Why is Jiaogulan “The Herb of Immortality?” - NL-077

With its long list of health benefits, anti-ageing properties and rejuvenating nature, jiaogulan is aptly known as the ‘Herb of Immortality’. Jiaogulan or Gynostemma pentaphyllum has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a rejuvenating tonic to boost energy, calm nerves and reduce fatigue. It sparked a lot of interest in 1970's when a nation-wide census found that people living in certain villages of Guizhou, Guangxi and Sichuan provinces in China had unusually long lifespans with extremely low occurrence of chronic, age-related diseases. The research that followed revealed that locals regularly consumed tea made from jiaogulan that helped them live a long, healthy and relatively disease free life.

The herb is loaded with saponins, plant compounds with remarkable anti-oxidant and adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are rare rejuvenating herbs that regulate your body's response to stress, improve immunity and restore equilibrium in the body, besides providing many other health benefits. And as one of the most powerful adaptogens out there, jiaogulan strengthens your body's ability to respond to stress and the damage caused by chronic stress and infections. The herb nourishes, strengthens and tunes-up all your major body systems, including immune, nervous, endocrine and circulatory system - optimising their functions and creating overall balance in the body.  

In addition, saponins in the herb jiaogulan are very powerful anti-oxidants that protect the body from oxidative damage and inflammation. Jiaogulan also stimulates the synthesis of the body's own (endogenous) antioxidants, namely Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione and Catalase. These are some of the very potent antioxidants that protect cells and tissues from the damage caused by stress, pollutants, toxins and other harmful substances. Antioxidants such as glutathione also help in the detoxification process and keep the body clean by getting rid of toxins. Jiaogulan also contains other health boosting substances such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, proteins, amino acids and trace minerals.

Health Benefits of Jiaogulan

1.    Provides anti-oxidant support
2.    Promotes healthy sleep
3.    Supports heart health
4.    Boosts immune functions
5.    Reduces stress and anxiety
6.    Improves mental alertness
7.    Boosts energy and stamina
8.    Maintains blood sugar levels
9.    Improves gut health
10.    Maintains healthy liver

In a nutshell, the anti-oxidant and adaptogenic qualities of jiaogulan prevent premature ageing and protect the body from stress, deterioration and chronic diseases. Taking jiaogulan supplements will reinforce your body's natural ability to repair, heal and recover faster from infections and illness.

Reference:

1.    Su et al. Progress in the Medicinal Value, Bioactive Compounds, and Pharmacological Activities of Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Molecules. 2021
2.    Nayyar et al. Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Increases Exercise Performance and Alters Mitochondrial Respiration and AMPK in Healthy Males. Nutrients 2023