Jiaogulan: characteristics, medicinal uses and benefits, the plant of immortality

Botanical characteristics and cultivation of Jiaogulan

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a perennial climber, which can reach 8 meters in optimal conditions thanks to its flexible stems and tendrils that wrap around supports or neighboring plants.

The leaves are a identity sign of the plant and may present variations depending on the variety: the usual are 5 leaflets but some forms have 3, 7 or even 9. There are commercial versions that highlight the presence of 7 leaflets, to which some sources attribute a potentially higher content of active compounds, although All varieties are suitable for traditional consumption.

Jiaogulan is also valued as an ornamental plant due to its great adaptability and hardiness. It prefers fertile, well-drained soils, with exposure to semi-shade and humid environments, growing wild in undisturbed mountainous areas.

Jiaogulan in Traditional Medicine: History and Traditional Uses

Your firsts Documented medicinal uses date back to 16th century Chinese texts, although it was first described around the 15th century. Traditionally, Herbalists recommended Jiaogulan to treat various ailments:

• Asthma and chronic respiratory conditions: such as bronchitis and neuralgia.
• Headaches like migraines and neuralgia.
• Edema and fluid retention.
• Metabolic disorders: regulation of cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Fatigue and physical or emotional stress.
• Cardiovascular problems and blood pressure support.
• Hepatic diseases and mild digestive conditions.

It was traditionally used in the form of infusions, mixed in salads or even sautéed as a vegetable in the local diet, integrating it into daily life as a general health tonic.

Chemical composition: active ingredients and highlighted nutrients

The richness of Jiaogulan lies in its high content of bioactive compounds:

• Gypenosides: triterpene saponins analogous to ginsenosides.
• Polysaccharides: with immunostimulating and protective action.
• Flavonoids y polyphenols: powerful antioxidants.
• Vitamins C and E: reinforce the antioxidant effect.
• Plant sterols, amino acids and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

All these substances make Jiaogulan an exceptionally complete plant., capable of contributing to multiple physiological functions and cellular protection.

Properties and benefits attributed to Jiaogulan

The benefits backed by tradition and contemporary research They focus mainly on the following aspects:

• Antioxidant activity: The numerous flavonoids, vitamins and polysaccharides combat free radicals, helping to prevent oxidative damage associated with cellular aging and metabolic dysfunctions.
• Antidiabetic properties: several studies point to the improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood glucose levels, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes.
• Immunomodulatory effect: can enhance the action of natural killer (NK) cells and the general immune response, helping to maintain the body's defenses.
• Adaptogenic action: allows the body to adapt to stress more efficiently, reducing the physical and mental impact of adverse situations, but without being sedative or stimulant.
• Support for the cardiovascular system: helps regulate blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol, raise HDL cholesterol and control triglycerides, promoting cardiac protection.
• Benefits in liver metabolism: contributes to the reduction of fat in the liver, especially in cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and improves overall liver metabolism.
• Support for longevity: Its traditional use is related to regions of great longevity, such as rural areas of Guizhou, China.
• General reinforcement of energy and vitality: Its toning effect helps combat fatigue and improve physical and mental well-being.
• Digestive improvement: after heavy meals it can relieve stomach overload and prevent minor discomfort.

Jiaogulan is not a miracle cure nor does it replace conventional medical treatments., but it can be considered as a complement that contributes to the improvement of different areas of health, under appropriate supervision.

Common uses: ways to consume Jiaogulan

Currently, Jiaogulan is marketed in different presentations:

• Tea and infusion of dried leavesThis is the most common and traditional method. It can be prepared using 1 teaspoon of dried leaves per 250 ml of water, allowing them to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes in water at 80-90°C. One to two cups a day are recommended, preferably in the morning or afternoon to avoid its toning effect at night.
• Extract or powder: Available as a dietary supplement in capsules or powder, it facilitates standardized dosage. Always consult the manufacturer's instructions.
• Our alimentaryIn some regions, the young leaves are eaten in salads or cooked as a vegetable.

