20 replies to this topic

[mentatpsi]

I thought I'd create a dedicated thread for examining and discussing the merits of Jiaogulan.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum, also called jiaogulan (Chinese: 绞股蓝; pinyin: jiǎogǔlán, literally "twisting-vine-orchid") 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 best known as an herbal medicine reputed to have powerful antioxidant and adaptogenic effects that increase longevity.

The plant is best known for its use as an herbal medicine in traditional Chinese medicine. A botany book by Wu Qi-Jun from 1848 Zhi Wu Ming Shi Tu Kao Chang Bian discusses a few medicinal uses and seems to be the earliest known documentation of the herb. Jiaogulan had been cited previously as a survival food in Zu Xio's 1406 book Materia Medica for Famine. Until recently it was a locally known herb used primarily in regions of southern China. It is described by the local inhabitants as the immortality herb, because people within Guizhou Province, where jiaogulan tea is drunk regularly, are said have a history of living to a very old age.[1][2]

At the most minimal level, Jiaogulan can be considered nontoxic in accordance with the the alleged constant consumption in conjuction with the greater lifespan. The argument however is towards its use as a reputed longevity herb through antioxidant, adaptogenic, and immunomodulating methods.

We shall examine further evidence detailing its effects:

IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECTS OF GYNOSTEMMA PENTAPHYLLUM MAKINO ON HUMAN IMMUNE CELLS
Authors: B. Sriwanthana, W. Threesangsri, W. Wanavichet, P. Chavalittumrong, J. Bansiddhi, Y. Techadamrongsin
Keywords: immunomodulator, jiaogulan, lymphocyte proliferation, NK cell activity
Abstract:
Use of herbs as health and/or dietary supplements has increased worldwide. The most common usage of botanicals is to improve the immune system. Water extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino was studied for its effects on lymphocyte proliferation and natural killer (NK) cell activity. Lymphocyte proliferation of normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in response to G. pentaphyllum extract was increased at concentrations of (in ng/mL) 1, 10, 100, and (in µg/mL) 1, 5, 10 and 100. Aqueous extract of G. pentaphyllum reduced lymphocyte proliferation at 1 µg/mL, suggesting immunomodulating activities on human immunocompetent PBMC.

I will add more research articles as I come across them.

Furthermore, any anecdotal records would be greatly appreciated.

Edited by mentatpsi, 02 January 2010 - 10:52 PM.

[mentatpsi]

Anecdotal to the psychological effects i mean. Unless you've become an immortal god, then by all means post away .

[mentatpsi]

Alright, I'll first make mention that I'm currently taking it although the one i'm taking is a bit expired. I'm waiting on a new one in the mail, but there is a bit of a delay as to processing. I remember taking it awhile back when it was still within best by date, and the effects were stimulating. If I notice any drastic improvements in energy levels i will post it, though i'm sceptical.

Research:

Source: link

Jiaogulan is a calming adaptogen appropriate for anxious or agitated people with unstable hypertension, stress headaches, and anxiety-induced insomnia.

Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens By J. P. MD Saleeby:

Edited by mentatpsi, 03 January 2010 - 11:19 PM.

[mentatpsi]

Thought I'd add a poll option for quick responses and convenience.

Edited by mentatpsi, 04 January 2010 - 10:42 PM.

[Hedrock]

Same action as with ginseng.

Feel more energized, feeling of heat, weight loss.

I also love the taste of it.

[mentatpsi]

Same action as with ginseng.

Feel more energized, feeling of heat, weight loss.

I also love the taste of it.

Do you take it as a tea? I know immortalitea sells the loose leaves which I've an interest in trying at some point, but at the moment I had thought the most popular supplementation was through capsules.

Any localized feeling of heat, or more global?

Also, do you notice any differences as far as the ginseng experience is concerned? Supposedly, it has much more saponins [1], as such i have to imagine there are differences as well.

