Longevity | Nutrient Dense | Adaptogen
Gynostemma, also well known as Jiaogulan, is an adaptogenic herbal tonic and antioxidant with chemical constituents similar to ginseng. The leaf is known for its ability to lower blood pressure, purify the blood, support the pancreas, and release stress out of the body, as well as help support weight loss, by assisting in the metabolism of fats.
Commonly known as the “Herb of Immortality” in China, the Chinese traditionally drink Jiaogulan tea to boost energy, endurance, strength, and to combat fatigue. Gynostemma is a wonderful source of antioxidants and nutrients as it contains amino acids, vitamins and minerals, including selenium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese and phosphorus.
Although it’s not botanically related to Panax ginseng or other ginsengs, Gynostemma pentaphyllum contains some of the same compounds (ex: ginsenosides). It also contains other ginseng-like saponins. Gynostemma contains over 80 different saponins compared to the 28 found in ginseng.
Researchers also believe that the main reason for its extra-ordinary benefits is that it contains two very important antioxidants — glutathione and superoxide dismutase. One clinical study revealed that taking gynostemma each day for a two-month period reduced many of the signs of aging including fatigue, insomnia, memory loss, and poor balance. The anti-aging benefits of gynostemma are due to its many rejuvenating properties, which all actually serve to protect the body from the damaging effects of stress (this is where it’s adaptogenic nature really kicks in!)
Scientific Discoveries on Gynostemma pentaphyllum:
Written by Puya Yazdi, MD
1. Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory
By enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing oxidative cell damage, gynostemma can boost the body’s beneficial immune cells helping to fight off disease, protect the brain, neutralize free radicals, and activate AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase), an enzyme that plays a role in balancing cellular energy, and protecting cells by boosting available energy [R, R, R, R, R, R, R].
2. Anxiety Relief
Gynostemma is known to help reduce feelings of anxiety caused by chronic stress as well as Parkinson’s disease [R, R, R].
3. Supports Weight Loss
In a clinical trial, it was found that Gynostemma can help lower a subject's weight by reducing fat mass. Gynostemma extract may increase the body’s ability to burn fat and make muscle cells more sensitive to insulin, which can reduce the production of the obesity protein, and activate the energy sensor molecule. Compounds in Gynostemma improve blood flow during exercise which can increase exercise capacity, allowing people to exercise for longer, thus seeing faster results [R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R].
4. Diabetes
In one study, it was found that people with type 2 diabetes who consumed Gynostemma tea for 12 weeks before meals reduced blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Compounds from Gynostemma may help to regulate insulin, as well as decrease the pathways that lead to cholesterol production in cell-based studies [R, R, R, R, R, R, R]
5. Liver Health
In a clinical trial on 56 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gynostemma extract (as an add-on to conventional therapy) reduced liver fat accumulation, liver cell death, body mass index (BMI), and insulin resistance [R, R,R, R, R, R].
6. Cardiovascular Health
Compounds in gynostemma extract may help to maintain healthy blood flow, and prevent excess arterial narrowing. Narrowed arteries can reduce healthy blood flow, and chronically narrowed arteries are a major cause of heart disease. It has even been found to protect the heart from damage during a heart attack! Because gynostemma doesn’t widen arteries that are already open, it is less likely to cause unpleasant side effects like flushing and nasal congestion when compared with other drugs and supplements. Regularly consuming tea made from gynostemma and hibiscus was associated with lower cholesterol, as well as helping to prevent electrolyte imbalances, which can strain the cardiovascular system [R, R, R, R, R, R, R].
GYNOSTEMMA TEA
And guess who's now at our shop! Whole Gynostemma Leaf! Its a truly exquisite, nutrient dense and naturally sweet tea. We have the powder within our Collagen Booster formulations, and now as a single origin whole leaf tea. Are you a gynostemma lover? Comment below!
