Jiaogulan (gynostemma pentaphyllum)
Synopsis of jiaogulan
Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a climbing vine native to southern China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia, often referred to as “Southern Ginseng” or “herb of immortality” due to its reputation for promoting longevity, vitality, and resistance to stress. While not related botanically to ginseng, jiaogulan contains similar compounds called gypenosides, a class of saponins with potent adaptogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular-supportive effects.
Jiaogulan is best known for its role as an adaptogen, helping the body adapt to physical, emotional, and oxidative stress. It supports energy, stamina, immune regulation, blood sugar control, and mental clarity, making it popular in formulas for fatigue, adrenal support, metabolic health, and aging. It also has a significant impact on cardiovascular health, helping to reduce LDL cholesterol, improve HDL, regulate blood pressure, and protect the vascular endothelium.
The herb’s antioxidant activity, largely due to gypenosides and flavonoids, supports cellular repair and detoxification, making it useful for those with chronic inflammation, fatigue, or compromised immunity. It is typically consumed as a tea, extract, capsule, or powder, and is generally well tolerated.
Historical Use
Though jiaogulan was not widely recorded in classical Chinese medicine texts, it was long used as a folk remedy in southern China, especially in Guizhou Province, where people consuming it regularly were observed to live unusually long, healthy lives. It was traditionally used as a tonic tea to promote longevity, strength, and resilience, particularly among elderly villagers and mountain laborers.
The herb came to wider scientific attention in the 1970s, when researchers studying natural sweeteners discovered its rich gypenoside profile and began investigating its similarity to Panax ginseng. Subsequent research confirmed its powerful effects on stress resistance, cardiovascular protection, and immune modulation, earning it a place in modern adaptogenic and longevity formulas.
Today, jiaogulan is celebrated in both Eastern and Western herbalism as a balancing, energizing, and protective botanical, particularly well suited for chronic stress, fatigue, blood pressure regulation, and aging gracefully. It is often included in wellness protocols for people seeking non-stimulant energy, metabolic balance, and cellular vitality.
Jiaogulan is used for these health conditions
Angina (Traditional)
Arteriosclerosis (Scientific)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Athletic and Exercise Aids (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Endurance (lack of) (Scientific)
Energy (lack of) (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Nervous Exhaustion (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)
Weight Loss (Traditional)
jiaogulan is used to support these body systems
Adrenal Glands (Traditional)
Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Heart (Scientific)
Hepatic System (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Pancreas Head (Traditional)
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Sympathetic Nervous System (Traditional)