[1]

"According to recent studies, the herb contains nearly four times as many saponins as Panax ginseng. Dr. Takemoto, a Jiaogulan researcher, discovered four saponins that are shared with Panax ginseng. But all in all there have been identified eighty-two saponins where Panax has only twenty-eight... Researchers are in agreement that the saponins are probably the more active components of these medicinal herbs."

Edited by mentatpsi, 05 January 2010 - 01:05 AM.

[mentatpsi]

I decided to summarize it for even more convenience. Though time-consuming, I think this format saves measurably more time for the reader than my previous posting of the book. Proper citation has also been included for those desiring references. I'd like to point out that there are many more quotes in the book that support the summary i made below.

Properties
- Adaptogenic
- Regulates Cholesterol^[1][9] & Blood Pressure
- Strengthens the immune system^[2][3]
- Effective in the Treatment of Hypertension^[4]
- Improves circulation & cardiovascular function
- Increases stamina
- Reduces stress
- Weight loss aid^[5]
- Increases Nutrient absorption^[5]
- Stimulates liver function^[6]
- Anti-Inflammatory^[6]
- Reduces blood sugar^[7]
- Antioxidant^[8]
- Increases SOD^[8]
- Promotes restful sleep
- Increases Vitamin D^[9]
- Lowers risk of heart attack^[9]
- Anti-cancer^[10]


Studies
Nearly 300 scientific papers on Jiagoulan and its saponins have been published in respected scientific journals.

-------
¹ "In a number of studies, the effectiveness of treatment using gypenosides to lower total cholesterol was shown to be as much as 63 percent." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 55)

²"Jiaogulan strengthens the immune system by preventing stress hormones that weaken immunity from overpowering the body, making a person more vulnerable to illness." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 56)

³"Research suggests that a daily dose of Jiaogulan could lessen the risk of colds, flu and infection by increasing the production of infection-fighting blood cells. In one controlled study, young rats fed with jiaogulan extract showed an increase in the number of T-lymphocytes." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 57)

⁴ "In a clinical trial of patients suffering from hypertension, the effect of Jiaogulan were compared with that of ginseng. The results revealed that 82 percent of those taking Jiaogulan noted improvement in their condition as opposed to only 46 percent of those taking ginseng." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 54)

⁵ "Jiaogulan also appears to improve fat metabolism and increase the absorption of nutrients. It appears to also block the absorption of fat, depress lipid peroxide and fat sediment in the blood vessels." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 54-5)

⁶ "A number of studies[Lin, J (2000) & ChenJC(1999)] show that Jiaogulan may produce anti-inflammatory effects that protect the liver from various toxic chemical such as carbon tetrachloride. Jiaogulan (50 mg daily) was shown to activate DNA replication in liver cells, thus promoting liver regeneration." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 57)

⁷ "Clinical studies in lab animals show that Jiaogulan extract appears to stimulate rejuvenation of essential pancreatic Beta cells, the key cell responsible in the generation of insulin." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 58)

⁸ "Scientific studies illustrate that taking 40mg of Jiaogulan daily can triple the body's production of superoxide dismatuase, therby helping to neutralize damaging free radicals." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 60)

⁹ "Jiaogulan is thought to increase lipid metabolism, which includes the conversion of cholesterol to Vitamin D, bile acids and HDL. It also inhibits the production of free fatty acids, which leads to triglyceride synthesis by the body's fat cells. In lowering the LDL cholesterol, Jiaogulan can help prevent atherosclerosis, stroke and heart attack." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 54)

¹⁰"This herbal was also found to improve the Natural Killer (NK) cell activity in cancer patients, thereby helping their bodies to fight back against the invading tumors." (Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens, pg. 56)

Edit:
Added missing source

Edited by mentatpsi, 06 January 2010 - 01:34 AM.

[mentatpsi]

Btw, there was no copy & paste function to the google book since it was in the form of images I imagine, as such all text was manually copied. So there might be a few misspellings here and there.

I believe I was accurate in my replication, but I am human lol.

