Jiaogulan

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum): A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity and Botanical Description

Botanical and Scientific Names

Scientific name: Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino. Common name: Jiaogulan (Chinese: 绞股蓝; pinyin: jiǎogǔlán; literally "twisting blue plant") is a dioecious, herbaceous climbing vine of the family Cucurbitaceae (cucumber or gourd family), widely distributed in South and East Asia as well as New Guinea.

Among many common names are five-leaf ginseng, poor man's ginseng, miracle grass, fairy herb, sweet tea vine, gospel herb, and southern ginseng. In China, jiaogulan is often called "Xiancao" (仙草, xiān cǎo), which translates to "Miracle Grass" or "Immortality Herb."

The name "Jiao Gu Lan" is of Chinese origin, where "Jiao" means twisting or winding, "Gu" means vine, and "Lan" refers to blue or blueish, capturing its appearance as a twining, bluish vine.

Taxonomy and Distribution

Gynostemma pentaphyllum belongs to the genus Gynostemma, in the family Cucurbitaceae, which includes cucumbers, gourds, and related plants. The Gynostemma genus contains around 19 different species, all native to the tropical Southeast, including China, Japan, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and the Himalayas. The plant is indigenous to the southern reaches of China, southern Korea, and Japan.

The plant is dioecious, meaning each plant exists either as male or female; thus, if seeds are desired, both a male and female plant must be grown.

Common Forms and Preparations

Jiaogulan is used to make a sweet tea and is applied in Chinese traditional medicine. It is also widely used as a health supplement in beverages, biscuits, noodles, face washes, and bath oils. In contemporary dietary supplement markets, jiaogulan is available in several forms:

• Dried leaf tea: The most traditional form, prepared by steeping dried leaves in hot water.
• Standardized extracts: Wide variation in the amount and nature of gypenosides has made standardization of specific gypenosides problematic. Most current products are standardized on total saponin content.
• Heat-processed extract (actiponin): An ethanol extract of G. pentaphyllum processed by autoclaving; levels of damulins A and B, the components responsible for AMPK activation in the extract, are increased by autoclaving in a time-dependent manner.
• Encapsulated powder: High-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods have been described to identify chemical constituents.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

Historical Documentation

The plant is best known for its use as an herbal medicine in traditional Chinese medicine, although its inclusion in Wu Qi-Jun's 1848 botany book Zhi Wu Ming Shi Tu Kao Chang Bian appears to be among the earliest known formal documentation of the herb. Prior to that, jiaogulan was cited as a survival food in Zu Xiao's 1406 book Materia Medica for Famine.

Although jiaogulan tea has been consumed as a "Qi" restorative in Southern China since the 15th century, it has been "discovered" by the West only fairly recently. Because this comes from a region of southern China and most of the herbs that made the Chinese Medicine books of old originated from practitioners in the north, this herb remained in obscurity for hundreds of years.

The herb was described as useful in treating hematuria, edema and pain of the pharynx, heat and edema of the neck, tumors, and trauma. People in the provinces of Guizhou, Guangxi, and Sichuan in the mountains of south-central China historically used jiaogulan, which they called xiancao, in place of green tea.

Cultural Use and the Longevity Legend

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is an adaptogen native to China, Korea, and Japan, historically used primarily in Southern China, where it was a folk remedy for fatigue, to increase endurance, balance the immune system, and enhance longevity.

Until recently it was a locally known herb used primarily in regions of southern China. It is described by the local inhabitants as the "immortality herb," because people within the Guizhou Province, where jiaogulan tea is drunk regularly, have a history of living to a very old age. The results of the first Chinese nationwide population census in 1970 revealed an anomaly in certain villages of the Guizhou, Guangxi, and Sichuan provinces in south China. There, the census found an unusually high percentage of people living beyond 100 years of age and an extremely low incidence of cancer, senility, and other serious diseases.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), jiaogulan is classified as a tonic herb — meaning it is used to nourish and balance the body over time.

