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Jiaogulan Extract

Q: Is Jiaogulan safe?

Jiaogulan is generally safe for short-term use, but long-term safety data are limited.

Q: When should I take Jiaogulan?

It is recommended to take Jiaogulan with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Q: How long until I see results?

Improvements in lipid profiles and blood sugar control can usually be observed within a few weeks to months of consistent usage.

Q: Is Jiaogulan the same as ginseng?

No, Jiaogulan is distinct from ginseng, possessing different bioactive compounds and effects.

Also known as: Jiaogulan, Southern Ginseng, Five-Leaf Gynostemma, *Gynostemma pentaphyllum*

Overview

Jiaogulan, scientifically known as *Gynostemma pentaphyllum*, is a climbing plant native to Asia, particularly found in China, Japan, and Korea. Within traditional Chinese medicine, it has been valued for its diverse health benefits. Jiaogulan is recognized for its potential anti-hyperlipidemic, hypoglycemic, and anti-atherosclerotic properties, making it a popular choice for promoting cardiovascular health and improving blood sugar control. Its beneficial effects are attributed to various bioactive compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Research concerning Jiaogulan is moderately advanced, featuring a range of animal studies and an increasing number of human clinical trials, although the existing evidence varies significantly in quality and consistency.

Benefits

Jiaogulan offers several evidence-backed health benefits. Notable improvements in lipid profiles have been observed, with meta-analyses indicating significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), accompanied by increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). For instance, a systematic review found notable reductions of TG levels with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -2.83. Additionally, Jiaogulan is known to enhance blood sugar control, especially in individuals with type 2 diabetes, though evidence for this benefit is not as robust. Other benefits include potential anti-atherosclerotic and hepatoprotective effects, making it particularly relevant for those suffering from metabolic disorders.

How it works

Jiaogulan exerts its effects primarily through its bioactive compounds, which modulate lipid metabolism by influencing gene expression related to cholesterol and triglyceride synthesis. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities contribute to its anti-atherosclerotic properties. Furthermore, Jiaogulan enhances insulin sensitivity, promoting better glucose metabolism. Its compounds interact with key molecular targets, such as SIRT1, which is involved in regulating lipid metabolism and inflammation, enhancing overall cardiovascular health.

Side effects

Generally recognized as safe for short to medium-term use (up to 4 months), Jiaogulan may cause minor side effects in some individuals. The most frequently reported adverse effects, occurring in over 5% of users, include diarrhea and nausea. Less common side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, may involve gastrointestinal disturbances beyond those mentioned. There have been no significant reports of rare side effects (<1%), although thorough long-term safety data remains limited. Caution is advised for individuals combining Jiaogulan with other medications, particularly those that influence blood sugar and lipid profiles, and it’s recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women use it only under guidance due to insufficient safety information.

Dosage

The effective dosage of Jiaogulan is not definitively established; however, studies suggest that the minimum effective dose in humans may range from 500 mg to 2 grams per day of the extract for lipid profile improvement. Animal studies indicate potential effective doses from 5 to 200 mg/kg body weight. While higher doses up to 2 grams per day have been employed in clinical investigations with minimal adverse effects, it is advisable to take Jiaogulan with meals to mitigate gastrointestinal side effects. The forms of Jiaogulan available include leaves for tea and concentrated extracts, with the latter being more extensively studied.

FAQs

Is Jiaogulan safe?

Jiaogulan is generally safe for short-term use, but long-term safety data are limited.

When should I take Jiaogulan?

It is recommended to take Jiaogulan with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

How long until I see results?

Improvements in lipid profiles and blood sugar control can usually be observed within a few weeks to months of consistent usage.

Is Jiaogulan the same as ginseng?

No, Jiaogulan is distinct from ginseng, possessing different bioactive compounds and effects.

Research Sources

https://herbmedpharmacol.com/PDF/jhp-12-492.pdf – This systematic evaluation and meta-analysis consolidated data from 14 studies involving 1,044 participants. It showed that Jiaogulan significantly reduces lipid levels while highlighting the high heterogeneity among studies, which may impact the validity of the findings.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0285442&type=printable – This animal study explored the anti-atherosclerotic effects of a mixture of Jiaogulan and *Camellia chrysantha*, noting significant reductions in blood lipid levels and atherosclerotic lesions in rats, although results may not directly translate to humans.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-265/jiaogulan – This review discusses the functionality of Jiaogulan tea in improving blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients. It emphasizes the necessity for more research on long-term safety, noting its potential and limitations.