Jiaogulan Herbal Tea at Project Good Life
Jiaogulan Herbal Tea - Gynostemma pentaphyllum
Jiaogulan - Herbal Reference Guide
Jiaogulan enhances endurance, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, inhibits tumors and help protect the cellular immunity as well as providing many other health benefits.Jiaogulan improves the metabolism of the heart directly as well as enhancing the release of nitric oxide in the body, which helps to relax the coronary blood vessels.
What makes Jiaogulan unique is the wide variety of therapeutic effects that scientists have demonstrated through their research; i.e., antioxidant protection, enhancing cardiovascular function, blood pressure and cholesterol regulation, positive influence on blood elements, strengthening immunity, etc.
In other words, getting these benefits by taking Jiaogulan might eliminate the need for taking an array of other supplements.
Health Benefits of Jiaogulan:
1. Cholesterol - Jiaogulan lowers total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and raises HDL cholesterol. More than 20 papers have been published on the subject with effectiveness reported as ranging from 67 to 93%. It also inhibits platelet aggregation which lessens the chance of a stroke or heart attack.
2. Antioxidant - This herb has been shown in tests to lower the amount of superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide in certain white blood cells, an excellent indicator of antioxidant activity. Jiao gu lan also has the remarkable property of increasing endogenous SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) in the body. SOD is one of the body's most important antioxidants and studies show that charting SOD levels in various animal species is a reliable indicator of their longevity. Trials in humans showed that SOD levels returned to youthful levels after taking 20 mg of Gypenosides (active principle) daily for one month.
3. Adaptogen - Jiaogulan modulates the nervous system. It calms an overexcited nervous system and stimulates a depressed one. 300 professional athletes were the subject of a study. All the athletes reported that taking this herb before competition made them vigorous and alert with quick reflexes. Yet, it also made them less nervous.
4. Insomnia - 112 cases of insomnia reported a sleep improvement of 89 to 95 percent.
5. Blood Pressure - 223 patients were divided into three groups. One group took Ginseng, the next took Jiaogulan and the last took the blood pressure medication, Indapamide. The effectiveness was rated at 46% for Ginseng, 82% for Jiaogulan and 93% for Indapamide. This herb modulates blood pressure, lowering it when it is too high and raising it when it is too low.
6. Cardiac function - Jiaogulan increases cardiac function. In a study combined with some other herbs heart stroke volume increased 37% and cardiac output increased by 21% on the average. Ejection fraction increased by 13%. Subjects had normal blood pressure which did not change although heart rate decreased by 10%.
7. White Blood Cells - Jiaogulan increases the production of white blood cells in white cell deficient patients such as those who have recently undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
8. Immuno-stimulant - This herb modulates lymphocyte formation and increases lymphocyte activity. It was also found to greatly enhance the activity of NK (Natural Killer cells) in cancer patients.
9. Diabetes - A study of 46 patients with Diabetes Mellitus showed an improvement of 89% in their condition. Another study also showed satisfactory results.
10. Hepatitis B - 100 patients were given Jiao gu lan for 3 months. Effectiveness was rated at 89%. Another study of 200 patients yielded similar results. Other studies showed the ability to protect the liver from various toxic chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride.
11. Bronchitis - A study of 86 cases of chronic bronchitis had an effectiveness rate of 93%. Another study of 96 cases had a 92% effectiveness rate.
No toxic effects have been noted. It does not over stimulate like Ginseng.
An herb for all reasons. Rothacker, Jordan.
Vegetarian Times (August 2001): 14(2).
Jiaogulan contains amino acids, proteins, vitamins and an abundance of trace minerals. It's also high in saponins, a natural "detergent" that can improve liver function, increase good cholesterol (HDL) and lower the bad (LDL). Additionally, the herb has also been heralded as an adaptogenic, meaning that it can enhance the body's ability to keep itself healthy by controlling blood pressure and regulating the digestive and immune systems. Studies indicate that jiaogulan aids in white blood cell formation, acts as an anti-inflammatory and reduces tumor size.
Look out, echinacea and ginkgo: with such a range of potential health benefits, jiaogulan is poised to be the next big thing.
Jiaogulan. Block, Betsy.
