Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) has a history of traditional use in Chinese medicine for promoting longevity and general health, but its application for cholesterol management is also supported by modern scientific research. Several clinical studies and animal experiments have investigated its effects on lipid metabolism. The active constituents in jiaogulan, particularly gypenosides, have been shown to modulate cholesterol synthesis and breakdown. Randomized controlled trials in humans indicate that supplementation with jiaogulan extract can lead to significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol), and triglyceride levels, while sometimes increasing HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol).

For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Phytomedicine (2006) found that subjects with hyperlipidemia who took jiaogulan extract for 12 weeks showed notable improvements in their lipid profiles compared to placebo. Mechanistically, jiaogulan appears to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme involved in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism, which may account for its cholesterol-lowering effects.

While the available clinical evidence is promising, sample sizes have generally been small, and long-term safety data are limited. More large-scale, rigorous trials are needed to confirm these benefits and establish optimal dosing. Nevertheless, current evidence provides a moderate level of scientific support for the use of jiaogulan as an adjunct in managing high cholesterol.

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