Modern Discovery by Researchers

In the 1960s and 1970s, researchers who were looking for plant-based sweeteners discovered that several of jiaogulan's triterpenoid saponins were identical to those found in Asian ginseng. Traditionally, jiaogulan has been broadly applied for the treatment of various illnesses, including hepatitis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. However, in the last 20 years, extensive research has been conducted to investigate the medicinal prospects of jiaogulan, which has resulted in the discovery of more than 230 compounds with medicinal properties.

Today, jiaogulan tea is commonly consumed as a healthy beverage in China, Japan, and Thailand, though its status as a potent adaptogen has increased global interest in this ancient herb.

3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds

Gypenosides (Triterpenoid Saponins)

More than 230 compounds have been isolated from G. pentaphyllum, and most of these compounds (189) were saponins, also known as gypenosides. 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.

Jiaogulan (especially the leaves) contains several dammarane-type saponins. Some of them have structures identical to the ginsenosides found in ginseng, specifically ginsenosides Rb1, Rb3, F2, Rg3, Rc, Rd, malonyl-Rb1, and malonyl-Rd. The rest are closely related to the ginsenosides; being discovered in Gynostemma, they are customarily named as gypenosides.

Although jiaogulan contains ginseng-like saponins, it has not been reported to contain the other types of biologically active compounds, acetylenes, and polysaccharides found in ginseng. Thus, while ginseng pharmacology presents a reasonable starting point for investigation, jiaogulan cannot be considered as pharmacologically identical.

There are also some cucurbitane-type saponins. Other terpenoid constituents include sterols and triterpenols. The stems and leaves also contain polysaccharides and flavonoids.

Some gypenosides are sweet-tasting, with one being 200 times as sweet as sucrose. Some other gypenosides are bitter-tasting. Both contribute to the taste of the plant.

Notable Individual Compounds

• Phanoside: Norberg et al. (2004) isolated a novel gypenoside from G. pentaphyllum saponins, which was named phanoside; the results showed that phanoside and its stereoisomers could significantly stimulate insulin secretion.
• Damulins A and B: The levels of damulins A and B, the components responsible for AMPK activation in the extract, are increased by autoclaving in a time-dependent manner. Heat-processed G. pentaphyllum extract (actiponin), containing damulins A (0.93%, w/w) and B (0.68%, w/w), significantly stimulated fat oxidation and glucose uptake via AMPK activation in L6 myotube cells.
• Quercetin, rhamnazin, and isofucosterol: Twenty-four active ingredients in G. pentaphyllum targeting hyperlipidemia have been identified, with rhamnazin, isofucosterol, and quercetin highlighted as playing a crucial role in treatment.

4. Established Mechanisms of Action

AMPK Activation

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is widely used in Asian countries as a herbal medicine to treat dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation. An ethanol extract of G. pentaphyllum has been shown to lessen obesity by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Two compounds from gypenosides were found to significantly enhance glucose uptake and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation via activating the AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase signaling pathway.

Antidiabetic Pathways

Research has shown that gypenosides possess therapeutic properties in mitigating diabetes mellitus by regulating blood glucose levels and insulin production. Gypenosides can modulate various key pathways associated with diabetes pathogenesis, including PI3K/Akt, PPARγ, NF-κB, AMPK, and PDX1, hence contributing to their antidiabetic properties.

Gypenosides reduced fasting blood glucose and serum lipids, as well as significantly improved glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic mice. After gypenoside treatment, the severity of liver injury was reduced and liver glycogen content increased.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Mechanisms

Modern medical research has shown that G. pentaphyllum exhibits a variety of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, lipid metabolism regulatory, antiproliferative, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic activities.

Gypenosides (Gyps), a group of dammarane triterpene saponins that are primarily from Gynostemma pentaphyllum, have been identified as promising natural compounds with a diverse array of potent pharmacological activities. In the past two decades, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated that Gyps are crucial for the regulation of metabolic homeostasis, the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, the protection of the cardiovascular and hepatic systems, and the exhibition of anti-cancer potential.

