Once again the West looks to the East for the next herbal superstar. Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)

Jiaogulan, which grows wild throughout Asia, has been brewed as a beverage and used as medicine in the south-eastern provinces of China for centuries. Literary reference to the herb dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368 A.D. to 1644 A.D). In China it is praised as “herb of immortality” or as “Miracle Herb” due to its many health-giving qualities and anti-aging effects.

Jiaogulan is recommended in China, Japan and Thailand for the following reasons:

• Regulates Cholesterol
• Reduces Blood Sugar
• Regulates Blood Pressure        
• Sedative Effects
• Improves Circulation                    
• Relaxes Spasms
• Stimulates Liver Function           
• Increase Stamina and Endurance
• Strengthens the Immune             
• Strengthens the Nervous System 

Jiaogulan is a powerful adaptogen. Adaptogens are substances that help your body to regulate itself. If your body needs rest, Jiaogulan promotes rest. If it needs to be energized, Jiaogulan boosts your energy. 

Studies in 1990 demonstrated that Jiaogulan enhanced resistance
against the effects of excessive exercise, oxygen deprivation, electric stimulus and high temperature. When stress arises, Jiaogulan equips your body to meet the challenge.

What side effects should I watch for?

Nausea – has been associated with taking gynostemma. Also reported is a possible increase in the number of bowel movements. No other side effects have been reported consistently from using gynostemma.

Taking gynostemma is not recommended for patients who take drugs such as:

• Azathioprine (Imuran)                            
• CellCept                                                                                       

• Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)      
• Prograf                                                                                       
• Rapamune                                             
• Zenapak

Gynostemma should be avoided by pregnant and breast-feeding women.