Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a dioecious, sexual, herbaceous climbing vine. It is native in South and East Asia as well as New Guinea. Gynostemma includes cucumbers, gourds, and melons which come under the cucurbitales family. Its fruit is small and its color is purple inedible gourd. It is a climbing vine, attaching itself using tendrils for support. The serrated leaflets commonly grow in groups of five although some species can have groups of three or seven leaflets.
Benefits :
- Gynostemma used as an antioxidant, anti-aging agent, and detoxifying agent
- Gynostemma is used for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and to improve heart function.
- Gynostemma is also used for strengthening the immune system, increasing resistance to environmental stress, increasing stamina, improving memory, endurance, and preventing hair loss.
- Other uses include treatment of poor appetite, cough, chronic bronchitis, chronic gastritis, ulcers, constipation, inflammation, stress, gallstones, obesity, cancer, diabetes, insomnia, backache, and pain.
Side effect :
Gynastemma is possibly safe when the tea is used for up to 3 months, and the extract is used for up to 4 months when taken by mouth. The common side effects are nausea and diarrhea.
Precaution:
- In women during pregnancy and breastfeeding avoid it due to the possibility of birth defects.
- Avoid people who have the autoimmune disease because it causes a more active immune system that increase the symptoms of autoimmune disease.
- Avoid people who have bleeding disorders it might slow the blood clotting.
- Stop using it at least 2 weeks before surgery due to its increased risk of bleeding.
Interaction:
Be cautious with the following combination:
- Medications that decrease the immune system interacts with Jiaogulan which might increase the activity of the immune system. This interaction might decrease the effects of these medications.
- Medications that slow blood clotting interacts with jiaogulan that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
- Medications for diabetes interact with jiaogulan along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor blood sugar closely.
Dosing:
Gynastemma extract, In adults doses of 200-225 mg twice daily for up to 16 weeks are taken orally. Speak with a healthcare nutritionist to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
