The Gynostemma pentaphyllum(Gynostemma Extract) is a green leafy herb growing wildly in Southern China and Northern Vietnam and other Asian countries. Also known as Jiao gu-lan in China, the gynostemma became popular as the ‘immortality tea’ consumed by the inhabitants of Guizhou province near Fanjing Mountain, Southern China. It was used in traditional Chinese medicine to cure cough, chronic bronchitis, and hepatitis and was also believed to lengthen one’s lifespan, which is why it is known as immortality tea.
The gynostemma is a form of an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a compound that helps to promote immunity and adaptive behavior while maintaining homeostasis in the body. It has also been proven to be caffeine-free and non-toxic for human consumption. The properties of the gynostemma are similar to that of the Panax ginseng which is why it is also known as Southern ginseng as it grows mostly in southern China. Another common name for the gynostemma is cheap ginseng as it has similar effects and is cheaper than ginseng.
The healing properties of the gynostemma are mainly due to the high content of saponins present in it just like ginseng. The plant contains active components called gypenosides which are similar in function to the ginsenosides of the Panax ginseng. A 1970 research shows that the gypenosides and ginsenosides have similar properties however; it is estimated that there are nearly 80 gypenosides in the gynostemma as compared to about 30 ginsenosides in ginseng. Thus, over the years the gynostemma has become more popular across Asia because of its anti-oxidant properties and its immunity-boosting benefits.
Commonly the plant is consumed as tea which is very helpful in reducing fatigue after a hard day’s work. The antioxidant properties of this simple leafy plant will drive out fatigue and rejuvenate your body in no time. The antioxidants protect the cells from oxidative damage over time and are extremely stimulating for the body.
The gynostemma extracts also work to boost immunity by maintaining perfect homeostasis in the body. It provides resistance to common diseases and improves overall health. Gynostemma has gained a reputation in Asia as the premier longevity herb and is believed to be one of the main reasons behind the long life span of people from China especially southern China, where it grows in abundance. It is also known to fight anxiety and depression and makes for an invigorating drink in the morning as well as after work.
Tea made from gynostemma extract is sweet and has therapeutic properties that not only improve endurance and stamina but also rejuvenate your body from within. A 2015 study showed that the active polysaccharide GPP1 present in gynostemma extracts is responsible for the neuroprotective effects of the plant. The active ingredients of this plant help to activate the bio-processes of the body which in turn calms the nerves and helps you to relax. Another important benefit of the gynostemma extract is its ability to reduce obesity and blood glucose levels. The saponins of the gynostemma plant boost lipid metabolism and breakdown of fat which helps to fight obesity. Clinical tests have proven that it can reduce blood glucose levels and help fight diabetes due to its potent HbA1c-reducing effects. It also leads to improved insulin sensitivity. A study has shown that low doses of gynostemma extract can preserve the islets of Langerhans and insulin-secreting beta cells. The gynostemma is a better anti-diabetic than ginseng due to the presence of unique gypenosides which are not present in ginseng. It also checks the cholesterol level of your body. Furthermore, it also helps to bring down high blood pressure.
The sweet taste of the tea is because of the high saponin content of the plant. The gynostemma extract also appears to deter Parkinson’s disease. They seem to protect a cluster of neurons that are associated with Parkinson’s disease with the help of their antioxidant properties. However, there is yet to be a human study but it has proven highly effective in mice at even low doses. Research on mice has also shown that it has anti-depressant-like effects. It may also be a possible anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory herb which is yet to be proven on human subjects. While cancer research is in its youth, the plant has proven to have anti-cancer properties in mice and with further research may one day be used to kill cancer cells.
