Gynostemma ,The history of the herb began in the Chinese Empire during the Ming Dynasty between the 14th and 17th centuries. The West became interested in it and its medical effects only about 30 years ago, when Japanese pharmacologists made exciting discoveries.
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What is a five-leafed gynostem?
We call the herb Gynostemma pentaphyllum. The English name with which you will find it most often is Jiaogulan. In Chinese, the word for five-leafed gynostemma sounds identical to the English “Jiaugulan” and means a twisting vine orchid. This name suggests the connection of the gynostem with the common vine. The plant grows in Southeast Asia, China, South Korea and Japan.
What do we need to know about the active ingredients of the five-leafed gynostem?
In phytotherapy, five-leaf gynostema is known as a proven antioxidant and adaptogen. This effect of the herb is due to the saponins it contains, called “hypenosides”. The molecule of the substances in question is very similar to other saponins: ginsenoids found in the herb ginseng. The gynostem contains ten other types of saponins present in both plants. Once in the body, some of the hypenosides are thought to be converted to ginsenoids.
What is it used for and what are the health benefits of the five-leaf gynostem?
Proven benefits of taking five-leaf gynostemma:
- Proven powerful antioxidant: Once in the body, gynosteids of the gynostem increase the amount of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is one of the most powerful natural weapons in the fight against free radicals;
- Lowers cholesterol levels (“bad” cholesterol): regulates LDL and HDL cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels in the blood;
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Optimizes digestion by improving the absorption of nutrients in the intestines. This is part of its overall adaptogenic effect;
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Improves athletic performance, in particular aerobic endurance. It is believed that the reason is in the tonic effect that the herb has on the heart and the improved enrichment of the blood with oxygen in the lungs, due to the relaxed blood vessels, due to the action of hypenosides. The path of impact is not firmly proven at the expense of the final effect;
- Improves immunity: it has been found that due to the intake of five-leaf gynostem extract there is an increase in the number of immune cells (phagocytes, lymphocytes), as well as the total level of serum immunoglobulin.
Assumptions and unproven claims:
- Optimizes blood pressure. The mechanism of action is still poorly understood. It is believed that the gynostem supports the work of the heart directly and at the same time increases the amount of nitric oxide in the blood vessels to increase their volume. This action of the five-leafed gynostemma makes it common on the labels of nitrogen boosters, in its role as a supporting agent;
- CNS adaptogen. It is believed that the herb can stimulate or relax brain activity depending on the functions of the body and thus help the body adapt to stress. Despite the applied research, new additional ones are needed to provide a solid basis for the expected impact.
Side effects and contraindications for taking five-leaf gynostem
Nervous anxiety and increased intestinal peristalsis have been reported as known suspected side effects associated with gynostem intake. There are no data on the effect of the herb on pregnant and breastfeeding women, but it should not be taken without a prescription due to the property of the five-leafed gynostema to dilute the blood, which can lead to difficulty in stopping in case of injury.
In combination with what should we not take five-leafed gynostem?
It is considered that non-gynostem should not be used concomitantly with blood thinners / anticoagulants and drugs. This includes aspirin. Theoretically, delaying blood clotting effect have: devil’s claw, eleutherococcus, garlic, ginger (in high doses), ginkgo biloba, horse chestnut, ginseng, papain.
What doses are needed and how is it taken?
The recommended dose varies according to the purpose of use of the gynostem extract from 10 mg / day to 150 mg / day.
In which sports and health supplements can we find it?
Five-leaf gynostem extract can be found most often in a combined formula of antioxidants, in complex adaptogens and last but not least, as an auxiliary substance in the composition of nitrogen boosters.
