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Jiaogulan

Also known as: Southern Ginseng, Jiao Gu-lan, Giao-Co-Lam (Tea), Jiaogulan, Gynostemma Pentaphyllum

Overview

Jiaogulan is a herb given Ginseng status although not related to Panax Ginseng. It appears to share some saponins though, and is investigated for similar effects as True Ginseng. Gynostemma Pentaphyllum is a plant which is sometimes referred to as either 'Southern Ginseng' or 'Cheap Ginseng' as it was used as a cheap substitute for Panax Ginseng. Surprisingly, Gynostemma has a good content of Ginsenosides that were once thought to be wholly unique to Panax Ginseng. As such, the biological effects of Gynostemma and Panax seem to be quite similar except Gynostemma may be more anti-diabetic due to the unique Gypenosides in Gynostemma, that are not in Panax. There are limited human studies at the moment, as most studies are attempting to delineate the large amount of Gypenosides in this herb to see which ones can be seen as the 'active' compounds. Currently, we have two human studies suggesting that a tea made from Gynostemma can be used alongside standard anti-diabetic therapy and augment the efficacy of it over time. Most of its 'beneficial' effects beyond the diabetic effects come from inducing antioxidant enzymes and protecting cells from oxidative damage over time. There seems to be a motif where preloading and chronic loading is very protective at low doses, and acute supplementation or rehabilitation appears to be less effective. As such, the health effects of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum appear to be more prophylactic rather than rehabilitative or therapeutic. This herb is also touted for youthfulness and longevity, but neither claim has been explored. Additionally, the anti-cancer effects are still in beginning stages of research but the effects appear to be very similar in many cell lines; some compound in the Gypenoside fragment may be an inducer of p53, a tumor suppressor gene, as the downstream events associated with p53 activity have been noted repeatedly. Overall, this is a more anti-diabetic Panax Ginseng; the downside is that the other benefits associated with Panax Ginseng have not yet been assessed properly with Gynostemma Pentaphyllum.

Benefits

The mechanism of action of Jiaogulan is thought to involve a possible mix of AMPK activation and PTP1B inhibition, although the amount each contributes to the overall effects is unknown. The beneficial effects beyond the diabetic effects are mediated by inducing antioxidant enzymes and protecting cells from oxidative damage over time.

How it works

Jiaogulan is primarily noted for its anti-diabetic effects, which may be more pronounced than those of Panax Ginseng. It is believed to help in managing blood glucose levels and improving glycemic control. Additionally, it may have antioxidant properties that protect cells from oxidative stress. Other potential benefits include claims of promoting youthfulness and longevity, although these have not been thoroughly researched.

Side effects

Although not too many trials have been conducted, the two studies noting that Gynostemma Pentaphyllum could be useful to help diabetes used 6g of the leaves (dry weight) and made tea from that. The leaves themselves are a good source of both classes of active ingredients (the saponins, of which Gypenosides are a subset, and the flavonoids), and this is currently the best known dosage to use. Alternatively, due to the similarity between Gynostemma pentaphyllum gypenosides and Panax ginseng ginsenosides, 100-500mg gypenosides may be a good educated guess to start from.