RE: Jiaogulan Leaf? long

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Pinyin: Jiaogulan

Scientific Name: Gynostemma

Other Names: Amachazuru, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Miracle Grass, Immortal

Grass, Southern Ginseng, Vitis pentaphyllum, Xianxao

This herb has been used in China for many centuries, traditionally to treat

jaundice and chronic bronchitis. It has the classic function of clearing

away heat and toxic material. " Southern Ginseng " Jiaogulan contains a large

quantity of these saponins, known also as gypenosides. The structure of the

gypenosides is very similar to the panaxosides (also known as ginsenosides)

found in ginseng. In both classical TCM and American TCM (new-age formulas)

Jiaogulan is found in many herbal formulas usually under he name of Vitis,

Gynostemma (more recently) and Amachazuru (Japanese)

contains many amino acids, vitamins and minerals including calcium, iron,

magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Gynostemma is

generally reinforcing to overall health and has a strong anti-fatigue

effect.

Japanese studies have indicated that Gynostemma has a double-direction,

regulating influence on the central nervous system, meaning it is calming

when one is overexcited and stimulating when one is depressed. Japanese

studies have also shown that Gynostemma is clinically useful in a number of

mental and neurological conditions, including simple depression, anxiety and

schizophrenia.

Gynostemma is often used to treat inflammation and chronic bronchitis, stop

coughs and remove sputum. It can also be beneficial to the circulatory

system by lowering high blood pressure, decreasing the level of high blood

fats and reducing the incidence of blood clots and arteriosclerosis.

Gynostemma can also be used to control body weight. As a diet herb, it

accelerates the body’s metabolism, adjusts blood sugar and reduces blood

fat. Some athletes who consume Gynostemma report improved appetites and more

lean muscle.

Preliminary research indicates that Gynostemma may help prevent cells from

becoming cancerous.

In studies of animals, gynostemma may have caused birth defects in some of

the babies born to mothers given gynostemma during pregnancy. Although no

reports of similar effects have been reported in humans, women who are

pregnant are advised to avoid gynostemma.

Precautions

Very little information is available on how gynostemma might affect an

infant or a small child. Therefore, its use is not recommended while

breast-feeding or during early childhood. Physician First Rule: Do No Harm.

Unless there is a specific cause for medicinal intervention one must

refrain. babies and children need very little help other than good wholesome

nutrition and guidance.

Nausea -- sometimes described as serious -- has been associated with taking

gynostemma. Also reported is a possible increase in the number of bowel

movements.

Avoid in PG, breast feeding Possible birth defects, serious nausea and

increased bowel movements, diabetics.

Herbal-Drug Interaction

In studies, gynostemma has been shown to increase the time blood needs to

clot. When it is taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, the effect

of the drug may be increased, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding.

Antiplatelets include Plavix and Ticlid

Anticoagulants include heparin and warfarin

Because it can enhance immune system function, gynostemma may interfere with

the effects of drugs used to suppress the immune system after organ

transplants or in other conditions. Taking gynostemma is not recommended for

patients who take drugs such as:

azathioprine (Imuran)

CellCept

cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Prograf

Rapamune

Zenapak

Non-prescription Drugs

Gynostemma can affect the ability of blood to clot after an injury. Aspirin

can also delay clotting, so gynostemma should not be taken at the same time

as aspirin.

Herbal Products

Theoretically, if gynostemma is used with other herbs that affect blood

clotting, bleeding may occur. Some of the most common herbal products that

might inhibit blood clotting are:

Danshen

Devil's Claw

Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)

Garlic

Ginger (in high amounts)

Ginkgo

Horse Chestnut

Panax Ginseng (American or Korean Ginseng)

Papain

I would include KT in this list as well as KT especially sour or aged KT is

in effect vinegar and moves the blood. Since most people suffer from High

Blood Pressure Ginseng et al is touted as a miracle herb. Many people report

a slight " buzz " when drinking KT. This " buzz " generally resembles the

feeling when one drinks an alcoholic beverage and question if there is any

alcohol in the KT. IMO this results from the lowering of the blood pressure.

When one has a pre-existing tendency towards hypo-blood pressure (lower

blood pressure) than a small amount of KT may lower their BP to a low BP

where dizziness and fainting may result. The addition of any of the Ginsengs

(Siberian, Chinese, Korean, American) as well as Jiaogulan, with its high

levels of ginsenosides, will make a tendency for LBP more serious.

Ginsengs are stimulants. The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)

rates ginseng as a class 2d herb—specific restrictions apply. Hypertension

(high blood pressure) is a specific restriction. Those with low blood

pressure as well as those with an acute illness or diabetes (because of the

risk of a sudden drop in blood sugar), should use caution. Ginseng should be

discontinued at least 7 days prior to surgery (may lower blood glucose

levels and create problems for patients fasting prior to surgery). Also,

ginseng may act as a blood thinner, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding

during or after the procedure. Other reported side effects include high

blood pressure, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, euphoria, diarrhea,

vomiting, headache, nosebleed, American Ginseng is the most balanced while

Korean (Red) is the hottest and Chinese the mildest. To avoid hypoglycemia

(low blood sugar), even in non-diabetics, ginseng should be taken with food.

Eating ginseng root or via capsules have a stronger adverse affect than the

liquid and may irritate the stomach.

Possible Herb-Drug Interaction: Ginseng may decrease the effectiveness of

blood-thinning medications (warfarin). May inhibit platelet activity

(aspirin). Increases the effect of caffeine. May exaggerate the effects of

Haloperidol (anti-psychotic med), blocks the pain killing effects of

morphine, Phenelzine and other MAOIs for Depression. May interact with

phenelzine (class of monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOIs]), resulting in

symptoms ranging from manic-like episodes to headache and tremulousness.

Korean (RED) is the most stimulating of the Ginseng .

For kombucha brewing Jiaogulan would be in the same class as Ginseng. Many

people report good results. Brewed with the kombucha one generally adds some

black tea as well (25-50%). Generally I would add Ginseng ( and Jiaogulan)

after fermentation. Unless I wanted the specific synergistic effect. (which

are scientifically unknown; Theoricaly in TCM a addition of individual

benefits)). I would also always keep one pure kombucha brewing going to

maintain the integrity of the ferment.

Note: the FDA has issued warnings on claims being made for this herb.

http://www.fda.gov/cder/warn/cyber/2002/CFSANjagulana.htm

This does not go to the safety of the herb (see cautions above) rather to

the specific health claims that are being made.

Ed Kasper LAc .Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist

Acupuncture is a jab well done

www.HappyHerbalist.com

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