What is special about this herbal remedy called "more precious than ginseng" that many people brew and drink daily, becoming healthier?

What is special about this herbal remedy called "more precious than ginseng" that many people brew and drink daily, becoming healthier?

What is Gynostemma pentaphyllum and what are its characteristics?

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is also known as the immortality herb (China), fukuyinso (Japan), southern ginseng, five-leaf ginseng, etc. Its scientific name is Gynostemma pentaphyllum, a plant in the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae).

According to research, Gynostemma pentaphyllum (jiaogulan) is a plant that grows wild in sparse forests with low humidity and cool climates, such as in Korea, Japan, and China. In Vietnam, it is widely found in the Fansipan mountain region of Sa Pa and the limestone mountains of Hoa Binh province.

Although this medicinal herb has long been popular in countries like China and Japan with specialized remedies and miraculous benefits, discoveries, harvesting, and research in Vietnam have shown that the quality of Jiaogulan found in our country is comparable to the two species found in China and Japan.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a herbaceous climbing vine with simple tendrils in leaf axils for climbing. Its leaves are palmately compound, spreading out like fingers on a hand. Each stem bears 5 to 7 leaves, or sometimes 9. The leaf surface is rough, with a dark green upper side and a lighter underside.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum flowers grow in panicle-like clusters, consisting of numerous small white flowers whose petals spread out separately in a star shape, with 3 styles on the ovary. The fruit is spherical, about 5–9 mm in diameter, turning black when ripe.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is divided into 3 types based on leaf characteristics:

3-leaf type: 3-leaf Jiaogulan usually has 3 leaflets at the largest part of the vine; it is rarely used, has a bland taste, and is less fragrant than the other types.

5-leaf type: 5-leaf Jiaogulan is the most widely used because it has the best efficacy. This type has a mild aroma; when dried and brewed, it tastes bitter initially, followed by a pleasant sweet aftertaste.

7-leaf type: 7-leaf Jiaogulan is quite similar to the 3-leaf type, but tastes more bitter and is harder to drink.

According to traditional medicine, Jiaogulan has a bitter, slightly sweet taste and a cool nature; it enters the lung, spleen, and kidney meridians. This medicinal herb clears heat, detoxifies, tonifies qi, strengthens the spleen, nourishes yin, and resolves phlegm to relieve coughs. As a result, Jiaogulan is often used to support the treatment of conditions such as hepatitis, dyslipidemia, chronic gastroenteritis, chronic bronchitis, general weakness, and cough with phlegm...

Health benefits of Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Thanks to its rich active compounds, Jiaogulan is widely used to support health care and prevent certain diseases.

Supports stabilizing blood sugar levels

Saponin compounds in jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) help reduce and stabilize blood sugar levels and improve blood circulation. This medicinal herb is often used to support people with type 2 diabetes, helping to limit the risk of complications when used in proper dosages.

Good for the cardiovascular system and blood

Gynostemma pentaphyllum has been shown in studies to help lower blood lipids, limit atherosclerosis, and improve cerebral blood flow. Consequently, this medicinal herb helps prevent the risk of strokes and helps manage blood pressure in people with cardiovascular disease.

Supports cancer prevention

Some studies show that saponins in Gynostemma pentaphyllum (jiaogulan) can inhibit the growth of abnormal cells, helping prevent the formation and spread of tumors. This effect has been noted in supporting the prevention of several types of cancer such as lung, breast, colon, and uterine cancer... However, Gynostemma pentaphyllum only plays a supportive role and does not replace medical treatments.

Protect liver function

The active compounds in Gynostemma pentaphyllum are believed to protect liver cells, help relieve discomfort caused by liver diseases, and promote liver cell regeneration.

Boost resistance

Saponins and flavonoids in Jiaogulan contribute to enhancing the immune system, boosting resistance, and improving physical condition. In addition, this herbal medicine is also used to soothe the mind, reduce stress, support sleep, improve appetite, and aid in weight control.

Outstanding health benefits of Jiaogulan tea

Supports lowering blood pressure and improving blood circulation

Gynostemma pentaphyllum contains saponins that provide mild vasodilatory effects, improving blood circulation. As a result, the tea helps gently lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension or chronic stress, while reducing cardiovascular strain.

Lower blood sugar and stabilize energy

The polysaccharide active ingredient in Gynostemma pentaphyllum helps regulate glucose, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar after meals. As a result, users maintain stable energy levels, experience fewer cravings for sweets, and reduce feelings of fatigue.

Boost resistance and antioxidant capacity

Flavonoids and saponins in Jiaogulan help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, and slow down the aging process. This group of active compounds is also beneficial to the immune system.

Supports relaxation and improves sleep

This medicinal herb has mild sedative properties. When consumed in the afternoon, Gynostemma pentaphyllum helps reduce stress, relax muscles, and improve sleep quality.

Lower blood lipids and protect the liver

Gynostemma pentaphyllum helps regulate blood lipids by reducing triglycerides and LDL while increasing HDL. When blood lipid levels stabilize, the liver experiences less strain in processing lipids and is thereby better protected.

Dosage and usage of Jiaogulan

The parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (jiaogulan) commonly used are the leaves and tender young stems. Summer is the main harvesting season. After harvesting, the plants are washed clean and sun-dried; young stems are cut into short segments of about 2 - 3 cm to be further dried or sun-dried for gradual use. Once dried, the leaves can be chopped for use or ground into powder to make tea bags.

Depending on the purpose of use, Jiaogulan can be consumed in different ways, such as brewing an infusion, making tea, or decocting it with other medicinal herbs. However, the most common way is brewing Jiaogulan tea.

How to use Jiaogulan tea: Put 20g of dried jiaogulan into a teapot and pour in boiling water. Jiaogulan tea can be consumed in place of regular drinking water daily.

How to use Jiaogulan with other medicinal herbs: Put solanum procumbens (20g), jiaogulan, and ehretia asperula (30g each) into a jar or teapot, then pour in 1.5 liters of boiling water and steep for about 30 minutes before use.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is one of the rare and precious ancient herbs. It is therefore lovingly referred to as the "Herb of Immortality." More than just a traditional herbal tea passed down through generations, Gynostemma pentaphyllum has been extensively studied by modern science.

Precautions when using Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan)

Due to its numerous biological effects, Gynostemma pentaphyllum (jiaogulan) is currently widely used as a daily herbal tea. However, using this medicinal herb requires caution and proper guidance.

Things to avoid

Do not drink Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea in the evening, as it may stimulate the nervous system and lead to difficulty sleeping; do not exceed the recommended dose (no more than 20 g/day), and avoid using it continuously for more than 4 months due to the risk of excessive hypoglycemia.

Tea or decoctions made from Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) should be consumed within the day and not left overnight to prevent alterations in active ingredients.

Groups that should avoid use

Pregnant or breastfeeding women; individuals with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis; individuals with low blood pressure, especially when consumed on an empty stomach.

People preparing for surgery or in the post-operative period due to the risk of affecting blood clotting; People currently taking prescription medications or dietary supplements should consult a doctor before using Gynostemma pentaphyllum.