Neuroprotective Mechanisms

Evidence indicates that jiaogulan mitigates neuronal injury via multiple mechanisms, including activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling, inhibition of NF-κB/MAPK pathways, modulation of BDNF and PI3K/Akt signaling, protection against mitochondrial dysfunction, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition.

Cardioprotective Mechanisms

Gypenosides (GYPs) are the primary constituents of G. pentaphyllum. Increasing evidence indicates that GYPs are effective at preserving mitochondrial homeostasis and preventing heart failure. G. pentaphyllum improves hyperlipidemia by mediating the LOX1-PI3K-AKT-eNOS pathway, providing a new theoretical basis and experimental evidence for applying G. pentaphyllum to treating hyperlipidemia.

5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

5.1 Dyslipidemia and Lipid Metabolism

This is one of the best-researched areas for jiaogulan, with a 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis representing the highest level of available human evidence.

The objective of the systematic review was to evaluate the lipid-lowering effect and safety of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) used alone or as adjunctive therapy for dyslipidemia. Eight databases and three clinical trial registries were searched until January 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of GP for dyslipidemia were included. Trial quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Twenty-two RCTs involving 2,407 dyslipidemia participants were included.

Regarding the risk of bias, 14 RCTs had some concerns, seven RCTs were high risk, and one trial was low risk. The pooled results showed:

• GP plus n-3 fatty acid was superior in normalization of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) compared to n-3 fatty acids alone (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.01–1.77). GP was similar to lipid-lowering agents (statins, fibrates, and n-3 fatty acids) in regulating TG, TC, and HDL-cholesterol.
• GP plus lipid-lowering agents were superior to lipid-lowering agents alone in TG (MD −0.65 mmol/L, 95% CI −1.03 to −0.28), LDL-C (MD −0.57 mmol/L, 95% CI −1.07 to −0.08), and HDL-C (MD 0.15 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.11–0.20).
• GP had fewer adverse events than lipid-lowering drugs. Very low certainty evidence showed that GP's effects on TC, TG, and HDL-C were comparable to those of lipid-lowering agents.

Low certainty evidence showed that red yeast rice was superior to GP in TC, TG, and HDL-C. Low to moderate certainty evidence showed that the effects of GP plus lipid-lowering agents were superior to lipid-lowering agents alone on TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C. GP use for more than 8 weeks appears safe.

Evidence strength assessment: Preliminary to moderate. The 22 included RCTs cover a substantial population, but most had high or uncertain risk of bias. Results are promising as adjunctive therapy to standard lipid-lowering agents, but the overall certainty of evidence as rated by the authors remains low to very low for most comparisons.

5.2 Blood Glucose Regulation and Type 2 Diabetes

Gypenosides were found to exhibit antidiabetic effects. However, one 2024 review outlined the advancements in the preclinical studies of gypenosides' pharmacological properties on diabetes mellitus while also noting the lack of clinical evidence for gypenosides' efficacy.

A small number of human studies have been conducted. One notable study cited across the literature examined insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients using jiaogulan tea (Huyen et al., Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2013). A proteomic analysis integrated with bioinformatics and molecular docking was conducted in 42 participants divided into three groups: healthy controls (N=14), untreated type 2 diabetes patients (DM, N=14), and jiaogulan-treated type 2 diabetes patients (DMJ, N=14). The analysis identified 24 unique proteins in the healthy control group, 16 in the untreated diabetic group, and 19 in the jiaogulan-treated group. Notably, the jiaogulan-treated group exhibited statistically significant upregulation of proteins involved in insulin signalling, including CCDC88A (Girdin), with a p value of <0.05. This protein is a critical regulator of insulin sensitivity that interacts with the Akt and PI3K pathways.

Furthermore, molecular docking analysis identified gypenoside, a bioactive compound from jiaogulan, as a potential inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), an important regulator of insulin signalling.

