Gymnostemma (Gynostemma pentaphyllum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Gymnostemma work in the body?

Gymnostemma contains gypenosides, saponins structurally similar to ginsenosides found in Panax ginseng. These compounds exert adaptogenic effects by modulating the body's stress response systems and supporting homeostasis. Gypenosides demonstrate antioxidant activity and may support cardiovascular function through effects on lipid metabolism and circulation. The herb also contains flavonoids and polysaccharides that contribute to its overall therapeutic profile as an adaptogen and longevity tonic. Evidence level: C.

Does Gymnostemma interact with blood thinners?

Yes, Gymnostemma may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. Due to its potential effects on blood clotting mechanisms, concurrent use with blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel may increase bleeding risk. Patients taking anticoagulant medications should consult a qualified healthcare provider before using Gymnostemma. This interaction requires clinical monitoring and professional guidance. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Gymnostemma?

The typical adult dosage for Gymnostemma is 3-6 grams of dried herb prepared as tea daily, or 400mg of standardized extract taken twice daily. Traditional use involves regular consumption as a longevity tonic. Standardized extracts should specify gypenoside content for consistent dosing. Individual needs may vary based on health status and intended use. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

Is Gymnostemma safe during pregnancy?

Gymnostemma is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. There is insufficient safety data regarding use while pregnant or breastfeeding. The herb's active compounds, particularly gypenosides, have not been adequately studied in pregnant populations. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not use Gymnostemma without explicit guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.

What are the side effects of Gymnostemma?

Gymnostemma is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. Reported side effects are typically mild and may include nausea and increased bowel frequency. These effects often diminish with continued use or dose adjustment. Individuals with autoimmune conditions should avoid Gymnostemma due to potential immune-modulating effects. Discontinue use if adverse reactions occur and consult a healthcare provider. Evidence level: C/Traditional.

What is Gymnostemma used for?

Gymnostemma is traditionally used as a longevity tonic and adaptogen to support stress resilience and combat fatigue. In Chinese mountain communities, it earned the nickname 'immortality herb' due to regular consumption by long-lived populations. Modern use focuses on cardiovascular support, including cholesterol and triglyceride reduction. The herb's gypenosides provide antioxidant activity and adaptogenic stress reduction benefits. Evidence level: C.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan) is a medicinal herb used in Asia for health care and disease treatment, possessing lipid-regulating, hypoglycemic, and cardioprotective properties [PMID:34684830, PMID:38912051].

Contexte

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino, also known as Jiaogulan, is a plant from the Cucurbitaceae family used as a herbal tea, dietary supplement, and vegetable in Asian countries [PMID:34684830, PMID:28662582, PMID:40480562].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally consumed as a tea for its pleasant taste and weight loss efficacy [PMID:34684830], and used in Chinese medicine for treating hepatitis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease [PMID:27708693].

Composés actifs

The primary bioactive compounds are saponins (gypenosides), polysaccharides (GPP), flavonoids, and phytosterols [PMID:34684830, PMID:40480562]. Over 200 compounds have been isolated, the majority of which are dammarane-type saponins [PMID:35282005, PMID:27708693].

Mécanisme d'action

G. pentaphyllum reduces triglyceride levels via PPAR/UCP-1/PGC-1α/PRDM16 and (SREBP-1c)-ACC/FAS-CPT1 signaling pathways [PMID:37722515]. Gypenosides exert cardioprotection by promoting mitophagy and activating PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/Mcl-1 signaling [PMID:38912051]. Hepatoprotective effects are mediated through the downregulation of hepatic HSP90A and STAT3 [PMID:41301472].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve ADyslipidemia

G. pentaphyllum was comparable to n-3 fatty acids and red yeast rice in normalizing serum lipids; combined with n-3 fatty acids, it was superior in normalizing triglycerides and total cholesterol [PMID:36091752].

Preuve AHyperlipidemia

Meta-analysis indicates G. pentaphyllum effectively reduces triglyceride levels and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [PMID:37129524].

Preuve CCancer

In vitro and in vivo tests indicate anti-cancer activities, with specific gypenosides showing antiproliferative effects against human tumor cell lines including A549, HepG2, MCF7, and HL-60 [PMID:34684830, PMID:30965662, PMID:20382401, PMID:21279881].

Preuve DDiabetes/Hyperglycemia

Possesses hypoglycemic properties [PMID:34684830] and exhibits anti-hyperglycemic effects in obese mice when used in combination extracts [PMID:41011571].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

A 6-month chronic toxicity study in Wistar rats showed that water extract of G. pentaphyllum did not produce significant dose-related toxic effects at doses up to 750 mg/kg/day [PMID:15351107].

Interactions médicamenteuses

Adaptogens (a category including G. pentaphyllum) were involved in 9% of adverse events associated with the concomitant use of antidepressants in a retrospective chart review [PMID:37829299].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence for lipid-lowering effects is strong, supported by systematic reviews and meta-analyses (Level A). Other pharmacological claims (anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective) are primarily supported by in vitro, animal models, or review articles (Level C/D).

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 34684830 (2021) — Progress in the Medicinal Value, Bioactive Compounds, and Pharmacological Activities of Gynostemma pentaphyllum. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 37829299 (2023) — Harder, better, faster, stronger? Retrospective chart review of adverse events of interactions between adaptogens and antidepressant drugs. · Frontiers in pharmacology
3.PMID: 28662582 (2017) — Further New Gypenosides from Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum). · Journal of agricultural and food chemistry
4.PMID: 35282005 (2022) — Prebiotic properties of jiaogulan in the context of gut microbiome. · Food science & nutrition
5.PMID: 27708693 (2016) — Anti-cancer effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (Jiaogulan). · Chinese medicine

Gymnostemma

Sources et citations

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