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Jiao Gu Lan
Herb: Gynostemma Herb
Botanical Name: Gynostemma
pentaphyllum Action
of Herb: Tonic, Cardiovascular, Immune Support
An anti-aging,
longevity tonic herb. It is reinforcing to overall health and has a strong
anti-fatigue effect. Strengthens the immune system. Used for a variety of
health complaints. contains 82 saponins, some of which are directly related to
the ginsenosides found in ginseng root
Cardiovascular - Immune System - Anti-Oxidant - Stress Relief
The scientific community became interested in the herb after two Japanese
researchers stumbled across it looking for a sugar alternative. They discovered
that the plant contained ingredients very similar to those found in ginseng.
Further research showed that jiao gu lan has a wide range of actions in the body,
with a general overall effect of helping to balance and regulate body systems,
such as the cardiovascular and hormonal systems. Studies have since been
conducted which indicate that jiao gu lan has antioxidant properties and helps
support circulation and immune systems.
Better Than Ginseng
Jiao gu lan contains substances called gypenosides. These are similar to the
active constituents in ginseng, but jiaogulan contains over three times as many.
Furthermore, jiao gu lan is believed to have a superior action to ginseng, being
more supportive without causing overstimulation. In China it is often referred
to as 'women's ginseng' since it is considered to be much kinder to women's body
systems than ginseng.
Cholesterol - Blood Pressure- Athlectic Enhancement
The water extract of jiao gu lan has demonstrated a marked effect in
lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.1 In one clinical trial,
129 patients were divided into two groups, with one group receiving jiao gu
lan and the other receiving a placebo. After one month of study, the
patients in the herb group showed a statistically significant reduction in both
total cholesterol and triglycerides levels in comparison with the placebo group.
Side-effects included two cases of dizziness; one case of poor appetite; four
cases of abdominal distention; 42 reports of weight loss; and 28 cases of weight
gain.2 In another study, the combination of jiao gu lan and
shan zha (crataegus) reduced both triglycerides and cholesterol levels.3
Jiao gu lan,is also a main adaptogenic herbs, helps to support a number of
body functions and helps to support the body in times of stress it can be
beneficial for a range of people. It is particularly recommended for those who
want to try and improve their energy levels, who would like to support and
maintain their blood pressure, support maintaining a healthy cholesterol
balance, support with a healthy immune system, assist the circulation and aid a
bright and clear mind. It is also used to enhance athletic performance -
especially as a constituent in a formula with extracts of dan shen and panax
ginseng.
Read an Excellent Book
A book by Michael Blumert, and Dr. Jialiu Liu called Jiao Gu
Lan
"China's Immortality Herb" is a fantastic resource book with references
on all the benefits of Jiao Gu Lan. A few that are stated in this book
are Stress Relief, Cholesterol Reduction, Endurance, Immune
Enhancement, Stamina, Balance, Recovery, Blood Pressure Regulation. Reference
1. Practical Applications of Modern Herbal Medicine 1990;7(1):42.
2. Hunan Medicine 1991;8(5):259.
3. la Cour B, et al. Traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of hyperlipidemia.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology May 1996;46(2):125-9.
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