Natural Health v.29 no.9 (Nov-Dec 1999), p.41
According to Dr. Jialiu Liu, more than 20 studies of the Chinese herb, "jiaogulan as a treatment for high cholesterol have been published in China. In a meta-analysis of this research, Liu found that jiaogulan lowered LDL (bad cholesterol) and raised HDL (good cholesterol) in 67 to 93 percent of the 980 people studied. A 1996 study of more than 200 people with hypertension found that jiaogulan was almost as effective as Indapamide, a prescription drug used to treat high blood pressure (jiaogulan was 82 percent effective, while the drug was 93 percent effective)." (p41)
Jiaogulan. Jule Klotter.
Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients 247-248 (Feb-March 2004): p25(1).
The botanical Gynostemma pentaphyllum, known as Jiaogulan (pronounced jee-ow-goo-lahn), is a powerful adaptogen and antioxidant… Jiaogulan encourages body functions to normalize, strengthens the immune system, and supports the adrenal glands…Its leaves contain active components that are used in Chinese folk medicine to treat lung ailments.
…Researchers have found that jiaogulan contains active saponins (gypenosides) that boost cardiac output, increasing blood supply and nourishment to body organs. These gypenosides also maintain blood pressure within a normal range.
Jiaogulan's gypenosides have an equally modulating effect on the central nervous system, calming irritated nerves and stimulating underactive nerves. The herb also modulates lymphocyte transformation, enhances lymphocyte activity, and inhibits tumor growth. Two clinical studies found that gypenosides encourage the body to produce superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme that scavenges free radicals.
I RIMEDI NATURALI Benvenuti nel secolo del parafarmaco
Il Giornale. 23 July 2004. 16.
Tra i più classici di questi «rimedi» conosciuti c’è sicuramente la pappa reale, concentrato particolare ricco di enzimi più che di vitamine, in grado di stimolare la vitalità e il recupero dopo sforzo o malattia. Poiché è di costo molto elevato è molto soggetto ad essere diluito o mescolato in modo fraudolento. Un altro supporto ormai tradizionale è il ginseng coreano, tonico ormai famoso anch’esso per adulterazioni e frodi cui cui viene sottoposto. Fra i nuovi fitofarmaci, che si definiscono più cortesemente o comunemente nutrogeni, quelli più di moda sono il jiaogulan, che si propone come antistress e attivatore mentale più potente del precedente ginseng, senza dare insonnia, l’estratto di corteccia di cannella, di cui sono stati descritti effetti di correzione della glicemia, l’estratto di Garum Armoricum (pesce di scoglio) che viene venduto, caso raro, sia come farmaco (Stabilium 200) sia come nutrogeno (Garum Armoricum Extractum).
Jiaogulan bursts onto the U.S. herb scene. James J. Gormley Patricia Andersen-Parrado.
Better Nutrition. 1 March 1997. 42.
Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a powerful adaptogenic Chinese herb which is still relatively unknown in the Western world, although this is changing fast.
It is known as an an "adaptogen" since it has the unique ability, as some tonic herbs do, to adapt to stress by always restoring "homeostasis,n or balance, to the body's systems, including blood pressure, reproductive function, digestive function, the immune response, mental function, physical performance, and other physiological markers.
Called the "Fairy Herb," it is also called "Southern Ginseng" due to its high quantity of special saponins called "gypenosides," which are very similar to the ginsenosides found in ginseng, but at a level several-fold higher. In fact, a pharmacological review from 1988 identifies 82 individual saponins, many of which were effective in treating tumors, decreasing blood lipid levels, and in treating ulcers.
Antioxidant/Protective effects. A 1993 study by Benjamin Lau, Ph.D., et al., examined different models of oxidative stress, and found that saponins from Jiaogulan decreased the production of free radicals in immune cells, protected biomembranes (such as the liver) from oxidative injury, and improved the functioning of vascular endothelial cells. The researchers concluded that "the extensive antioxidant effect of [Jiaogulan] may be valuable to the prevention and treatment of various diseases such as atherosclerosis, liver disease and inflammation."
Cancer and immune function. A experiment by W. Chen, Ph.D., that appeared in a 1996 issue of the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, found Jiaogulan (C. pentaphyllum) helped preserve immune function in rats receiving gamma-ray bombardment, suggesting that the herb may help cancer patients who are undergoing radiation therapy.
A 1995 clinical trial was carried out by Qian Hao, et al., at China's Shanghai Medical University to determine this adaptogen's effect on cellular immunity in patients with lung cancer undergoing combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The results suggested "that jiaogulan can protect patients' cellular immunity when the patients are receiving radiotherapy plus chemotherapy."
