Juicing For Health - Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) Benefits
Overview
Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is an herbaceous vine of the family Cucurbitaceae (cucumber or gourd family) indigenous to the southern reaches of China, southern Korea and Japan. Jiaogulan is sometimes called "Southern Ginseng", since it grows in south central China and because of its similarity to ginseng in chemical composition and adaptogenic function.
Also referred to as Xiancao which means "Immortality" Herb due to its many health promoting benefits.
Chemical Composition
In the late 1970s, Japanese scientists began discovering jiaogulan's therapeutic qualities. What they discovered was an herb very similar to the ever popular ginseng, yet in some ways superior. They found jiaogulan to function as both an adaptogenic herb and as an antioxidant herb, containing many health-giving saponins (chemical compounds having a soapy characteristic), as well as trace minerals, amino acids, proteins, and vitamins.
Jiaogulan contains 84 beneficial saponins(known also as gypenosides) which is three times more than ginseng. The structure of the gypenosides is very similar to the panaxosides (also known as ginsenosides) found in ginseng.
Jiaogulan Benefits
Jiaogulan also known as the herb of immortality is packed with health promoting benefits from its adaptogenic and antioxident properties to lowering cholesterol, boosting the immune system and much more.
- Adaptogenic
- Adrenal Fatigue
- Antioxident
- Blood Pressure
- Bronchitis
- Cholesterol
- Digestion
- Immune System Support
- Stroke And Heart Disease
- Strength and Endurance
Jiaogulan has a biphasic effect on brain functions, energizing or calming the system depending upon need, as well as on the regulation of hormonal functions in both men and women. Adaptogens are non toxic herbs that are thought to increase the body's resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue and have a normalizing effect on the body.
Jiaogulan is one of the best adaptogen herbs for helping support proper adrenal gland function. Jiaogulan can have a calming or stimulating action on the nervous system thus is good for those who suffer from anxiety. Often recommended for chronic fatigue syndrome.
Antioxidents are one of the most important factors in preventing degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease, liver disease and so on. Jiaogulans saponins called gypenosides have in studies shown to have strong antioxident properties. Clinical studies have shown that Jiaogulan stimulates the body's natural production of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) by as much as 300%.
Jiaogulan has been widely reported to be effective in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Although the exact mechanism is still being researched, studies have shown that jiaogulan improves the metabolism of the heart directly as well as enhances the release of nitric oxide in the body, which helps to relax the coronary blood vessels.
Jiaogulan has been traditionally used as a remedy for bronchitis. In one study, the effectiveness rate of using jiaogulan tea to treat chronic bronchitis was 93%.
Scientific studies have confirmed jiaogulan's ability to assist the regulation of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (bad cholesterol), and HDL (good cholesterol, which helps to metabolize cholesterol from the arteries).
Jiaogulan hels to improve and strengthen the digestion, it helps an underweight person by assisting the absorption of nutrients. This regulatory effect on bodily functions is the hallmark of an Adaptogen. Can be a good aid to a weight loss program.
Jiaogulan has also demonstrated an ability to support the immune system when under the siege of various destructive agents. Jiaogulan has also shown its effectiveness, in clinical research studies, as a potent immunomodulator. It increases the production of Lymphocytes, Phagocytes, and Serum IGG.
Jiaogulan dramatically decreases the chances of a stroke by inhibiting blood platelets from "sticking together," which prevents a stroke-inducing blood clot from forming. This same action prevents artery clogging, reducing risk of a heart attack.
The results of human studies confirm that jiaogulan can enhance the contractility of the heart muscle and heart pumping function. Other studies have shown that the saponins in jiaogulan increase strength and endurance in the body. Considering these findings overall, jiaogulan becomes the perfect herb for anyone who wants to improve his competitive edge in any field of athletic performance.
Buying Information
Here are some good sources of jiaogulan products below from retailers we trust.
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