Nevertheless, there is a paucity of research on gypenosides in clinical settings, with existing studies being mainly conducted on animal models and in vitro.

Evidence strength assessment: Weak to preliminary for human use. Mechanistic data from preclinical models is relatively robust, but the translation to well-designed, adequately powered human clinical trials remains limited. Available meta-analyses suggest that G. pentaphyllum expresses a blood glucose-lowering effect and may be used as an alternative for glycemic control. However, adverse side effects and safety concerns remain, and randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm other clinical outcomes and safety.

5.3 Obesity and Body Composition

The most rigorous single human trial to date concerns a proprietary heat-processed extract called actiponin:

A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the effects of actiponin, a heat-processed Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract, on body weight, fat loss, and metabolic markers of Korean participants. Obese participants (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² and waist-hip ratio ≥ 0.90 for males or ≥ 0.85 for females) who had not been diagnosed with any disease were recruited. The 80 subjects were randomly divided into actiponin (n = 40, 450 mg/day) and placebo (n = 40) groups. During the 12-week actiponin supplementation, total abdominal fat area, body weight, body fat mass, percent body fat, and BMI were significantly decreased (P = 0.044, P < 0.05, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively). The study revealed that actiponin did not produce any significant adverse effects, and the results suggest that actiponin supplementation may be effective for treating obese individuals.

Evidence strength assessment: One well-designed RCT (n=80) with positive results. The findings are encouraging but require replication in larger trials, different populations, and with non-proprietary extracts before broader conclusions can be drawn.

5.4 Anxiety and Psychological Stress

The ethanol extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino leaves (EGP) has been reported to have anxiolytic effects on chronically stressed mouse models. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of EGP on anxiety in healthy Korean subjects under chronic stressful conditions. The study included 72 healthy adults who had perceived chronic stress and anxiety, with scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) from 40 to 60. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either EGP (200 mg, twice a day, N = 36) or placebo (N = 36). All participants were exposed to repetitive loads of stress by performing a serial subtraction task for 5 minutes every second day during the 8-week intervention. The study found that supplementation with EGP reduced "anxiety proneness" in subjects under chronic psychological stress, as shown by a decrease in the score of the Trait-STAI and the tendency for decrease in the total score of the STAI.

Evidence strength assessment: Preliminary. A single small RCT (n=72) in one specific population (healthy Korean adults under induced stress). The results are promising but cannot yet be generalized until larger, independent replications are conducted.

5.5 Cardiovascular Health

Gynostemma pentaphyllum has demonstrated positive effects on cholesterol levels, blood pressure regulation, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidant activities. However, most of the cardioprotective evidence comes from preclinical studies and the dyslipidemia RCTs discussed above. These properties are considered crucial in managing and preventing cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart disease. More research is needed to validate the long-term effectiveness of jiaogulan for cardiovascular diseases in humans.

Evidence strength assessment: Indirect and preliminary for direct cardiovascular endpoints. Effects on lipid biomarkers in RCTs are documented (see 5.1), but outcomes such as reduction in cardiovascular events have not been studied in dedicated human trials.

5.6 Anti-Cancer Activities

G. pentaphyllum has been widely used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of various diseases, including hepatitis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Modern medical research has shown it exhibits a variety of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, lipid metabolism regulatory, antiproliferative, and neuroprotective activities. GpM has been used for the treatment of hepatitis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

A traditional medicinal material with a high medicinal and health value, G. pentaphyllum has recently been reported for its anticancer activity. However, the pharmacological mechanism of G. pentaphyllum in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains to be elucidated.

Evidence strength assessment: Entirely preclinical (in vitro and animal models). There are no human clinical trials demonstrating anti-cancer efficacy of jiaogulan. This area remains an investigational direction only.

