What is gynostemma pentaphyllum?

Gynostemma pentaphyllum, also known as Jiaogulan, is a plant native to China and Southeast Asia that has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. It belongs to the same family as cucumber, melon, and squash, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

How does it work?

Gynostemma pentaphyllum contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which have been shown to have various medicinal properties. These compounds are believed to work by modulating various signaling pathways in the body, including the immune system, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

The active ingredients in Gynostemma pentaphyllum include saponins, which are believed to be responsible for many of its medicinal properties.

What forms does it come in?

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is available in various forms, including capsules, extracts, and teas.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

Gynostemma pentaphyllum has been used for medicinal purposes in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

What does Gynostemma pentaphyllum help with?

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a climbing vine. Its leaves have long been brewed as a tea in China, Korea and Japan. It is often sold as a standardized extract or a loose-leaf tea.

• High blood sugar and type 2 diabetes
  Good evidence — several human trials in people with type 2 diabetes. Several clinical trials gave standardized gynostemma extract for 8 to 12 weeks. People with type 2 diabetes had meaningful drops in fasting blood sugar and HbA1c. Researchers think it helps the body respond to insulin, and helps muscle and liver cells take in glucose.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T1
• High cholesterol and high triglycerides
  Early evidence — human studies on file without trial sizes or doses. Regular use lowered LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in human studies. HDL went up a little. The proposed reason is a change in how the liver handles and packs fats.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T1
• Extra weight around the middle
  Early evidence — some human trials in overweight people, sizes not on file. Some trials of standardized extract found small drops in body weight and waist size. The people taking part were overweight. Results looked better when diet changes came too.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T1
• High blood pressure
  Early evidence — some clinical evidence, trial sizes not on file. Some clinical evidence points to a modest drop in blood pressure. The proposed reason is relaxed blood vessel walls and less body-wide inflammation. In these studies it was paired with lifestyle changes, not used alone.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T1
• Fatty liver (NAFLD)
  Early evidence — early clinical research only. Early clinical research suggests less fat build-up in the liver. Liver enzyme markers of inflammation also fell. This is preliminary work, so the size of any effect is not settled.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T1
• Low energy and poor stamina
  Evidence doesn't support this — tradition plus preliminary research only. Traditional use and some early research point to better stamina and less exercise fatigue. The suggested reason is more efficient energy use inside cells, not nervous system stimulation. The human evidence here is thin, so treat this as unproven.
  Evidence grade D · Traditional tier T1
• Metabolic syndrome (several risks at once)
  Evidence doesn't support this — inferred from blood sugar and blood fat trials, not tested as a whole. Metabolic syndrome means blood sugar problems, belly fat, high triglycerides and raised blood pressure together. Gynostemma has been studied for several of these one at a time. It has not been tested against the full cluster in a trial on file.
  Evidence grade D · Traditional tier T1
• Stress and everyday fatigue
  Not yet tested in people — adaptogen classification and traditional use, no human trial on file. Gynostemma is grouped with the adaptogens, herbs said to help the body cope with stress. Users often describe calm, steady energy rather than a caffeine-style spike and crash. No human trial on file backs this, so it rests on tradition and reports.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T1
• Anxiety and mental tension
  Not yet tested in people — traditional reputation only. In its home traditions, gynostemma has a name for calming the mind. Some suggest its adaptogen role may ease the physical side of long-term stress. There is no human trial on file, so this stays a traditional claim.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T1

What Gynostemma pentaphyllum has not been shown to do

• It has not been shown to replace diabetes medicine or insulin.
• It has not been shown to act as a stimulant, the way caffeine does.
• It is not a sedative, and no trial on file tested it for sleep.
• No trial on file shows large or fast weight loss; the changes seen were modest.
• No human trial on file supports its use for anxiety or mental tension.

How to read this:

The grades rate human evidence only. A means steady results from randomised trials in people. B means at least one good human trial. C means small, mixed or early human studies. D means weak or conflicting human evidence. Insufficient means no human study on file. This page lists options and what studies found. It is not medical advice, and it is not a promise of results for you.

What can it help prevent?

Gynostemma pentaphyllum has been studied for its potential preventative benefits in various conditions, including:

1. Cardiovascular disease
2. Type 2 diabetes
3. Obesity
4. Metabolic syndrome
5. Cancer
6. Alzheimer's disease
7. Parkinson's disease
8. Chronic inflammation
9. Oxidative stress
10. Aging

Which foods are rich in it?

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is not commonly found in foods, but it can be consumed as a tea or in supplement form.

What are possible side effects?

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is generally considered safe when taken as directed, but some potential side effects may include:

1. Upset stomach
2. Diarrhea
3. Allergic reactions
4. Interactions with certain medications

It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking Gynostemma pentaphyllum, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications.

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of Gynostemma pentaphyllum varies depending on the form of the supplement. Typical doses are:

1. Capsules: 100-200 mg per day
2. Powder: 1-2 grams per day
3. Tea: 1-3 cups per day

How many days does it take to work?

The effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum may vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some people may notice a difference within a few days, while others may take several weeks to see results.

What time of day is best to take it?

The best time of day to take Gynostemma pentaphyllum may vary depending on the individual's preference and response to the supplement. It is generally recommended to take it with a meal to aid in absorption.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

Gynostemma pentaphyllum can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food may help reduce the risk of upset stomach or nausea