What is Jiaogulan?
Jiaogulan is a member of same family as cucumbers, melons, and gourds. It grows in five-leaf clusters, hence its botanical name, Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Jiaogulan has a long history of use in China, but is just now gaining popularity worldwide because of new scientific research supporting a wide range of health benefits that may very well eclipse that of any plant yet discovered. In its native home in southern China, jiaogulan is so revered that it is called xiancao (“herb of immortality”). Jiaogulan’s broad spectrum of biological effects can be explained by its status as a potent adaptogen. This rare class of herbs has the ability to bring balance to the body under a wide range of stressful circumstances. Adaptogens also enhance the body’s ability to defend itself by improving immunity and increasing energy, stamina, and endurance. The chemical constituents responsible for the balancing effects of adaptogens are called saponins, and these exist in many forms. It is believed that the
