Evidence supporting the use of: Jiaogulan
For the health condition: Nervous Exhaustion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and folk practices, where it is often referred to as the "herb of immortality." In these traditional contexts, jiaogulan has been valued for its adaptogenic properties—herbs that help the body resist various stressors. The use of jiaogulan for "nervous exhaustion," a term historically used to describe symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and burnout, is grounded chiefly in this traditional adaptogenic role. Traditional texts and ethnobotanical surveys report that people in southern China and other parts of Asia have consumed jiaogulan teas or extracts to boost energy, combat fatigue, and support general resilience to physical and mental stress. From a scientific perspective, research on jiaogulan has focused mostly on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular benefits. Several animal and in vitro studies indicate that its active compounds, called gypenosides, can modulate neuroendocrine responses to stress and may have neuroprotective effects. However, robust clinical trials specifically evaluating jiaogulan for nervous exhaustion or related conditions in humans are lacking. Thus, while some preclinical findings are promising and align with traditional uses, the direct scientific evidence supporting jiaogulan for nervous exhaustion remains limited. Its use for this condition today is primarily justified by tradition rather than strong modern scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Nervous Exhaustion
Albiziaamber
ambergris
amino acids
Anemone
animal protein
Aralia
ashwagandha
astragaloside
astragalus
ba ji tian
bee pollen
Beef liver
betony
Black Hellebore
blessed thistle
blue flag
bone marrow
brahmi
caterpillar mushroom
catnip
Chinese salvia root
Codonopsis
Convolvulus pluricaulis
Convolvulus prostratus
cordyceps
Cynomorium
deer root
deer velvet
egg
eleuthero
elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
frankincense
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
Gerovital H3
gotu kola
Hellebore
jiaogulan
L-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
licorice root
Ligustrum
lion's mane
liquid liver fractions
Lycium
maca
magnesium
maral root
Motherwort
pollen
reishi mushroom
Rhodiola
royal jelly
Sarivan
Schizandrol A
Scleranthus annus
Spikenard
spruce
Sulbutiamine
sunflower
Thiamin (vitamin B1)
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin D
Waterhyssop
Wheat
wheat germ
Withanolides
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by jiaogulan
AnginaArteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Convalescence
Diabetes
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Hypertension
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Nervous Exhaustion
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Weight Loss
