Health Benefits of Jiaogulan

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is an herb native to China. Also known as Southern ginseng, it's long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Said to offer anti-aging benefits, jiaogulan is thought to aid in the treatment of many common health conditions.

In alternative medicine, jiaogulan is said to help with the following health problems:

• Back pain 
• Bronchitis
• Chronic pain
• Constipation 
• Cough 
• Diabetes 
• High blood pressure 
• High cholesterol 
• Insomnia

Jiaogulan is also said to act as an adaptogen (a substance said to shield the body from the harmful effects of chronic stress), as well as enhance memory, improve sports performance, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, preserve heart health, support detox, and promote weight loss.

Here's a look at several study findings on the potential health benefits of jiaogulan:

1)  Diabetes

Several studies show that jiaogulan may help control diabetes. In a clinical trial published in Hormone and Metabolic Research in 2012, for instance, researchers assigned 24 diabetes patients to 12 weeks of treatment with either jiaogulan tea or a ​placebo tea. Results revealed that those given jiaogulan experienced a greater improvement in blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity by the study's end.

Previous research on jiaogulan and diabetes includes an animal-based study published in the Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2006, which tested the herb's effects on diabetic rats and found that it helped reduce blood sugar levels and lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol. In addition, a 2008 study on mice (published in the Journal of Medicinal Food) determined that jiaogulan may help regulate blood sugar by altering activity in certain liver enzymes.

2)  Obesity

Jiaogulan may have anti-obesity effects, according to a study published in the journal Obesity in 2013. For the study, 80 obese people were given either jiaogulan or a placebo for 12 weeks. At the study's end, members of the jiaogulan group showed a significantly greater decrease in weight, abdominal fat, body fat mass, and body mass index (compared those given the placebo).

3)  Stress

An animal-based study published in the journal Molecules in 2013 indicates that jiaogulan may help protect against stress-related anxiety disorders. In tests on mice, the study's authors observed that jiaogulan helped inhibit stress-induced anxiety, possibly by influencing activity in certain brain cells involved in regulating mood.

4)  Asthma

Jiaogulan may fight asthma, suggests an animal-based study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine in 2008. The study's authors looked at jiaogulan's effects on mice, finding that the herb helped reduce the airway inflammation associated with asthma.

Jiaogulan may cause a number of side effects, including nausea and an increase in bowel movements.

There's also some concern that jiaogulan may inhibit blood-clotting, and therefore cause harm to people with blood conditions and/or those taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents. Due to jiaogulan's possible effects on blood clotting, it's also crucial to avoid the use of this herb prior to undergoing surgery.

Since jiaogulan may lower insulin levels, individuals with diabetes should use caution when taking this herb.

Keep in mind that supplements haven't been tested for safety and dietary supplements are largely unregulated. In some cases, the product may deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb. In other cases, the product may be contaminated with other substances such as metals. While consumers face such risks when purchasing any dietary supplement, these risks may be of greater magnitude in the purchase of products containing a variety of herbs in varying doses.

Also, the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established.

Jiaogulan is sold in many natural-foods stores and stores specializing in herbal products. You can also purchase jiaogulan online.

Due to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend jiaogulan as a treatment for any condition. It's also important to note that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. If you're considering using it for any health purpose, make sure to consult your physician first.