[Hedrock]

Do you take it as a tea? I know immortalitea sells the loose leaves which I've an interest in trying at some point, but at the moment I had thought the most popular supplementation was through capsules.

No, capsules (from a very small german herb seller). Tea is not concentrated enough for me. But I often open the capsules and eat the powder, just to enjoy the taste.

I want to order the tea now just fo enjoying it.

Any localized feeling of heat, or more global?

More global. It's a positive type of heat. It activates something in me. I can't explain it exactly. It is a very subjective thing to describe the effects of a supplement. For other supplements i could not explain anything, but the different types of ginseng work very fast and replicable.

Also, do you notice any differences as far as the ginseng experience is concerned? Supposedly, it has much more saponins [1], as such i have to imagine there are differences as well.

Sorry! I can't say exactly what is the difference between the Panax and the Jiaogulan.

The taste of Jiaogulan is better.

[mentatpsi]

Fitoterapia. 2004 Sep;75(6):539-51.
Chronic toxicity of Gynostemma pentaphyllum.

Attawish A, Chivapat S, Phadungpat S, Bansiddhi J, Techadamrongsin Y, Mitrijit O, Chaorai B, Chavalittumrong P.

Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, 88/7 Tiwanont road, Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.

The effect of water extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum was evaluated on 6-month chronic toxicity in Wistar rats. Control group received orally 10 ml kg(-1) day(-1). The extract was orally given to the five treatment groups at the doses of 6, 30, 150, 750 and 750 mg kg(-1) day(-1) for 24 weeks. The last group served as the recovery group. The results showed that the extract did not produce any significant dose-related changes. Therefore, it is concluded that the extract of G. pentaphyllum at the given doses did not produce any significant toxic effect in rats during 6-month period of the treatment.

PMID: 15351107 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Phytomedicine. 2009 Aug;16(8):734-43. Epub 2009 Apr 29.
Protection of hippocampal slices against hypoxia/hypoglycemia injury by a Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract.

Schild L, Roth A, Keilhoff G, Gardemann A, Brödemann R.

Department of Pathological Biochemistry, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany. lorenz.schild@med.ovgu.de

In transverse hippcampus slices a short period of hypoxia/hypoglycemia induced by perfusion with O(2)/glucose-free medium caused early loss and incomplete restoration of evoked field potentials to only 50% in the CA(1) region. We report about a study investigating the effect of an ethanolic Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract in this system. When given with reperfusion the extract completely protected the cells of the slices from functional injury. The extract also protected at the subcellular level isolated mitochondria which had been subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation in combination with elevated extramitochondrial Ca(2+) concentration from functional injury. In isolated mitochondria the extract protected from Ca(2+)-induced opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and reduced lipid peroxidation. Our data demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum has a high potential to protect from ischemia/reperfusion injury. It should be beneficial as prophylactic nutrition supplement and during revascularization of arterial blood vessels from stroke and other ischemic events such as coronary occlusion.

Edited by mentatpsi, 07 January 2010 - 12:35 AM.

[mentatpsi]

"By increasing the body's blood supply through enhanced cardiac output, Jiaogulan helps to nourish the internal organs by getting more oxygen to cells. Since oxygen plays a pivotal role in cellular metabolism and activity, more oxygen means greater endurance and increased stamina. Jiaogulan also contributes to a healthier heart because of its capacity to help the body cope with the harmful effects of stress, which can be a major element in the development of heart disease. Incidentally, improved cardiac output has been show to shorten recovery time from illness and injury.

One trial studied 220 athletes as well as 30 healthy non-athletes taking Jiaogulan and showed a significant increase in cardiac output via ultrasound color doppler (ECHO) examination. This was achieved without an increase in blood pressure or pulse rate."

[magellan]

improvement in energy and immunity
better O2 availability during high stress activities
this would be good for the cardio endurance types
overall felt stronger
I take higher than usual doses for the most part 6-9 caps of the brand name

[mentatpsi]

improvement in energy and immunity
better O2 availability during high stress activities
this would be good for the cardio endurance types
overall felt stronger
I take higher than usual doses for the most part 6-9 caps of the brand name

I'd agree with the importance, as suggested by your dose, I've found myself deviating from my normal regimen and only taking the Jiaogulan. My current one is a year expired, hopefully the new one shall carry more kick.

