Herbs & Supplements

Should I take it?

Originally found growing wild in southwestern parts of China, gynostemma is a vine with leaves that most often are divided into five leaflets--usually with a larger leaflet at the end of the leaf stem surrounded by leaflets of decreasing size on either side. Gynostemma belongs to the same family of plants as cucumbers and melons, but it does not bear an edible fruit or vegetable. Instead, it has small dark berries that follow light yellow flowers. While the seeds will sprout, gynostemma ordinarily spreads by sending out runners, which are woody extensions of roots that run under the ground and produce shoots for new plants. It is now grown commercially throughout Southeast Asia. Commercial cultivation is usually done in greenhouses or under open tents because gynostemma wilts in direct sunlight. Harvested in the late summer, gynostemma leaves are dried and used for medicine. Due to the saponins it contains, gynostemma may also be used in soaps and detergents.

Although it has long been used for medicine and beverages in southern China, gynostemma was not known to the general scientific community until relatively recently. A naturally sweet plant, gynostemma was first studied in the 1970s as a possible sugar substitute. However, during early research it was discovered to contain chemicals that are similar to those in Panax ginseng. Currently, researchers are investigating the role of gynostemma in preventing and treating a wide variety of conditions.

Dosage and Administration

In the few studies conducted in humans, a common daily amount used to lower cholesterol levels was 30 mg of gynostemma extract, taken in three 10 mg doses. For treating other conditions, recommended doses vary from about 20 mg to over 150 mg per day. While even large doses (several cups of gynostemma tea per day) appear to be safe, no scientific documentation is available to confirm a maximum dosage.

Note: The active ingredients in gynostemma are known as saponins. This large group of chemicals is characterized by their general ability to make soap-like suds when they are mixed with water and the mixture is shaken. Saponins may have many effects in the body, including positive ones such as improving immune function. Saponins may also have negative effects such as blocking the digestion of some nutrients. Gynostemma may contain over 80 different types of saponins. Because the content of saponins and other chemicals in gynostemma varies greatly depending on the species of the plant and the conditions under which it grows, standardizing gynostemma products is difficult. Standardization by the manufacturer should assure the same amount of active ingredient in every batch of the commercial preparation. Standardization of herbal products is not required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so not every gynostemma product that is available in the U.S. contains the same amounts of active ingredients.

Summary

Gynostemma has been studied most for its effects on the heart and blood vessels. It may help to lower blood cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and heart rate. Gynostemma may also have antioxidant properties that may make it useful for preventing and treating cancer, normalizing the function of the immune system, and protecting the liver.

Risks

Because it has caused birth defects in animals, gynostemma should be avoided by pregnant women. Small children and breast-feeding women are also advised not to take it, since so little is known about its possible long-term effects.

Side Effects

The only side effects currently attributed to gynostemma are nausea and increased bowel movements.

Interactions

The antiplatelet properties of gynostemma may increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding if it is taken at the same time as drugs or herbals that also decrease the blood's ability to clot. Taking it may also interfere with the effects of drugs used to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Last Revised April 15, 2008