Though the plant contains ginseng and ginseng-like saponins, it has not been reported to contain the other types of biologically active compounds, acetylenes, and polysaccharides found in ginseng. Thus, while ginseng pharmacology presents a reasonable starting point for investigation, jiaogulan cannot be considered as pharmacologically identical to ginseng.
HyperlipidemiaAnimal data
Oral administration of a gynostemma decoction in combination with Nelumbo nucifera and Crataegus cuneata was found to lower triglycerides and cholesterol in rats and quail. However, a dose response was not demonstrated. 26 Administration of an aqueous extract of the whole plant to rats in chow over 12 weeks resulted in a reduction in serum levels of total cholesterol and beta-lipoproteins. 27 A second study in mice and rats given 200 mg/kg PO of the crude saponin demonstrated lower total cholesterol (TC) and VLDL but increased HDL/LDL. 28
Clinical dataA clinical study of hyperlipoproteinemic subjects also found a decrease in TC with increased HDL/TC at a dose of 10 mg given 3 times daily for 30 days. 29 A study of 105 patients confirmed these effects. 30
Lipid peroxidationAnimal data
An antioxidant effect of gypenosides was reported in phagocyte, endothelial cell, and liver microsome systems. 31 Further study by the same group 32 explored these effects in vascular endothelial cells injured by hydrogen peroxide. Rat microsome studies also have found similar effects for crude gypenosides. 33
Clinical dataResearch reveals no clinical data regarding the use of jiaogulan for lipid peroxidation.
AdaptogenicDespite the wide reputation of ginseng as an adaptogen, few studies of jiaogulan have been published on the topic.
Animal dataChen 34 found an increased tolerance to fatigue in forced swimming and hanging models in mice, and enhanced tolerance to anoxia, along with potentiation of pentobarbital hypnosis.
Clinical dataResearch reveals no clinical data regarding the use of jiaogulan as an adaptogen.
Cardio- and cerebrovascular effectsAnimal data
The hot water extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum was found to activate platelet aggregation. However, the active principle was not elucidated. 35 Gypenosides inhibited platelet aggregation in another study. 36 In rabbits, crude gypenosides decreased heart rate, increased stroke volume, dilated blood vessels, and reduced blood pressure while slightly increasing cardiac output. 37 Purified gypenosides 5 and 10 were found to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, decrease coronary, brain, and peripheral blood vessel resistance, raise coronary flow, and lower heart rate in dogs. 38 Crude gypenosides protected against cerebral ischemic damage in a rabbit model. 39
Clinical dataResearch reveals no clinical data regarding the use of jiaogulan for cardio- and cerebrovascular effects.
Cancer and immunologic effectsAnimal data
An extract of Gynostemma inhibited the growth of a rectal adenocarcinoma cell line, 40 while total gypenosides inhibited growth of A549, Calu 1, and 592/9 carcinoma cells more potently (1 to 10 mg/L) than Hela and Colo 205 cells. 41 Both callus and field grown Gynostemma increased the lifespan of mice bearing Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma, an effect attributed to immune enhancement. 42 Crude gypenosides also had activity versus S-180 cells both in vitro and in vivo. 43 Gypenosides protected against cyclophosphamide-induced bone marrow and spermatozoal mutagenesis when given orally at 40 to 160 mg/kg to mice. 44 Similar treatments enhanced immune function in another report. 45
Clinical dataCancer patients given jiaogulan granules after chemotherapy showed improved immune function by several endpoints. 46
OtherExperimental senility in mice induced by D-galactose was attenuated by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of Gynostemma aqueous extract. 47