[mentatpsi]

Do you take it as a tea? I know immortalitea sells the loose leaves which I've an interest in trying at some point, but at the moment I had thought the most popular supplementation was through capsules.

No, capsules (from a very small german herb seller). Tea is not concentrated enough for me. But I often open the capsules and eat the powder, just to enjoy the taste.

I want to order the tea now just fo enjoying it.

Any localized feeling of heat, or more global?

More global. It's a positive type of heat. It activates something in me. I can't explain it exactly. It is a very subjective thing to describe the effects of a supplement. For other supplements i could not explain anything, but the different types of ginseng work very fast and replicable.

Also, do you notice any differences as far as the ginseng experience is concerned? Supposedly, it has much more saponins [1], as such i have to imagine there are differences as well.

Sorry! I can't say exactly what is the difference between the Panax and the Jiaogulan.

The taste of Jiaogulan is better.

Thanks for your input. Your statement in regards to the consistency of the ginsengs though is an excellent description on its own . When you say, "it activates something in me", are you referring to something psychological or physical?

[mentatpsi]

Another note I'd like to point out, through my observations I have found that adaptogens really work with circadian rhythms. I had found that when taking this when my sleep patterns were off, it seemed to function more as a sedative, however once I allowed my norm sleep habits (daylight wake, night sleep) to take place, it began to function more as an energizer. This is very crucial, especially considering circadian rhythms are probably individualized to a certain extent. They will not offer resistance to those who might seek to deviate from the body's internal desires, rather they will further fulfil it. There in lies the beauty and power of adaptogens. To harness its power requires holistic wisdom rather than the brutality that augmenting sometimes has (e.g. certain energy drinks, all nighters). There might be exceptions to this, but I think overall this is true for most, if not all, adaptogens.

Any takers on this theory?

Edited by mentatpsi, 08 January 2010 - 04:20 PM.

[Hedrock]

Thanks for your input. Your statement in regards to the consistency of the ginsengs though is an excellent description on its own . When you say, "it activates something in me", are you referring to something psychological or physical?

Well, Ginseng has triterpenoid saponins.

For example Ginsenosides.

Jiaogulan has them too and a more different types I heard.

The can dock in the cell core and are simular to some prohormones in our own development So I think this activates some importent gene sequences in your epigenetic like the estrogens, but slightly different. They are phytoestrogens, so my goal is to get a bit of everything.

- Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng)
- Woman ginseng (Jiaogulan)
- Indian Ginseng (Ashwaghanda)
- Sibirian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
- Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia paniculata or similar Rhaponticum carthamoides)

The more different ginsengs I have, the better I feel, both psychological and physical.

All ginsengs have both, psychological and physical effects.

Ashwaghanda has the best psychological effect.

Sibirian ginseng has the best physiological effect. Very efficient to all eye problems! Myopia etc...

Panax an Jiaogulan have something of both, physical and psychological. Thea are kind of universal medicine.

The brasilian ginseng ist interesting for the insect hormone ecdysone (ecdysterone).

I can't get enough from ginsengs! They are all wunderful!

[Hedrock]

Another note I'd like to point out, through my observations I have found that adaptogens really work with circadian rhythms.

Any takers on this theory?

Nope. They are the best substances for activating your epigenetics. They have nothing to to with circadian rhythms to my opinion.

Hormones are highly effective substance. Be careful. Too much of them could make you sometimes sleepy. So don't take too much of it, when you have to work.

(I take Panax in the morning, Jiaogulan in the evening, ashwaghanda and sibirian ginseng all over the day)

Edited by Hedrock, 08 January 2010 - 07:04 PM.

[mentatpsi]

Another note I'd like to point out, through my observations I have found that adaptogens really work with circadian rhythms.

