Evidence supporting the use of: Jiaogulan
For the health condition: Angina

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is prized as an adaptogen and tonic, sometimes called "Southern Ginseng." In traditional practice, it has been used to promote cardiovascular health, manage blood pressure, and improve overall vitality, which includes applications for chest pain and symptoms associated with angina. The historical literature and folk usage include references to its use in alleviating symptoms consistent with angina, likely due to its perceived ability to "invigorate the blood" and "remove blood stasis"—concepts that are loosely analogous to improving circulation in modern terms.

Scientifically, some small clinical studies and animal research have shown that jiaogulan may have beneficial effects on endothelial function, lipid profiles, and antioxidant status, all of which could theoretically support heart health. However, direct evidence supporting its use specifically for angina is sparse and not robust by modern clinical trial standards. The majority of studies are either preclinical or focus on surrogate endpoints such as blood lipid levels or general cardiovascular markers rather than direct measures of angina frequency or severity.

In summary, the use of jiaogulan for angina is primarily justified by tradition, with modest supporting evidence from preliminary scientific studies, but there is a lack of large, high-quality clinical trials directly addressing its efficacy for this specific condition.

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