiovascular Function:
"There was a decrease in blood pressure, heartrate, cardiac tension-time index, total peripheral and arterial resistance in cerebral and coronary arteries." (China Pharmaceutical University, 1996)
Regulation of nitric oxide has benefits reaching far beyond immunomodulation. Properly regulated endothelial nitric oxide levels actually cause vasorelaxation. Why is this important? Well, this is one reason why gypenosides have an 82% success rate in reducing high blood pressure in patients, which is comparable to the medicine Lozol, aka indapamide (93%) and about twice as effective as Panax ginseng in this regard (46%).
On top of this potentially life-saving benefit of this medicine, Jiaogulan also regulates blood lipid levels. In this study, Gynostemma reduced blood triglycerides by 33%, total cholesterol by 13%, and LDL cholesterol by 33% in obese rats in just 4 days. This is incredible news for those worried about their blood chemistry and the side effects of potentially problematic classes of medicines such as statins. This herb can also significantly reduce platelet aggregation, which means you can reduce your chances of having a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke.
I know, I know, this plant sounds too good to be true. Particularly for Americans, who have an absurd three-million cases of Coronary Artery Disease per year.
Multiple Organ Protection:
Jiaogulan has been shown to protect organs such as the liver. It has been proven effective for fatty liver disease and even chronic hepatitis B. There is research that shows gypenosides may even protect the liver from some nephrotoxins (toxins that affect the kidneys specifically) such as indomethacin. Compounds present in this plant can even protect the respiratory system from diseases related to inflammation and the digestive tract from ulceration caused by various sources such as NSAIDS (such as indomethacin), bacteria, and acids.
But that isn't all!
By Mikael Häggström, used with permission.
Diabetes Treatment and Weight Loss:
To top it all off, Gynostemma pentaphyllum has been proven to improve blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity in type II diabetics. Actually, a few studies show that Jiaogulan has a potent antidiabetic effect and helps the body regulate insulin quite well. This improvement in insulin sensitivity can help the body regulate glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and, consequentially, fat storage. This means extracts produced from Gynostemma pentaphyllum may give you a significant advantage on weight management, without the risks often found in other herbal and non-herbal remedies.
With all of these incredible benefits, its hard to find a reason to forgo the "Gospel Herb". Jiaogulan is a natural medicinal that I include in my daily regimen and even grow in my own home. It is a joy to nurture, a joy to brew, and a joy to sip on.
Sit down, relax, and brew yourself a magical cup of tea!
Image courtesy of http://www.quotecatalog.com
Thanks for introducing Jiaogulan to us. It's has been a GREAT addition to our daily supplement regimen. It works wonders to regulate our blood sugar, sodium & potassium levels while on a Keto diet :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for shedding light on this AMAZING herb! I'm surprised Jiaogulan doesn't get more publicity. Your write-up, just like this magical herb, is packed with benefits. Immediately after taking Jiaogulan (in capsule form), I experienced a natural increase in energy. Two weeks later, my blood pressure reading was considerably lower and has maintained at a very healthy level... all this with zero side effects. I am definitely a fan! Thanks again for so thoroughly highlighting this little gem.
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