Jiaogulan, botanically known as Gynostemma pentaphyllum, is a member of the squash family indigenous to Asia. The plant is of great interest of researchers, due to the discovery that some of its constituents and actions are very similar to that of panax ginseng, a popular medicinal herb. Acupuncture Today notes that this similarity is the reason for jiaogulan's nickname of "Southern ginseng." Herbalists and practitioners of Chinese Traditional Medicine recommend jiaogulan for its various beneficial effects, including its ability to lower cholesterol. Ask your doctor before taking jiaogulan.
Constituents
Jiaogulan contains a group of saponins -- or naturally-occurring detergent compounds -- called gypenosides; Drugs.com, which provides peer-reviewed medical information to consumers, notes these saponins are very similar to the ginsenosides in ginseng. Herb.com states that not only are jiaogulan's saponins almost identical to the saponins in ginseng, but jiaogulan contains more of them. Jiaogulan is also rich in sterols and antioxidant flavonoids, including rutin.
Uses and Effects
According to "Acupuncture Today," jiaogulan is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat asthma, migraine, neuralgia, and chronic bronchitis. Drugs.com credits jiaogulan with cholesterol-lowering effects, and says it can also reduce levels of triglycerides, or unhealthy fats in the bloodstream. Jiaogulan is an adaptogenic, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. It may also help to regulate blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, increase stamina, and inhibit cancer.
Research
There is some scientific research supporting jiaogulan's cholesterol-lowering properties. In a clinical study conducted by Birgitte la Cour and colleagues and published in the May, 1995 issue of "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," researchers found that Gynostemma pentaphyllum, along with two other herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, significantly lowered cholesterol and triglyceride levels in human subjects. In another study, conducted by S. Megalli and colleagues and published in the September, 2005 issue of "Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences," a gypenoside extract from Gynostemma pentaphyllum effectively reduced triglyceride and cholesterol levels in rats.
Application and Dosages
Drugs.com says the recommended dose for jiaogulan is from 60 to 180 mg a day. The website adds that you should be sure to use a product containing 85 percent gypenosides.
Safety, Side Effects and Contraindications
According to "Acupuncture Today," side effects of jiaogulan can include fatigue, dry nose, increased heartbeat and rash; these are usually mild. The website adds that there have been no reports of serious adverse effects. Drugs.com states that jiaogulan can sometimes cause severe nausea and increased bowel movements. Consult your doctor before taking jiaogulan; if you are pregnant or breast feeding, you shouldn't take it at all.
References
- Acupuncture Today: Gynostemma--An Undiscovered Treasure
- Drugs.com: Complete Jiaogulan Information
- Herb.com: What Is Jiaogulan?
- ScienceDirect: "Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Hyperlipidaemia"
- National Center for Biotechnological Information: "Phytopreventative Anti-hyperlipidemic Effects of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum in Rats"
