Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a climbing plant in the cucumber family and is widely known as Jiaogulan. It has a long history of use in parts of East and Southeast Asia.
Why has Jiaogulan attracted attention?
One of the best-known features of Gynostemma is its rich profile of saponins, often referred to as gypenosides. Hundreds of dammarane-type saponins have been described across the genus, making the plant particularly interesting to phytochemistry researchers.
Traditional use
Historical and folk use varies by region. Reviews of the genus describe Gynostemma as a traditional botanical used in several Asian communities, including in the form of herbal drinks.
What is science studying?
Modern studies investigate extracts, isolated saponins and polysaccharides from the plant. Much of the published work is still laboratory, animal or early-stage research. Reviews consistently note the need for stronger human clinical evidence before firm conclusions can be made about therapeutic effects.
For a botanical tea, Gynostemma is therefore best presented for what is well established: its identity, its traditional use history and its unusual phytochemical richness.
Further reading
PubMed review: triterpenoids from the genus Gynostemma
Research note: This article is for general educational purposes. Traditional use and laboratory or preclinical research do not establish that consuming a tea containing this ingredient will produce a therapeutic effect.