What is Jiaogulan Tea?
Jiaogulan is a vine-growing plant, part of the cucumber family and is native to China. It has a long history of use in Chinese medicine, due to its multiple health benefits. Being referred to under multiple other names including “xian cao” and “gynostemma pentaphyllum”, the two nicknames of “herb of immortality”, “Southern ginseng”, most likely stemmed from the Guizhou Province, a southern area of China where many centenarians live, and is believed their longevity is a result of drinking this tea daily.
While Jiaogulan tea has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, it began gaining recognition in western society after a 1970 census taken in China.The results of the census revealed interesting data, particularly in two small regions where a large number of its people were over the age of 100.Further research concluded that both regions had the jiaogulan plant growing natively and was consumed on a regular basis by locals because it was less expensive than other teas and they rather enjoyed the natural sweet flavour.
Jiaogulan is a powerful antioxidant and it plays an important role in health.Studies suggest that it improves fat metabolism, stops further growth of cancer cells, safeguards and strengthens the heart and regularizes blood pressure.
Research shows that Gynostemma pentaphyllum (commonly known as Jiaogulan) contains more than 200 identified dammarane-type saponins, collectively called gypenosides, along with flavonoids and polysaccharides. These bioactive compounds are considered responsible for many of the plant’s reported pharmacological properties.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity
Experimental and preclinical studies suggest that gypenosides exert significant anti-inflammatory effects, partly by modulating NF-κB signaling pathways and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. They also demonstrate antioxidant properties, enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase while reducing oxidative stress markers. These mechanisms may contribute to cellular protection and healthy aging.
Cardiovascular Protection
Several animal and human studies indicate potential cardioprotective effects, including improvements in endothelial function, lipid metabolism, and blood pressure regulation. Gypenosides appear to influence nitric oxide production and may help reduce LDL oxidation, a key factor in atherosclerosis development. Some clinical trials have reported improvements in serum lipid profiles, including reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Metabolic and Blood Sugar Support
Jiaogulan has been studied for its possible role in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Small clinical trials suggest that standardized extracts may help improve fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance in individuals with type 2 diabetes, potentially through activation of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a central regulator of energy metabolism.
Stress Adaptation and Adaptogenic Effects
Traditionally classified as an adaptogen, Jiaogulan is believed to help the body adapt to physical and psychological stress. Preliminary research suggests it may influence cortisol regulation and support overall resilience, although more large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.
References:
- Razmovski-Naumovski V, Huang TH, Tran VH, Li GQ, Duke CC, Roufogalis BD.
Chemistry and pharmacology of Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Phytochemistry Reviews. 2005;4:197-219. - Megalli S, Aktan F, Davies NM, Roufogalis BD.
Phytopreventative anti-hyperlipidemic effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum in rats. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2005;8(3):507-515. - Huyen VT et al.
Antidiabetic activity of Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea in type 2 diabetic patients. Hormone and Metabolic Research. 2010;42(5):353-357. - Xue Li et al.
Gypenosides, a promising phytochemical triterpenoid: research progress on its pharmacological activity and mechanism . Chinese Medicine. 2025. - Lin JM et al.
Effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum on lipid metabolism. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1993;38(2-3):197-201.
Note. Depending on when the Jiaogulan was harvested there maybe a slight difference in taste, this is normal.
