Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is also called the immortality herb. It is commonly used to prepare tea and is popular in Guizhou, a mountainous province of Southwest China. It is said that this herb (tea) is the secret to their long life.
Research shows that this herb can treat a range of conditions along with increasing your endurance and helping fight disease.
Jiaogulan (also called five-leaf ginseng, southern ginseng, and sweet tea vine) belongs to the family of cucumbers and gourds. This plant is not fruit-bearing, though.
It is a climbing vine, and its leaves are used to make tea. It grows widely in the southern regions of China, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, and Korea.
Jiaogulan contains saponins, which give the herb its antioxidant and adaptogenic properties, along with the capacity to regulate nitric oxide in the body.
Below are 6 health benefits of jiaogulan:
1. May aid diabetes treatment
Jiaogulan helps lower blood glucose levels and may aid diabetes treatment. Studies show that it can lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity.
The herb stimulates the pancreas, producing more insulin and improving sugar metabolism. This herb, by itself, does not cause hypoglycemia; it only reduces the blood sugar levels if they are high. The damage that usually occurs to the liver, kidneys, and the cardiovascular system from diabetes has been shown to be significantly reduced by consuming the herb.
2. May help combat obesity
Jiaogulan has been identified as a potent anti-obesity agent with no adverse effects. In a study involving 80 obese participants, half of them took the herb, while the other half was on placebo. The results showed a significant decrease in total abdominal fat area, body weight, body fat mass, and BMI in those who took the herb.
3. Helps lower cholesterol levels
Rat studies have shown that jiaogulan can have anti-hyperlipidemic effects. The herb was used even in traditional Chinese medicine for treating elevated cholesterol levels.
In another study, the herb was also found to lower triglyceride levels. In addition, it also had increased the levels of good cholesterol.
4. May help relieve stress
Jiaogulan is a calming adaptogen and is useful for relieving anxiety and stress.
Other studies also show that this herb can help individuals undergoing chronic psychological stress.
5. Can help treat insomnia
The adaptogenic properties of jiaogulan may help treat insomnia. Studies show that adaptogens can help relieve pain and inflammation, which could be factors keeping someone awake at night. By relieving pain and inflammation, jiaogulan may help promote better sleep.
6. Can help treat respiratory disorders
This herb is known to be effective against many respiratory issues, like cough, chronic bronchitis, and inflammation of the trachea. The herb’s expectorant properties help achieve this.
Jiaogulan is also said to help with back pain, chronic pain, constipation, and high blood pressure. There is no significant evidence related to these conditions, though.
Jiaogulan is a popular herb that is being heavily researched on. Some feel it could be similar to ginseng. But both are different in their own ways.
