Gynostemma pentaphyllum, also called jiaogulan (Simplified Chinese: 绞股蓝,Traditional Chinese: 絞股藍, Pinyin: jiǎogǔlán), literally “stranded blue plant”, is adioecious, herbaceous climbing vine of the family Cucurbitaceae (cucumber or gourdfamily) indigenous to the southern reaches of China, northern Vietnam, southernKorea, and Japan.
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Uses
Gynostemma Pentaphylia is used for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and improving heart function. It is also used for strengthening the immune system, increasing stamina and endurance, increasing resistance to environmental stress (as an “adaptogen”), improving memory, and preventing hair loss.
Other uses include treatment of poor appetite, cough, chronic bronchitis, ongoing stomach pain (chronic gastritis), pain and swelling (inflammation), ulcers, constipation, stress, gallstones, obesity, cancer, diabetes, trouble sleeping (insomnia), backache, and pain.
Some people use Gynostemma Pentaphylia as an anti-aging agent, antioxidant, and detoxifying agent.
Benefits
Gynostemma Pentaphylia is best known as an herbal medicine reputed to have powerful antioxidant and adaptogenic effects purported to increase longevity. Pharmacological research has indicated a number of therapeutic qualities of Gynostemma Pentaphylia, such as lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure, and strengthening immunity.
Caution
Gynostemma Pentaphylia is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth short-term (up to 4 months). It can cause some side effects such as severe nausea and increased bowel movements.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Jiaogulan is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth during pregnancy. One of the chemicals in jiaogulan has been linked to possible birth defects.
Not enough is known about the safety of jiaogulan during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Gynostemma Pentaphylia might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have an auto-immune condition, it’s best to avoid using jiaogulan until more is known.
Bleeding disorders: Jiaogulan may slow blood clotting. There is a concern that it might make bleeding disorders worse.
Surgery: Jiaogulan might slow blood clotting. There is some concern that it might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using jiaogulan at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
- Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with Gynostemma Pentaphylia
Jiaogulan increases the immune system. By increasing the immune system jiaogulan might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.
Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others. - Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Gynostemma Pentaphylia
Jiaogulan might slow blood clotting. Taking jiaogulan along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Other names
Adaptogen, Adaptogène, Amachazuru, Dungkulcha, Fairy Herb, Ginseng du Sud, Gynostemma, Gynostemma pedatum, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Herbe de l’Immortalité, Immortality Herb, Jiao Chu Lan, Jiao Gu Lan, Miracle Grass, Penta Tea, Plante de l’Immortalité, Southern Ginseng, Thé de l’Immortalité, Vitis pentaphylla, Xian Cao, Xianxao
Reference
Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-265-jiaogulan.aspx?activeingredientid=265&activeingredientname=jiaogulan
Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gynostemma_pentaphyllum