Jiao Gu Lan
StarGynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino
☯ TCM Properties
Tonifies Qi and Strengthens the Spleen; Resolves Phlegm and Stops Cough; Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity; Transforms Turbidity and Lowers Lipids; Calms the Spirit; Generates Fluids
Traditional Chinese Uses
Jiao Gu Lan (jiaogulan, gynostemma) is a bitter, cold, adaptogenic herb used in Chinese medicine to supplement Qi, clear Heat, and calm the Spirit. It is applied for fatigue, poor physical endurance, and stress-related exhaustion — particularly when combined with mild heat signs such as irritability or dry mouth. Modern research has examined its cardiovascular and metabolic benefits including blood pressure-lowering and cholesterol-modifying effects. As an adaptogen comparable to ginseng, it is widely used for general tonification without significant warming effects.
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (Cucurbitaceae) is a slender perennial climbing vine native to East and Southeast Asia, with thin angular stems, branched tendrils, and characteristic palmately compound leaves bearing typically five (sometimes 3, 7, or 9) serrate leaflets resembling those of true ginseng, earning it the name 'southern ginseng' (jiaogulan). It is dioecious, producing small greenish-white panicles of star-shaped flowers and tiny black globose berries. The aerial parts, particularly leaves and stems, are harvested in summer and autumn, washed, and shade- or low-heat-dried. In TCM, Jiao Gu Lan is sweet and slightly bitter in flavor, cool in nature, and is used to tonify qi, clear heat, transform phlegm, and detoxify; it is widely cultivated for tea.
Active Constituents
Gypenosides (gynosaponins, dammarane-type saponins)
Triterpenoid (dammarane) saponinsConcentration: Principal actives (~180 gypenosides characterized)
The signature dammarane saponins of the plant, several structurally identical or similar to ginsenosides. They mediate the lipid-lowering, anti-atherosclerotic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, antioxidant and adaptogenic effects.
Polysaccharides
PolysaccharidesConcentration: High
Contribute to antioxidant, immunomodulatory and blood-glucose-regulating activity.
Flavonoids (e.g. ombuoside, rutin, quercetin glycosides)
FlavonoidsConcentration: Moderate
Add to the antioxidant and vascular-protective properties of the herb.
Phytosterols
SterolsConcentration: Minor
Contribute to lipid-modulating effects.
Free amino acids and inorganic trace elements
Amino acids / mineralsConcentration: Notable
Provide nutritive value and support the general tonic (qi-strengthening) actions attributed to the herb.
⚠ Drug Interactions
Antidiabetic drugs (sulfonylureas, metformin, insulin)
Gynostemma extract improves insulin sensitivity and lowers fasting glucose and HbA1c in clinical trials, including as add-on therapy to sulfonylureas, so it can potentiate the glucose-lowering effect of antidiabetic medication.
Clinical note: Monitor blood glucose; dose of hypoglycemic drugs may need adjustment to avoid hypoglycemia.
Antihyperlipidemic agents (statins, fibrates, n-3 fatty acids)
Gynostemma has demonstrable lipid-lowering activity comparable to and additive with conventional agents, which is generally beneficial but may amplify effects on serum lipids.
Clinical note: Generally favorable; monitor lipid panel when used alongside lipid-lowering therapy.
Antiplatelet / anticoagulant drugs (aspirin, warfarin)
Gypenosides have shown antiplatelet and anti-thrombotic activity in preclinical studies, raising a theoretical additive bleeding risk when combined with antithrombotic drugs.
Clinical note: Human data are limited; monitor for bleeding if combined with anticoagulants or antiplatelets.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | — | — | — |
Preparation Methods
Herbal tea / infusion
Parts: Aerial parts (leaves and stems)
The dried aerial parts are steeped as a tea, the most common traditional and clinical-trial form (typically 3-6 g/day, often 6 g/day in diabetes studies).
Decoction (Tang)
Parts: Whole herb
6-15 g of the dried herb decocted in water for tonifying qi, resolving phlegm and clearing heat.
Standardized extract
Parts: Aerial parts
Concentrated gypenoside-standardized extracts (such as actiponin) are used in capsule form in clinical trials for weight and metabolic effects.
Clinical Studies
Antiobesity effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (actiponin): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Over 12 weeks, a heat-processed Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (actiponin) significantly reduced total abdominal fat area, body weight, body fat mass, percent body fat and BMI in overweight Korean adults compared with placebo.
Antidiabetic effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea in randomly assigned type 2 diabetic patients
In drug-naive type 2 diabetics, 6 g/day of Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea for 12 weeks reduced fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c significantly more than placebo tea, indicating an antidiabetic effect.
Antidiabetic Effects of Add-On Gynostemma pentaphyllum Extract Therapy with Sulfonylureas in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Adding Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract to sulfonylurea therapy in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes produced further reductions in fasting and postprandial glucose and HbA1c versus placebo add-on.
Historical Texts
Jiu Huang Ben Cao (Materia Medica for Famine Relief), Zhu Su
Ming dynasty, 1406 CEBen Cao Gang Mu Shi Yi (Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica), Zhao Xuemin
Qing dynasty, 1765 CEReferences
- Dai N, Zhao F, Fang M, Pu F, Kong L, Liu J. Gynostemma pentaphyllum for dyslipidemia: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials . Frontiers in Pharmacology (2022) [DOI]
- Park SH, Huh TL, Kim SY, Oh MR, Tirupathi Pichiah PB, Chae SW, Cha YS. Antiobesity effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (actiponin): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial . Obesity (Silver Spring) (2014) [DOI]
- Huyen VTT, Phan DV, Thang P, Hoa NK, Ostenson CG. Antidiabetic effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea in randomly assigned type 2 diabetic patients . Hormone and Metabolic Research (2010) [DOI]
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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