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
amino acidsashwagandha
astragalus
waterhyssop
caterpillar mushroom
Chinese salvia root
cordyceps
eleuthero
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gotu kola
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
licorice root
lion's mane
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
motherwort
spruce
pollen
reishi mushroom
rhodiola
thiamin (vitamin B1)
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin D
zinc
jiaogulan
catnip
bee pollen
blessed thistle
sunflower
amber
royal jelly
wheat germ
Aralia
Ambergris
Albizia
Anemone
Astragaloside
Animal protein
Betony
Blue Flag
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Brahmi
Ba Ji Tian
Black Hellebore
Codonopsis
Cynomorium
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Deer Root
Deer Velvet
Egg
Elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
Frankincense
Gerovital H3
Spikenard
Wheat
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