Jiaogulan (gynostemma), also known as "herb of life" or "herb of longevity", is said to be a "cure" for everything: cancer, heart, liver, depression, diabetes, asthma, migraine, sleep problems, etc. However, gynostemma gained its fame because it prolongs life. Unfortunately, the scientific research that could confirm the miraculous properties of the "herb of life" is scarce, and the Main Pharmaceutical Inspectorate warns against this specificity. What is the "herb of life" and what are its real properties?

Jiaogulan(LatinGynostemmaPentaphyllum ) is different " herb of life " or"herb of longevity " . Where does this name come from? It is said that in traditional Chinese medicine, gynostemma is most valued for prolonging life. In southern China, where he comes from, it is said that people have been drinking jiaogulan tea instead of traditional green tea for years, and their average age is 100 years. Consequently, in China they were called "the herb of longevity" (and even immortality). Under this name, it is advertised in online stores, where it is becoming more and more popular, which is probably influenced by the belief not only in extending life, but also in the magical properties of the "Chinese herb" and the belief that it is able to cure any disease. Interestingly, gynostemma is only available for sale online, incl. in online shops with decorative plants or tea and in online herbal shops (not to be confused with herbal shops). It is in vain to look for it in stationary herb stores. Interestingly, it is also unavailable in online herbal stores, which have their stationary counterparts.

Jiaogulan (gynostemma) - properties of the "herb of life"

Gynostemma extract lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, Japanese scientists say. They investigated the effect of gypenosides contained in the herb in question on the lipid profile of rats whose diets contained carbohydrates and large amounts of fat. After 7 weeks of administering an extract containing gyneposides, a reduction in cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 32% was noted. and 34 percent.

A tree costs about PLN 20, as well as dried leaves, from which you can make tea, and seeds - about PLN 5.

Researchers in Sydney came to similar conclusions .¹ They conducted studies on obese rats that had high cholesterol. Rodentsreceived Gynostemma extract in a dose of 250 mg kg-1 for 4 days. It was found that triglyceride levels were reduced by 33 percent, total cholesterol by 13 percent, and LDL levels by 33 percent. This effect lasted for 5 weeks.

In turn, Taiwanese scientists from Kaohsiung Medical College found that gynostemma protects the liver .² In their experiment they used a model of liver inflammation, which was induced by acetaminophen and CCl4 (these compounds caused damage to liver tissue). Scientists found that the administration of the Gynostemma water extract in the amount of 100, 300 and 500 mg kg-1 reduced necrotic changes in the liver and decreased the level of liver enzymes.

Jiaogulan (gynostemma) in the fight against type 2 diabetes?

Gypenosides contained in the herb have antidiabetic properties, support the treatment and prevention of diabetes, argue Swedish scientists from Karolinska University Hospital .³ They conducted clinical trials on a small group (24 people) of patients with type 2 diabetes. placebo, the other 6 g / day Gynostemma in the form of tea for 12 weeks. The patients were informed about the use of the correct diet and physical activity. Fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin HbA 1C were tested during the experiment. After 12 weeks of treatment, the fasting blood glucose dropped to the level of 3.0 ± 1.8 mmol / dm3 (gynostemma drinking group) compared to the control group 1.8 ± 2.2 mmol / dm3, while the HbA1C level decreased by 2 percent … These studies confirm that Gynostemma extract may be important in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Jiaogulan (gynostemma) can protect against ulcers?

According to animal studies, Gynostemma extract has a protective and anti-ulcer effect on the gastric mucosa. Scientists from the University of Toronto conducted studies on rats that were fasted 48 hours. In order to cause damage to the gastric mucosa, they administered ethanol to one group, which caused damage to the gastric mucosa, and the other group - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The animals from both groups were given the Gynostemma extract in the amount of 400 mg / kg b.w. 60 minutes before causing damage to the gastric mucosa. It was found to inhibit ulcer formation, increase mucus secretion, and increase the content of hexosamine (an important mucus secretion indicator).

Jiaogulan (gynostemma) can relieve asthma attacks?

In the treatment of asthma attacks, where bronchodilators are used, plant extracts, such as gynostemma extract, can also help, argue Italian scientists from the University of Messina.4Researched they are extending the effects of gynostemma on the bronchi of the ether asleepethyl guinea pigs. Bronchospasm in mumps was provoked with histamine. 20 min after inducing the reaction, one group was given the gynostemma water extract, the other group was given isolated gypenosides. Intravenous administration of Gynostemma extract has been found to reduce histamine-induced bronchoconstriction.

In the second study, guinea pigs were sensitized with an allergen and given equal amounts of gynostemma and gypenzoids. 80 percent extract diminished antigen-induced bronchoconstriction. The isolated gypenosides showed a similar effect, but the duration and intensity of action were lower than that of the extract.

Jiaogulan (gynostemma) - a miracle herb or a marketing gimmick?

Unfortunately, the studies presented above were mainly carried out in-vitro or on animals (therefore there is no guarantee that the herb has the same effect on humans). In turn, those on humans were carried out on too few people and too shortly to be able to unequivocally confirm the medicinal properties of the herb.

Important

Jiaogulan (gynostemma) - do not mix herbs with medications!

People who struggle with various diseases and take medications should consult a doctor before consuming any herbs (not only "longevity herb"). Mixing some herbs with medications can be counterproductive. All because herbs can change the effect of drugs - strengthen or weaken the recommended dose and cause the harmful effects of the prescribed drug. And doctors know little about the "herb of life", and therefore cannot predict what the effects of mixing with medications or misuse may be. In addition, any herb, even taken by he althy people, can cause harm if used improperly.

Remember: buy herbs in herbal stores and pharmacies (but not online or in bazaars), and before taking them, be sure to consult a doctor.

Source:

1. Anti-hyperlipidemic and hypoglycemic effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum in the Zucker fatty rat., Https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17207412

2. Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Anoectochilus formosanus and Gynostemma pentaphyllum, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10794120

3. Antidiabetic effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea in randomly assigned type 2 diabetic patients, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20213586

4. Bronchodilatory effects of the aqueous extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum and gypenosides III and VIII in anaesthetized guinea-pigs, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16102262

Category:

Alternative medicine