Cardiovascular function. In 1990, L. Chen, Ph.D., et al., studied "heart function and hemodynamics" in a non-human model. Results indicated that the gypenosides-treated animals achieved: significantly lowered blood pressure; markedly decreased vascular resistance; and increased coronary blood flow [including that to the brain].
Specifically anti-atherosclerotic effects have also been reported. In 1990, the "antiplatelet-aggregation effect of gypenosides extracted from C. pentaphyllum was studied" by J. Wu, et al., in test-tube and in vivo environments. The analysis found that these compounds significantly increased platelet cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels which, in turn, held back the sticking together of platelets--aggregation, what causes atherosclerotic plaque.
These anti-platelet-aggregation effects also can reduce the chances of thrombosis, developing a thrombus, or fibrinous clot, which can form in a blood vessel or in a valve of the heart. H. Tan, et al., looked at test-tube samples to observe the action of Jiaogulan on platelet clumpiness. Their results revealed that C. pentaphyllum effectively blocked platelet aggregation that was brought on by chemicals, sped up the breakup of platelets had already started clumping, and prevented thrombosis.
The anti-cholesterol and anti-triglyceride effects of Jiaogulan's saponins were examined in a 1983 study by Y. Kimura, et al. Crude gypenosides were tested for their effect on lipid metabolism in rats fed high-sugar high-fat diets. It was found that giving these extracts reduced levels of serum triglycerides (as important a marker as cholesterol), total cholesterol, and phospholipids; lipid peroxidation was also decreased.
Overall beneficial effects. A pharmacological assay by S. Arichi (1986) concluded that "saponins of C. pentaphyllum are tonics that stimulate tissues to vitalize physiological activities." In fact, due to Jiaogulan's overall protective effects in reducing the damage to our systems and vessels that usually increases as we grow older, Benjamin Lau (in another study) concluded that "the data suggest that gypenosides may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and for retardation of the aging process."
Imparting energy and restoring balance with Chinese tonic herbs. James J. Gormley.
Better Nutrition. 1 February 1997. 50
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, "to tonify means to augment, support, replenish, and strengthen," explain Harriet Beinfield, L.Ac., and Efrem Korngold, L.Ac., O.M.D., in their fascinating 1991 book, Between Heaven And Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine.
Put another way, a tonic is "something -- a food, an herb [...] -- that improves your well-being," offers Robert A. Barnett in his 1997 book, Tonics. It helps return balance to the body, and, rather than targeting a specific problem, a tonic supports health in a variety of interrelated ways, without making you feel bad in the process of trying to make you feel better.
"Tonifying nourishes the body, relieving patterns of emptiness and insufficiency," Beinfield and Korngold continue. "The herbs in this category have a potent effect on absorption and metabolism, increasing their total competence, adaptability, and resistance of the organism."
More specifically, a tonic is "any substance that balances the biochemical and physiological events that comprise body systems," points out Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., in Herbal Tonic Therapies (1993). "[Since] balance means health or wellness, [and] illness may be viewed as a lack of balance, a departure from the optimum state [ ... ] [any] substance that tends to maintain the optimum state or that moves a system back toward the optimum state is a tonic."
Sometimes referred to as "adaptogenic herbs" in the herbal literature, tonic herbs restore balance to a system regardless of which way it departs from normal, without overstimulating.
Tonics are "bidirectional," states Mowrey. Echinacea is a good example, since it's ingested compounds are capable of sending (and the body is capable of sending and utilizing) two what may be seen as contradictory signals to the body. Mowrey explains: "Thus, in a person with depressed white blood cell counts, echinacea sends a signal to the body to begin producing more white blood cells, and, in a person with too many white blood cells, it decelerates the production of white blood cells." Ergo, echinacea is a tonic herb with bidirectional, and even multidirectional, effects.
With herbal tonics often available in liquid form, called elixirs, Mowrey associates (in Herbal Tonic Therapies) the following 10 properties with them: (1) return and maintain balance (or homeostasis) to the body; (2) greatly increase metabolic production of energy (through mitochondria, for example); (3) raise resistance to infectious disease; (4) decrease anxiety and stress, and increase ability to function, as well as to rest and sleep; (5) provide antioxidant effects; (6) increase the body's ability to form new muscle tissue and to lose weight by burning more calories; (7) regulate digestive processes; (8) provide components which strengthen the heart, reduce cholesterol, regulate blood pressure and prevent excess clotting; and (9) help maintain the health of the liver and related organs (and glands).