5.7 Neuroprotection

Jiaogulan, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb rich in gypenosides, has demonstrated neuroprotective potential through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurogenic activities. A 2026 review synthesized data from phytochemical, in vitro, in vivo, and limited clinical studies investigating the neuroprotective effects of jiaogulan. Most available human studies evaluate the systemic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects of G. pentaphyllum. While these outcomes are not direct neurological endpoints, they are biologically relevant to neuroprotection, given the established links between systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegenerative processes. Limited clinical data suggest improvements in oxidative stress, inflammation, and cognitive outcomes, with favorable safety profiles.

Evidence strength assessment: Preclinical and mechanistically plausible. Direct human neurological endpoint trials are essentially absent. Interest in applications for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease exists in the literature but is at an early stage.

5.8 Prebiotic and Gut Microbiome Effects

Jiaogulan has been traditionally applied for the treatment of various illnesses. In the last 20 years, extensive research has resulted in the discovery of more than 230 compounds with medicinal properties, including compounds relevant to gut health. Research published in Food Science & Nutrition (2022) examined the prebiotic properties of jiaogulan. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that gypenosides are crucial for the regulation of metabolic homeostasis, the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, the protection of the cardiovascular and hepatic systems, and the exhibition of anti-cancer potential.

Evidence strength assessment: Highly preliminary. The prebiotic hypothesis is based largely on animal and in vitro data. No dedicated human clinical trials on jiaogulan's gut microbiome effects have been published.

6. Body Systems and Health Areas of Association

Based on available research, jiaogulan has been associated with the following body systems and areas:

• Metabolic system: G. pentaphyllum has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory, lipid metabolism-regulatory, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, and anti-obesity effects.
• Cardiovascular system: Gynostemma pentaphyllum may exert its cardiovascular benefits through antioxidant mechanisms, by protecting blood vessels and heart tissues from damage caused by oxidative stress. It may help reduce the amount of LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol.
• Nervous system: Pharmacological properties include neuroprotective and anxiolytic activities.
• Immune system: Studies have confirmed that jiaogulan enhances immune system function and has significant antioxidant activity.
• Hepatic (liver) system: Dammarane gypenosides are considered the major bioactive constituents and possess hepatoprotective properties.
• Musculoskeletal and exercise physiology: Research published in Phytotherapy Research (2023) examined a gypenoside L-containing extract on fatigue and physical performance in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

7. Dosage Forms and Dosages Reported in Studies

Dosages used across studies vary substantially depending on the preparation, extract type, and therapeutic target. The following are only dosages as reported in the cited human studies and literature:

• Obesity (actiponin extract, RCT): The 80 subjects were divided into actiponin (n = 40, 450 mg/day) and placebo (n = 40) groups in the 12-week trial.
• Anxiety / psychological stress (EGP extract, RCT): Participants received either EGP at 200 mg, twice a day (i.e., 400 mg/day total), or placebo over the 8-week study period.
• Cholesterol (extract, clinical use): For high cholesterol, a jiaogulan extract dose of 10 mg three times daily (30 mg/day) has been cited.
• General extract range (from literature): Human studies of jiaogulan have indicated that a standard daily amount to lower cholesterol levels was 30 milligrams of Gynostemma extract, typically taken in three 10-milligram doses. For the treatment of other conditions, the recommendations for dosage vary widely, from 20 milligrams to over 150 milligrams per day.

Obstacles such as limited oral bioavailability, a lack of standardized extracts, and insufficient clinical data restrict the translational potential of gypenosides, which partly explains the wide variation in dosages across preparations.

8. Safety Considerations and Drug Interactions

General Safety Profile

No serious adverse drug reactions from G. pentaphyllum had been found during the studies included in available systematic reviews. GP use for more than 8 weeks appears safe based on the available RCT data for dyslipidemia. The actiponin obesity trial revealed that actiponin did not produce any significant adverse effects.

Jiaogulan has been found to cause nausea and increased bowel movement in some people.