In some jurisdictions, specifically the European Union, Jiaogulan is considered "novel food" ("Novel Food"), which is why it is regulated in terms of its marketing and presentation as a medicinal plant.

Scientific support and ongoing studies

Various controlled trials have shown promising results in the following areas:

• Diabetes type 2Studies have shown that regular consumption of Jiaogulan tea can significantly reduce blood sugar and insulin resistance, without causing hypoglycemia or compromising other vital organs.
• Fatty liver: Research with patients with this condition has shown that, combined with a balanced diet, Jiaogulan facilitates the reduction of liver fat and promotes metabolic improvements.
• Body weight reductionAlthough it is not a magic solution for overweight or obesity, its effect is being studied as a complementary aid in weight control plans, given its metabolic properties.
• Antioxidant and cellular protectionJiaogulan strengthens the body's response to continued oxidative stress, which promotes long-term protection of DNA and cellular structures.

How to prepare Jiaogulan tea

1. Heat water and remove from heat before it reaches boiling point (80-90 °C).
2. Add 1 heaped teaspoon of dried Jiaogulan leaves per 250 ml of water.
3. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired taste.
4. Strain and consume, preferably in the morning or mid-afternoon. If you are sensitive to the toning effect, avoid drinking at night.

Contraindications, warnings and precautions

While Traditional use of Jiaogulan is considered safe in healthy people. and there are no significant reports of serious adverse effects, there are certain situations in which it is recommended caution or avoid consumption:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: its effect on the fetus or infant has not been sufficiently studied.
• People with autoimmune diseases: can enhance the immune response and complicate these pathologies.
• Those who take oral antidiabetics: may enhance the effect of these medications and cause hypoglycemia.
• Patients under treatment with immunosuppressants: may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs.
• Users of anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents: increases the risk of bruising and bleeding.
• People with hypersensitivity to its compounds.

It is always advisable to consult with a health professional (doctor, herbalist, naturopath or pharmacist) before incorporating Jiaogulan regularly into your diet or supplementation, especially in the presence of chronic diseases or taking conventional medications.

• The information reflected here is merely informative. and does not replace professional diagnosis or treatment.
• Sustained consumption at low doses appears to be more effective as prevention or support than single or acute intake.
• The quality and content of the active ingredients may vary depending on the origin and type of leaf (5 or 7 leaflets).

Curiosities, recommendations and additional notes

• Jiaogulan is grown in various mountainous regions, especially with a fine gradient between 900 and 1.000 meters in altitude, and may show slight variations in color and leaflets.
• The 7-leaf variety is known for containing a higher concentration of gypenosides, although this does not mean that the 5-leaf variety is less suitable for general use.
• Cultivated wild with minimal human intervention, Jiaogulan is gaining popularity among medicinal plant enthusiasts.
• The nickname “grass of immortality” comes from the Guizhou communities, known for their number of centenarians.

The color and size of the leaves depend on environmental factors and the time of year, which can influence the product's commercial presentation, while the properties remain constant.

Sources and reference studies

1. examine.com
2. Scientific studies on the properties of Jiaogulan
3. Technical report on Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Did You Know?

The appearance of Jiaogulan leaves can vary in color and number of leaflets. If you purchase the plant, you can indicate your preference, but availability varies.

Jiaogulan Tea – The Herb of Immortality

Jiaogulan tea has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine, prized for its remarkable adaptogenic, antioxidant and revitalizing effectsIt helps balance the body and mind in situations of physical or emotional stress and contributes to overall well-being.

• Ingredients: 100% Jiaogulan leaves (Gynostemma pentaphyllum).
• Suggested dosage: 1 to 2 cups a day, preferably during the day to take advantage of its toning effect.

• Do not consume during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in people with hypersensitivity or immunosuppressive treatment.
• The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

Jiaogulan is shaping up to be a natural and complex option within modern phytotherapy, indicated as a complement to healthy lifestyles, especially where metabolic regulation and adaptogenic support are sought. Scientific interest continues to grow due to its multiple mechanisms of action and its ability to strengthen vitality and protect against oxidative stress.