Gynostemma pentaphyllum or also known by the common name of Jiaogulan which translated into Spanish means twisted vine orchidis a species of grass that belongs to the family of cucurbit plants, whose origin occurs in the areas of China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.
It is used for traditional medicine and at present it offers many benefits for physiotherapy, this plant being a great antioxidant.
Gynostemma pentaphyllum characteristics
This it is a vine that has a tall stem and some rather narrow branches that can have an approximate measure of between four and eight meters.
The leaves of this plant are heavy, with a number of three to nine leaflets and are lanceolate to oval in shape. The leaflet that is in the final part, is always bigger than the ones on the sideswith a measurement of three to twelve centimeters long by four centimeters wide.
This it is a dioecious plant; Its female inflorescences, as well as male ones, are panicles that have a calyx that is formed by bracts that have a triangle-shaped section measuring one to five centimeters and of a color that can be between pale green and white.
The peduncles are branched as well as filiform and the pedicels can be up to four millimeters long.
The inflorescences that are male are always much larger than the femalemeasuring up to 30 centimeters. The female inflorescences have an ovary similar to a sphere and that produces a globe-shaped, glabrous, indehiscent or also pubescent fruit, with a diameter of between five to six millimeters.
The fruit of this plant is black and inside it has brown seeds, oval in shape and with a papillose surface that can measure four millimeters in total in diameter.
General Information
The Jiaogulan is a plant that grows wild in some parts of Asia. Its blade is used for manufacture of some medicines. Likewise, Jiaogulan is sometimes referred to as “Southern Ginseng” because it grows mainly in south central China and is used quite similarly to ginseng.
People use Jiaogulan to lower bad cholesterol, for diabetes, liver disease, obesity, and many other conditions, though there is no scientific evidence that can prove most of these uses.
Jiaogulan is a plant that contains substances that can be very helpful for lower bad cholesterol levels.
Uses
High cholesterol
There is some evidence that taking Jiaogulan can be of great help to lower cholesterol and increase the “good” ratio of high-density lipoproteins in people with very high cholesterol levels.
Little evidence about effectiveness against:
Diabetes
Early research shows that drinking tea made with Jiaogulan twice a day for four weeks, lowers fasting blood sugar levels and improves the body’s sensitivity to the effects of insulin in people with diabetes.
Liver disease (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease)
Early research has shown that taking Jiaogulan by mouth three times a day for four months does not improve liver function, body mass index, cholesterol levels, kidney function, or blood sugar in those who suffer from a type of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Obesity
Some of this early research has been able to show that taking Jiaogulan twice a day by mouth for 12 weeks, may slightly decrease body weight in people suffering from obesity.
- Back pain.
- Cancer.
- Constipation.
- Gallstones
- Improves heart function.
- Improves memory.
- Regulating blood pressure.
- Stomach disorders
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
- Ulcers.
- Other conditions.
Much more evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Jiaogulan in each of these uses.
Side effects and safety
Jiaogulan is most likely to be safe when taken by mouth in the short term with a maximum consistency of up to four months. In some people, can cause effects secondary such as severe nausea and increased bowel movements.
Special precautions and warnings
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Jiaogulan is safe if taken by mouth while a woman is pregnant. One of the chemicals found in Jiaogulan has been linked to possible birth defects.
The effects that Jiaogulan can have during breastfeeding are not well known, therefore need to suspend use to stay safe.
Autoimmune diseases
As is the case with multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus), rheumatoid arthritis or other types of conditions. the use of Jiaogulan could make the immune system become more active.
This could increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. If the person has an autoimmune condition, it is better avoid use by Jiaogulan until you have more knowledge.
Bleeding disorders
Using Jiaogulan can slow blood clotting. There is concern that it could make bleeding disorders worse.
Diabetes
Consuming Jiaogulan can make blood sugar level drops too low if people with diabetes control their blood sugar level with insulin or medication. Therefore, it is necessary to use Jiaogulan with caution if the person suffers from diabetes.
Surgery
Since one of the effects is to slow down blood clotting, there is some concern that it may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery, being necessary discontinue use at least two weeks before scheduled surgery.
Moderate interaction
You need to be very careful with the next combination. Medications that lower the immune system also known as immunosuppressants, they interact with Jiaogulan.
Likewise, the consumption of this panta can increase activity in the immune system. When this happens, Jiaogulan could decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the functions of the immune system.
Some medications that are responsible for reducing the functions of the immune system are: azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab. (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and many others.
The medicines that decrease blood clottingalso known as anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, also interact with Jiaogulan.
Take this plant combined with medications that are also responsible for reducing clotting, can increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting are aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen. (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