Jiaogulan. Not well known here in the West is this powerful new kid on the U.S. herb scene called Gynostemma pentaphyllum in Latin. This botanical has been shown to contain a great quantity of special saponins known as "gypenosides," very similar to ginseng's ginsenosides.
Over the last several years, studies out of China's Guiyang Medical University have found Jiaogulan to possess three to five times more panaxosides than does ginseng, resulting, researchers conclude, in a modulating, and regulating, effect on an array of such body systems as: blood pressure, the reproductive system, the digestive system, the immune system, and mental function.
Studies suggest that Jiagaogulan lowers cholesterol by improving the liver's ability to transport sugars to the muscles for conversion to energy, thereby decreasing the amount of sugars converted into triglycerides that are later stored as fat. This herbal is thought to also improve lipid (fat) metabolism, reduce the amount of circulating blood lipids, improve absorption of nutrients and strengthen digestion, help people lose weight and gain more muscle mass, and boost the immune system
Protective effect of jiaogulan on cellular immunity of the patients with primary lung cancer treated by radiotherapy plus chemotherapy.
Lung Cancer 14.1 (Feb 1996): 156(1).
The aim of the clinical trial in the patients with lung cancer treated by combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy was to prospectively observe the effect of jiogulan on the cellular immunity and prognosis. The results: cellular immunity of the control group was further suppressed… Comparing the jiaogulan group with the control group after a year, although there were no significant differences in statistics on the distant metastatic rate, the medial time of distant metastasis and the local tumor control rate and survival rate of 6 and 12 months respectively, but the trend that the prognosis of the former was superior to the latter could be found. The results show that jiaogulan can protect patient's cellular immunity when the patients receiving radiotherapy plus chemotherapy.
Harmony Remedies: An Overview of Adaptogens. David Winston.
AHG, 2004
Jiaogulan herb (Gynostemma pentaphylla) – Sweet, slightly bitter, neutral
Western Classification: Adaptogen, antioxidant, expectorant, hypocholesteremic, hepatoprotective, immune potentiator, nervine.
This member of the Curcubitaceae family has a long history of use in Southern China & Taiwan as a folk remedy for fatigue, weakness, asthma, hepatitis, migraines, and cancer. Due to its low cost and safety, it has become much more widely used as a “Ginseng” substitute and adaptogen throughout Southeast Asia. Interestingly, some of the active constituents, gypenosides, are chemically identical to ginsenosides found in the unrelated Panax species. Clinically, Jiaogulan is useful for hypertension, congestive heart failure, liver disease, elevated blood lipids, and to strengthen the immune system and inhibit cancer 1.
Question:
What herbal remedies are effective in the treatment of high cholesterol?
www.attract.wales.nhs.uk/question_answers.cfm?question_id=367
Date Posted : 19/10/2001
Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphylla) (2). The authors reported that after 8 weeks, serum total cholesterol decreased significantly by 22.7% and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 30.9% in the patients treated with a M purpureus rice preparation, and patients in the positive control group showed 7.0% and 8.3% reductions, respectively. The authors also state that M purpureus treatment also significantly increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by 19.9%, which was a significantly larger increase than the 8.4% increase observed in the positive control group.
Adaptogenic Herbs: Nature's Solution To Stress. Edward C. Wallace, N.D., D.C.
Nutrition Science News
Herbal Coping
Adaptogens can help people handle stress by providing:
Antioxidant activity
Liver protection and antitoxin activity
Improved blood-sugar metabolism
Less craving for alcohol or sugar
Improved immune resistance
Increased energy and stamina
Improved muscle tone
Increased strength
Faster recovery
Better focus and concentration
Less anxiety
Better sleep
Better motivation and productivity
A feeling of well-being
Better moods
* Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum), a member of the gourd family that grows in southern China, Korea, Japan and India, is also relatively new to the list of adaptogens. According to recent studies, jiaogulan contains nearly four times as many saponins as Panax ginseng does.37 These saponins, known as gypenosides, are similar to the ginsenosides and panaxosides found in Asian ginseng. Preliminary studies also suggest jiaogulan may have even more powerful regulatory effects on a number of body systems than does Asian ginseng. In addition, jiaogulan has demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity and a beneficial effect on blood pressure regulation; it also has been shown to bolster the immune system, improve fat metabolism, moderate cholesterol levels, and enhance strength and physical endurance.38
Edward C. Wallace, N.D., D.C., practices in West Branch, Iowa. He is also a freelance health and nutrition writer and lectures on both herbal medicine and homeopathy.