Any takers on this theory?

Nope. They are the best substances for activating your epigenetics. They have nothing to to with circadian rhythms to my opinion.

Hormones are highly effective substance. Be careful. Too much of them could make you sometimes sleepy. So don't take too much of it, when you have to work.

(I take Panax in the morning, Jiaogulan in the evening, ashwaghanda and sibirian ginseng all over the day)

I should have restated that to partly work with circadian rhythm, not in its entirety . Melatonin for instance is a hormone central to circadian rhythm in terms of sleep-wake cycle. Is it not possible that circadian rhythm will impact how these reserves are utilized? In other words, the time at which the adaptogen is used impacts its effectiveness more so than a normal herb. Caffeine for instance is very consistent in terms of energy boosts as long as one isn't sleep deprived. In the book Wonder Herbs, which I keep citing, one of the pages link adaptogens as "[helping] maintain the stable internal environment inside the body known as homeostasis." (pg. 16). Homeostasis and circadian rhythm seem very much interlinked.

Another link relates circadian rhythm to levels of certain hormones:

Many tissues in mammals, e.g., liver and skeletal muscle, have endogenous clocks. But all of these are under the control of a "master clock", the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) — clusters of neurons in the hypothalamus. Small wonder, then, that the blood levels of hormones

* synthesized in the hypothalamus, e.g. vasopressin, or
* whose secretion is controlled by the hypothalamus such as
o growth hormone and
o cortisol

have strong circadian rhythms.

As such, I believe circadian rhythm has a level of impact on how these adaptogens shall work. This is my theory of course.

[mentatpsi]

Thanks for your input. Your statement in regards to the consistency of the ginsengs though is an excellent description on its own . When you say, "it activates something in me", are you referring to something psychological or physical?

Well, Ginseng has triterpenoid saponins.

For example Ginsenosides.

Jiaogulan has them too and a more different types I heard.

The can dock in the cell core and are simular to some prohormones in our own development So I think this activates some importent gene sequences in your epigenetic like the estrogens, but slightly different. They are phytoestrogens, so my goal is to get a bit of everything.

- Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng)
- Woman ginseng (Jiaogulan)
- Indian Ginseng (Ashwaghanda)
- Sibirian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
- Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia paniculata or similar Rhaponticum carthamoides)

The more different ginsengs I have, the better I feel, both psychological and physical.

All ginsengs have both, psychological and physical effects.

Ashwaghanda has the best psychological effect.

Sibirian ginseng has the best physiological effect. Very efficient to all eye problems! Myopia etc...

Panax an Jiaogulan have something of both, physical and psychological. Thea are kind of universal medicine.

The brasilian ginseng ist interesting for the insect hormone ecdysone (ecdysterone).

I can't get enough from ginsengs! They are all wunderful!

Excellent summary. I haven't heard of Brazilian ginseng before though.

[mentatpsi]

The main weak-point in my argument, however, is the use of Rhodiola Rosea on medical practitioners on night shift and the ability to decrease fatigue and delay cognitive impairment as a consequence of sleep deprivation. My theory is just based on my own experience, so I could very easily be wrong.

The source:

The decrease in physical and mental performance of physicians on prolonged night call is well known. A low dose (170 mg/d) of R. rosea root extract was given to 56 young, healthy physicians on night call (Darbinyan and others 2000). The effect was measured as total mental performance, calculated as “fatigue index.” The tests reflected an overall level of mental fatigue involving complex cognitive functions, such as associative thinking, short-term memory, calculation, concentration, and speed of audio-visual perception. These parameters were tested before and after night duty during 3 periods of 2 wk each in a double-blind cross-over trial. A statistically significant improvement in mental performance tests was observed in the treatment group (R. rosea) during the 1st 2-wk period. However, at 6 wk, the effect appeared to be lost.

[mentatpsi]

Actually, another question for you since you seem rather knowledgeable, or anyone who may know.
I imagine the effects to the CNS is similar to Panax Ginseng, am I wrong in this regard?