Adaptogenic Properties and Saponins
in Jiaogulan

Russian scientist N. V. Lazarev coined the term adaptogen in 1947 to describe herbs that have "a normalizing action on various bodily functions regardless of the direction of the pathological condition." In other words, an adaptogen is an herb that helps the body self-regulate. There is extensive research on Jiaogulan (Gynostemma Pentaphyllum) and its potential adaptogenic properties.

Southern Ginseng!

Song W.M. et al. Comparison of the adaptogenic effects of Jiaogulan and Ginseng. Zhon Cao Yao. China. 1992

Synopsis: The popular herb Ginseng is the most frequently cited example of an adaptogen. The Chinese often refer to Jiaogulan as "southern Ginseng" because it grows in the southern provinces of China and is reported to have properties similar to Ginseng. Dr. Song from china studied Jiaogulan and Ginseng in side by side studies and reported that Jiaogulan has demonstrated adaptogenic properties similar to Ginseng.

Over 82 Saponins!

Takemoto, Tsunematsu, et al. "Studies on the Constituents of Cucurbitaceae Plants." Yakugakuzasshi. Japan 1987.

Dr. Takemoto and his team analyzed Jiaogulan for its chemical compounds. He identified 82 different saponins in Jiaogulan. (Note that more recent research has identified at least five more) Saponins are often associated with adaptogens. By comparison Ginseng has only 28 saponins. Saponins increase blood supply to the internal organs through enhanced cardio-vascular function. (see our link on cardio-vascular research) As the internal organs are better nourished and more active due to increased blood flow they tend to naturally return to a normal state.

Adapting to stress!

Zhou, S.R. "A preliminary study on the effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum on endurance, spontaneous motor activity and superoxide dismutase in mice." Asia Pacific Journal of Pharmacology 1990.

Dr. Zhou reported in the Asia Pacific Journal of Pharmacology that in studies with mice he found improved endurance and resistance to a variety of stress factors including oxygen deprivation, forced exercise overloads, electric shock and high temperatures when the mice received gypenosides (the medical term for chemical derivations from Gynostemma pentaphyllum.)

Athletic performance!

Zhang, Yi-Qun et al. "Immediate effects of a gypenosides-containing tonic on the echocardiography of healthy persons of various ages. " Journal of Guiyang Medical College 1993.

In a study involving over 300 professional athletes researchers at the Guiyang medical college found that the athletes reported feeling more vigorous and alert, quicker reflexes and less nervousness when they received a oral tonic containing gypenosides. A control group received the tonic without the gypenosides and did not report the same effects.

Insomnia!

Liu, Jialiu, et al. "Overall health-strengthening effects of a gypenosides-containing tonic in middle -aged and aged persons." Journal of Guiyang Medical College 1993.

A research group led by Dr. Jialiu Liu, the foremost expert on Jiaogulan, found the seniors and middle aged people who receive gypenosides had reduced stress induced insomnia. They studied 112 people and reported a 89% - 95% effectiveness rate in improving the quality of sleep.

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Jiaogulan and Your Health