REFERENCES
Lin, L., et al. "Protective effect of gypenosides against oxidative stress in phagocytes, vascular endothelial cells and liver microsomes," Cancer Biotherapy, 8(3): 263-72, 1993.
The add-on effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Altern Ther Health Med. 2006 May-Jun;12(3):34-9.
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taiwan.
CONTEXT: Other than weight reduction by dieting or physical activity, there are no well-documented medical treatments for fatty liver disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the add-on Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) in research subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. DESIGN: A randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Hospital-based clinic. PATIENTS: Fifty-six research subjects who were diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver by abdominal ultrasound scanning. INTERVENTIONS: The treatment group and the control group followed a controlled diet for 2 months. After 2 months, the treatment group continued to diet and received 80 mL GP extraction for 4 months; the control group continued to diet and received a placebo capsule for 4 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body mass index (BMI), biochemistry data, and fatty liver score were measured at baseline, at 2 months, and at 6 months. RESULTS: After 2 months of dieting, BMI and most biochemistry data decreased in both study groups. There were no significant differences in BMI or biochemistry data at month 2 between the 2 study groups. At month 6, BMI, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, insulin (ALP), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), and fatty liver score were reduced in both groups. The treatment group saw significant reductions in BMI, AST, ALP, insulin, and HOMA-IR, however. Changes in uric acid levels in the 2 groups from month 2 to month 6 were statistically significant (P = .028) CONCLUSION: GP is an effective adjunct treatment to diet therapy for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Gypenoside XLIX isolated from Gynostemma pentaphyllum inhibits nuclear factor-kappaB activation via a PPAR-alpha-dependent pathway.
J Biomed Sci. 2006 Jul;13(4):535-48.
Pharmaceutical Chemistry Discipline and Herbal Medicines Research and Education Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, A15, S322, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB is important in the generation of inflammation. Besides regulating lipid metabolism, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-alpha activators also reduce NF-kappaB activation to terminate activation of inflammatory pathways. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) has been used to treat various inflammatory diseases and hyperlipidemia. Here, we demonstrate that GP extract and one of its main components, Gypenoside XLIX (Gyp-XLIX) inhibited LPS-induced NF-kappaB activation in murine macrophages. Furthermore, Gyp-XLIX restored the LPS- and TNF-alpha-induced decrease in cytosolic I-kappaBalpha protein expression and inhibited the translocation of NF-kappaB(p65) to the nucleus in THP-1 monocyte and HUVEC cells. The inhibition of LPS- and TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB luciferase activity in macrophages was abolished by MK-886, a selective PPAR-alpha antagonist. GP extract and Gyp-XLIX (EC(50): 10.1 muM) enhanced PPAR-alpha luciferase activity in HEK293 cells transfected with the tK-PPREx3-Luc reporter plasmid and expression vectors for PPAR-alpha. Additionally, Gyp-XLIX specifically enhanced PPAR-alpha mRNA and protein expression in THP-1-derived macrophage cells. The selectivity of Gyp-XLIX for PPAR-alpha was demonstrated by the activation of only PPAR-alpha in HEK293 cells transfected with expression vectors for PPAR-alpha, PPAR-beta/delta or PPAR-gamma1 plasmids and in THP-1-derived macrophage naturally expressing all three PPAR isoforms. The present study demonstrates that Gyp-XLIX, a naturally occurring gynosaponin, inhibits NF-kappaB activation via a PPAR-alpha-dependent pathway.
Three dammarane-type saponins from Gynostemma pentaphyllum.
Planta Med. 2005 Sep;71(9):880-4.Click here to read Links
China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China.
Three new dammarane-type saponins, compounds 1 - 3, were isolated from the aerial parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Their structures were determined using NMR analysis and acid hydrolysis. The structure and stereochemistry of compound 1 were confirmed by X-ray crystallography.
A novel LXR-alpha activator identified from the natural product Gynostemma pentaphyllum.
Biochem Pharmacol. 2005 Nov 1;70(9).
Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Herbal Medicines Research and Education Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, A15, S322, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
Liver X receptors (LXR) play an important role in cholesterol homeostasis by serving as regulatory sensors of cholesterol levels in tissues. The present study reports a novel LXR-alpha activator, (20S)-2alpha, 3beta, 12beta, 24(S)-pentahydroxydammar-25-ene 20-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (TR1), a dammarane-type gynosaponin, isolated from the herbal medicine, Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Gynosaponin TR1 demonstrated greater selectivity toward activation of the LXR-alpha isoform than LXR-beta in HEK293 cells. TR1 selectively enhanced LXR-mediated transcriptional activation and protein expression of ABCA1 and apoE gene expression and secretion in THP-1-derived macrophages. The selectivity of TR1 for LXR-alpha was consistent with ligand docking studies, which showed favourable interaction of TR1 in the LXR-alpha-binding domain, whereas the presence of the sugar substituent interfered with binding to the LXR-beta site. Findings from the present study may provide insight into the development of pharmaceutical agents for treating atherosclerosis.
Novel dammarane-type glycosides from Gynostemma pentaphyllum.
Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2004 Dec;52(12):1440-4.
National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 189 Guo-Shou-Jing Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
Three new dammarane glycosides (1-3), together with five known compounds, gypenoside LXIX (4), gylongiposide I (5), gypenoside XLVIII (6), allantion (7) and vitexin (8) were isolated from the MeOH extract of the aerial parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Compounds 5, 7, and 8 were isolated from this plant for the first time. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectra interpretation as well as by chemical degradation.
Chronic toxicity of Gynostemma pentaphyllum.
Fitoterapia. 2004 Sep;75(6):539-51.
Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, 88/7 Tiwanont road, Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
…it is concluded that the extract of G. pentaphyllum at the given doses did not produce any significant toxic effect in rats during 6-month period of the treatment.
The anti-gastric ulcer effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino.
Phytomedicine. 2004 Jul;11(5):431-5.
Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Natural Products, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 5002, Thailand.
Gynostemma pentaphyllum is an oriental medicinal herb reputed to have broad-spectrum activities… The findings indicate that the butanol fraction of G. pentaphyllum possesses gastroprotective potential related to the preservation of gastric mucus synthesis and secretion.
J Nat Prod. 2004 Jul;67(7):1147-51.Click here to read Links
Five new Ocotillone-type saponins from Gynostemma pentaphyllum.
Department of Phytochemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
Five new ocotillone-type saponins, gynosides A-E (1-5), along with 10 known dammarane-type saponins, were isolated from the aerial parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum. The structures of these new compounds were determined by NMR analysis and acid hydrolysis. The structure and stereochemistry of gynoside A (1) were confirmed by X-ray crystallography.
A novel insulin-releasing substance, phanoside, from the plant Gynostemma pentaphyllum.
J Biol Chem. 2004 Oct 1;279(40):41361-7.
Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
Extracts from Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino (Cucurbitaceae), a Southeast Asian herb, has been reported to affect numerous activities resulting in antitumor, cholesterol-lowering, immunopotentiating, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic effects. We have isolated one active compound by ethanol extraction, distribution in n-butyl alcohol/water, solid phase extraction/separation, and several rounds of reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography. We have shown by NMR and mass spectrometry that this active compound is a novel saponin, a gypenoside, which we have named phanoside (21-,23-epoxy-,3beta-,20-,21-trihydroxydammar-24-ene-3-O-([alpha-d-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)]-[beta-d-glycopyranosyl(1-->3)]-beta-d-lyxopyranoside)), with a molecular mass of 914.5 Da. Phanoside is a dammarane-type saponin, and four stereoisomers differing in configurations at positions 21 and 23 were identified, each of which were found to stimulate insulin release from isolated rat pancreatic islets. We have also found that the stereoisomers are interconvertible. Dose-dependent insulin-releasing activities at 3.3 and 16.7 mM glucose levels were determined for the racemic mixture containing all four stereoisomers. Phanoside at 500 microM stimulates insulin release in vitro 10-fold at 3.3 mM glucose and potentiates the release almost 4-fold at 16.7 mM glucose. At these glucose levels, 2 microm glibenclamide stimulates insulin release only 2-fold. Interestingly, beta-cell sensitivity to phanoside is higher at 16.7 mM than at 3.3 mM glucose, although insulin responses were significantly increased by phanoside below 125 microM only at high glucose levels. Also when given orally to rats, phanoside (40 and 80 mg/ml) improved glucose tolerance and enhanced plasma insulin levels at hyperglycemia.
Dammarane-type glycosides from Gynostemma pentaphyllum.
J Nat Prod. 2004 Jun;67(6):942-52.
National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 189 Guo-Shou-Jing Road, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China.