Drug Interactions

Several pharmacologically significant interactions have been identified or are theoretically plausible:

• CYP2D6 enzyme inhibition: A gypenoside saponin found in jiaogulan has been shown to inhibit the CYP2D6 enzyme, which is responsible for breaking down certain medications by the liver. When the liver cannot produce enough of the enzyme, these medications can build up in the body and can lead to toxicity and harmful adverse reactions. Drug classes potentially affected include some opioids, antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, antiemetics, antiarrhythmics, and antihistamines.
• Immunosuppressants: Jiaogulan increases the activity of the immune system. By increasing the immune system, jiaogulan might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the activity of the immune system. Medications potentially affected include azathioprine, basiliximab, cyclosporine, daclizumab, muromonab-CD3, mycophenolate, tacrolimus, sirolimus, prednisone, and other corticosteroids.
• Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs: Jiaogulan may slow blood clotting and increase bleeding risk. Caution should be exercised in combining jiaogulan with other herbs or supplements known to inhibit clotting in the blood, as this could lead to excessive bleeding.
• Antidiabetic medications: Jiaogulan can lower blood sugar and may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when combined with antidiabetic drugs.

Populations Requiring Caution

• Autoimmune conditions: Individuals with autoimmune conditions such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis should use caution because jiaogulan may stimulate immune activity and potentially worsen symptoms.
• Pre-surgery: For those scheduled for surgery, it is usually advised to stop herbs that affect clotting at least two weeks beforehand.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of jiaogulan supplements has not been established for those with medical conditions, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children.

Standardization and Quality Concerns

Wide variation in the amount and nature of gypenosides has made standardization of specific gypenosides problematic. Most current products are standardized on total saponin content. Research on drug interactions with jiaogulan is incomplete. Human clinical trials on pure gypenosides are extremely limited.

References

• Wikipedia – Gynostemma pentaphyllum
• PMC – Anti-cancer effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (Jiaogulan)
• PMC / Frontiers in Pharmacology – Gynostemma pentaphyllum for dyslipidemia: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
• PMC / Food Science & Nutrition – Prebiotic properties of jiaogulan in the context of gut microbiome
• PMC / Nutrients – Gynostemma pentaphyllum Extract Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in C57BL/6N Mice by Upregulating SIRT1
• PMC – Gypenosides exert cardioprotective effects by promoting mitophagy and activating PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/Mcl-1 signaling
• PMC – Molecular Mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum in Prevention and Treatment of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
• PMC – Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract and Gypenoside L enhance skeletal muscle differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism by activating the PGC-1α pathway
• PubMed – Supplementation with extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum leaves reduces anxiety in healthy subjects with chronic psychological stress (Choi et al., Phytomedicine 2019)
• PubMed – Antiobesity effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (actiponin): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial (Park et al., Obesity 2014)
• Wiley – Park et al. (2014) Antiobesity effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (actiponin): Obesity Journal full text
• ScienceDirect – Gypenoside ameliorates insulin resistance and hyperglycemia via the AMPK-mediated signaling pathways in the liver of type 2 diabetes mellitus mice
• ScienceDirect – Supplementation with extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum leaves reduces anxiety (Choi et al., Phytomedicine 2019)
• ScienceDirect – Neuroprotective effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan): Mechanisms, active compounds, and therapeutic potential (2026)
• ResearchGate – Jiaogulan tea potentiates the antidiabetic effect of white tea via AMPK and PI3K pathway
• PMC – The potential of Gynostemma pentaphyllum in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and its interaction with the LOX1-PI3K-AKT-eNOS pathway
• PMC – A Systematic Review of Herbal Interventions for the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases
• PubMed – Phytopreventative anti-hyperlipidemic effects of gynostemma pentaphyllum in rats
• Drugs.com – Jiaogulan Uses, Benefits & Dosage (Natural Product Database)
• RxList – Jiaogulan: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions
• WikiDoc – Jiaogulan
• NDNR (Naturopathic Doctor News & Review) – The Herb of Immortality: Gynostemma pentaphyllum
• PMC – Anti-Diabetic Activities of Jiaotaiwan in db/db Mice by Augmentation of AMPK Protein Activity and Upregulation of GLUT4 Expression