Gynostemma, or jiaogulan, has long been used in herbal medicine, where it earned the nickname the “immortality herb.” It’s also referred to as “poor man’s ginseng,” as gynostemma benefits are similar to that of Panax ginseng but at a fraction of the cost. Both gynostemma and ginseng, while unrelated, contain compounds called ginsenosides that are not found in other plants. (1) To learn more about the immortality herb, read below.
Here are 9 health-related gynostemma benefits:
1) Fights Allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, gynostemma can offer you some relief. Allergies and asthma crop up as a result of an overactive Th2 system. (2) Gynostemma benefits those with allergies by boosting Th1 immune cell production, which balances the Th2 system. (3) Gynostemma treatment lowers multiple inflammatory molecules associated with allergies in animal studies. Furthermore, there are multiple animal studies that have shown gynostemma’s ability to combat various symptoms of seasonal allergies. For example, gynostemma stabilizes mast cells and reduces histamine production. It also reduces airway inflammation as brought on by Th2 cytokines. (4) And compounds from gynostemma also limit inflammation by boosting nitric oxide and activating AMPK. This in turn could provide further relief of allergy symptoms. (5)2) Neuroprotective Abilities
Gynostemma benefits also include its ability to protect brain cells from damage. In one study, gynostemma protected the brain from damage caused by low oxygen. (6) Additionally, this plant is undergoing studies as part of a potential treatment for stroke. (7) Furthermore, gynostemma may help treat Parkinson’s disease as well as Alzheimer’s disease. High doses of this herb protected cells from damage in animal models of these conditions. (8) Gynostemma also protects the brain from oxidative stress and boosts energy production. (9)3) Supports Weight Loss
As compounds in gynostemma can improve blood flow during exercise, it may also increase exercise capacity. This in turn may help those who are trying to lose weight see faster gains. (10) Moreover, gynostemma benefits a weight loss plan by boosting fat burning. It also makes cells more sensitive to insulin by activating the energy sensor molecule AMPK. (11) And a third way gynostemma benefits your weight loss goals is by reducing production of a protein that promotes obesity. (12)4) Improves Symptoms of Diabetes
Gynostemma can also offer relief from diabetic symptoms. It does this by regulating blood sugar and boosting antioxidant enzymes. (13) Furthermore, gynostemma improves insulin sensitivity by activating the energy sensor AMPK. (14) And in various studies, diabetic animals supplemented with gynostemma showed improvements of blood sugar levels. (15) Gynostemma benefits also include its ability to reduce cholesterol. In one study, gypenosides extracted from gynostemma decreased pathways that lead to cholesterol production. And another study saw that regular consumption of tea made from gynostemma was linked with lower cholesterol. (16)5) Shows Cancer-Fighting Capabilities
Add cancer to gynostemma’s list of diseases it can fight. Compounds extracted from it, for example, prevented lung cancer from spreading in human cell studies. (17) And in various animal studies, it prevented the spread of colon cancer, as well as increased the production of antioxidant enzymes that help fight cancer. (18) Moreover, gynostemma may reduce the risk of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