Fifteen new dammarane glycosides (1-15), together with four known compounds, gypenosides IV, VIII, L*I, and XLIX, were isolated from the MeOH extract of the aerial parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectra interpretation as well as by chemical degradation.
Experimental study on the influence of Gynostemma pentaphyllam Mak upon point mutation of Ha-ras oncogene in blocking leukoplakia from canceration
Zhonghua Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2000 Mar;35(2):91-4.
[Article in Chinese]
Department of Oral Medicine, School of Stomatology, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200011, China.
OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of Gynostemma pentaphyllam Mak (GP) upon point mutation of Ha-ras oncogene the molecular mechanism of GP in blocking canceration, and the relationship between Ha-ras oncogene and canceration of leukoplakia… CONCLUSIONS: GP has outstanding cancer blocking effect chiefly affected by free C20-OH. Mutation of Ha-ras oncogene plays an important role in leukoplakia canceration.
Inhibitory effects of gynostemma pentaphyllum on the UV induction of bacteriophage lambda in lysogenic Escherichia coli.
Curr Microbiol. 2001 Oct;43(4):299-301.
College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, China.
Effects of gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) on the bacteriophage lambda induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation have been studied. The results showed that GP could inhibit the UV induction of bacteriophage lambda in lysogenic cells. The inhibitory effects were dependent on the concentration and the reaction time of GP, and were efficient at 40 to approximately 125 microg ml(-1) for 10 min. The inhibitory rate was higher than 70% when the GP concentration was 50 microg ml(-1). By electron spin resonance (ESR) and spin-trapping techniques, the signals of free radicals were detected in the suspension of the lambda lysogenic bacteria induced by ultraviolet irradiation, but after the addition of GP the signals were decreased. These results indicate that gynostemma pentaphyllum not only is a scavenger of free radicals, but also possesses the biological function of anti-irradiation, and that there is a close relation between the UV irradiation of the bacteriaphage lambda and free radicals.
Chemistry and Pharmacology of Gynostemma pentaphyllum
Phytochemistry Reviews. Volume 4, Numbers 2-3 / July, 2005
Faculty of Pharmacy, Herbal Medicines Research and Education Centre, A15, University of Sydney, N.S.W., 2006, Australia
Abstract: In traditional Chinese medicine, Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino is a herbal drug of extreme versatility and has been extensively researched in China. The dammarane saponins isolated from Gynostemma pentaphyllum, namely gypenosides or gynosaponins, are believed to be the active components responsible for its various biological activities and reported clinical effects. This review attempts to encompass the available literature on Gynostemma pentaphyllum, from its cultivation to the isolation of its chemical entities and a summary of its diverse pharmacological properties attributed to its gypenoside content. Other aspects such as toxicology and pharmacokinetics are also discussed. In vitro and in vivo evidence suggests that Gynostemma pentaphyllum may complement the popular herbal medicine, Panax ginseng, as it also contains a high ginsenoside content and exhibits similar biological activities.
Determination of Carotenoids in the Chinese Medical Herb Jiao-Gu-Lan ( Gynostemma Pentaphyllum MAKINO) by Liquid Chromatography
Journal Chromatographia. Volume 60, Numbers 7-8, 411-417 / October, 2004
China College of Marine Technology and Commerce, Taipei, Taiwan, 111
Fu Jen University, Taipei, Taiwan, 242
Abstract The amount and variety of carotenoids in Jiao-Gu-Lan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum MAKINO), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb which is currently sold in Taiwan and China as herbal tea, were determined by HPLC. Dried Jiao-Gu-Lan samples were ground into fine materials, and the carotenoids were extracted, saponified and subjected to HPLC analysis. A gradient mobile phase of methanol/isopropanol (99/1, v/v) (A) and methylene chloride (B) was used: 100% A and 0% B initially, maintained for 15 min, decreased to 70% A in 45 min, maintained for 15 min, and returned to 100% A in 65 min. A total of 25 carotenoids were resolved within 54 min by using a C-30 column with flow rate at 1.0 mL min–1 and detection at 450 nm. For all the six cultivars of Jiao-Gu-Lan samples, all-trans-lutein was present in largest amount (72–376 mgrg g–1), followed by cis isomers of lutein (0–72 mgrg g–1), neochrome (13–65 mgrg g–1), neoxanthin (0–41 mgrg g–1), all-trans- agr-carotene (0–27 mgrg g–1), auroxanthin (7–23 mgrg g–1), violaxanthin (3–22 mgrg g–1), luteoxanthin (4–19 mgrg g–1), all-trans-beta-carotene (0–7.6 mgrg g–1), beta-cryptoxanthin (0–6.7 mgrg g–1), and cis isomers of beta-carotene (0–1.9 mgrg g–1), on a dry weight basis.
