Scientific Name: Gynostemma
Other Names: Amachazuru, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Jiaogulan, Miracle Grass, Southern Ginseng, Vitis pentaphyllum, Xianxao

Who is this for?

Uses

Although it has been used to treat a wide range of diseases in its native areas of China, gynostemma has been studied most for its effects on the cardiovascular system (the heart and blood vessels). Gynostemma may have a direct strengthening effect on the heart, possibly causing the heart to beat more powerfully. It may also have a number of secondary cardiovascular effects, such as reducing the stickiness of blood components called platelets. Created in the bone marrow, platelets circulate in the blood. In a process called "platelet aggregation", they stick to injured tissue, beginning the blood clotting process and promoting wound healing. Gynostemma's potential reduction in platelet aggregation may help to reduce the build up of plaques in blood vessels. Plaques are accumulations of fats and blood cells that may lead to heart attacks or strokes if blood flow becomes restricted. In addition, gynostemma has been shown in laboratory studies to widen blood vessels—an effect that may both lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. Some evidence suggests that gynostemma also contains chemicals that may lower cholesterol levels in the blood. All of these potential effects need more human studies to prove or disprove them.

Because it is an antioxidant, gynostemma may also have potential as an anticancer and immune-stimulating agent. Antioxidants are thought to protect body cells from damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation, which produces oxygen free radicals, natural chemicals that may also suppress immune function. As shown in laboratory studies of human cancer cells, gynostemma may disrupt normal cell division in cancer cells, thereby preventing or delaying the onset of cancer and possibly destroying existing cancerous tumors. This anticancer effect has also been seen in early results from a few animal studies. Separate animal studies show that gynostemma may also help to regulate the immune system. When it was given to animals with either deficient or overactive immune systems, gynostemma appeared to return immune function to levels that are more normal. The antioxidant effects of gynostemma may also protect the liver from some of the damage caused by certain drugs or chemicals or by chronic alcohol abuse. In animal studies, gynostemma has interfered with the development of liver fibrosis—the formation of scar-like fibers in the liver. Because the non-functioning fibers crowd out active liver tissue, liver function decreases gradually as the amount of fibrous tissue increases. Gynostemma’s possible antioxidant effects also need further study before it can be recommended for any of these uses.

Note: In August 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) published a scientific advisory warning that little evidence was found for the effectiveness of antioxidant vitamin supplements to prevent cardiovascular disease. While acknowledging the benefits of antioxidants, the scientists who prepared the AHA recommendation advise getting natural antioxidants from foods rather than from supplements. Additionally, some evidence from animal studies suggests that very high doses of antioxidants such as those in gynostemma may actually increase damage from oxidation. Therefore, doses of supplemental antioxidants should be no higher than recommended by the manufacturer of the product,

In studies of animals, gynostemma birth defects occurred in some of the babies born to mothers given gynostemma during pregnancy. Although no reports of similar effects have been reported in humans, pregnant women 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.

What side effects should I watch for?

Nausea—sometimes described as serious—has been associated with taking gynostemma. Also reported is a possible increase in the number of bowel movements.

No other side effects have been reported consistently from using gynostemma. Since few reliable studies of its use have been conducted in humans, however, it may have side effects that are not yet known. Individuals who experience unexplained side effects while taking gynostemma should stop taking it and tell a doctor or pharmacist about the side effects.

What interactions should I watch for?

Prescription Drugs

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 clopidogrel and Ticlid
• Anticoagulants include heparin and warfarin

Because it can affect 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 reduce the ability of blood to clot after an injury. Aspirin can also decrease 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
• Garlic
• Ginger (in high amounts)
• Ginkgo
• Horse Chestnut
• Panax Ginseng
• Papain

Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how gynostemma interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.

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 treating cancer and for normalizing the function of the immune system.

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 effect currently attributed to gynostemma is nausea.

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 May 11, 2007

References

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Last Revised May 11, 2007

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.

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