Immunomodulatory Effects Of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Makino On Human Immune Cells
Acta Horticulturae 680: III WOCMAP Congress on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants - Volume 6: Traditional Medicine and Nutraceuticals
Abstract:
Use of herbs as health and/or dietary supplements has increased worldwide. The most common usage of botanicals is to improve the immune system. Water extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino was studied for its effects on lymphocyte proliferation and natural killer (NK) cell activity. Lymphocyte proliferation of normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in response to G. pentaphyllum extract was increased at concentrations of (in ng/mL) 1, 10, 100, and (in µg/mL) 1, 5, 10 and 100. Aqueous extract of G. pentaphyllum reduced lymphocyte proliferation at 1 µg/mL, suggesting immunomodulating activities on human immunocompetent PBMC.
Phytopreventative Anti-Hyperlipidemic Effects Of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum In Rats
J Pharm Pharmaceut Sci (www.cspscanada.org) 8(3):507-515, 2005
http://www.ualberta.ca/~csps/JPPS8(3)/S.Megalli/gynostemma.htm
Faculty of Pharmacy and Herbal Medicines Research and Education Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Tadogan, Ankara, Turkey
College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, U.S.A.
Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy building A15, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. smegalli@pharm.usyd.edu.au
Abstract Purpose:
Gynostemma pentaphyllum is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Preliminary studies indicate Gynostemma isolated triterpine glycosides lower cholesterol. Our studies examine anti-hyperlipidemic effects of gypenosides. Methods: Gynostemma activity was examined in poloxamer P407 induced hyperlipidemia in rats. Results: 1 g/kg P407 induced plasma triglyceride (25 fold), total cholesterol (6 fold), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) (7 fold), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (1.6 fold), and nitrite (8 fold). After acute (4 days) and chronic (12 days) oral administration the gypenoside extract (250 mg/kg) reduced triglyceride (53% and 85%, respectively) and total cholesterol levels (10% and 44%, respectively). No significant effects on LDL or HDL cholesterol were observed. The gypenosides reduced nitrite ~80%. Similar results were obtained with atorvastatin (75 mg/kg for 4 days); except that LDL cholesterol was reduced (17%) and HDL cholesterol increased. 50% of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) plasma activity was inhibited by ~20 μM P407. Gynostemma had no effect on LL, however, it reversed the P407 inhibition of LPL activity in a concentration-dependent manner, with a 2-fold increase at ~10 μg/ml. Conclusions: These studies demonstrate efficacy of Gynostemma pentaphyllum in lowering triglyceride, cholesterol and nitrite in acute hyperlipidemia. The results suggest further investigations of Gynostemma gypenosides are warranted to examine the mechanisms of this activity.
Sweet Tea Vine (Gynostemma pentaphyllum):
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm
Jiaogulan has such a long list of rejuvenating properties that in China they call it the ‘immortality’ herb. It is in a class of herbs called ‘adaptogens’ that help the body without causing any harm or imbalance. Jiaogulan is especially helpful in building the body’s natural resistance to stress. The amazing effect jiaogulan has on cardio-vascular health has earned it the title of “the herbal heart defender”. The plant was first described in traditional Chinese medicine during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) as a folk remedy for hepatitis, bronchitis and peptic ulcers. A better understanding of its properties was gained in the 1980s, as part of a Japanese research program into herbs with possible anticancer effects. It was rated among the ten most important tonic herbs at the 1991 International Conference on Traditional Medicine, in Beijing, China. This tonic herb improves the circulation, stimulates liver function, strengthens the immune and nervous system, and reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It also has sedative effects, relaxing spasms and lowering blood pressure. Internally it is used for nervous tension and exhaustion, peptic ulcer, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer<span lang="NL">. According to medical understanding, the action that Jiaogulan has on the body is two-fold. One, it directly nourishes the visceral functions by increasing blood supply to various internal organs, through enhanced cardiac output. And two, it affects the neuro-endocrine regulation to normalize the visceral functions that are adversely affected by various stressors (for example, Jiaogulan’s adaptogenic effect stabilizes and normalizes the over-irritated brain and sympathetic nerves).
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Ten times better than Spirulina. Now nothing can stop me.
Peer Evers, Tour Operator, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
