Gynostemma:
The Science Behind the Immortality Herb
PART 2
by Mark J Kaylor
This is Part 2 of our three-part series on Gynostemma pentaphyllum. In Part 1, we explored what Gynostemma is, its traditional use in Chinese mountain communities as the “immortality herb,” and its adaptogenic properties that help the body respond to stress while supporting both energy and calm. Now we turn to the specific health benefits that modern research has validated.
When researchers in the 1970s investigated why certain Chinese provinces had unusually high numbers of healthy centenarians, regular consumption of Jiaogulan tea emerged as one common factor. Subsequent decades of research have helped explain why. Gynostemma demonstrates measurable effects on cardiovascular health, metabolic function, liver protection, immune modulation, and cellular defense systems. Let’s examine what the science actually shows.
Gynostemma Health Benefits: Research on Cardiovascular, Metabolic, and Liver Support
While Gynostemma’s adaptogenic and tonic properties provide broad support for health and vitality, research has identified several more specific areas where the herb demonstrates meaningful effects. These aren’t separate from its tonic actions but rather specific manifestations of how those foundational effects translate into measurable health outcomes.
Cardiovascular Benefits: Heart Health and Cholesterol Support
The traditional use of Gynostemma for promoting heart health and supporting healthy cardiovascular function has been validated by numerous studies. Research has demonstrated that Gynostemma can protect against coronary spasm, reduce arrhythmias, and support healthy blood pressure. In animal studies, aqueous extracts of Gynostemma showed protective effects against pitressin-induced coronary spasm and ouabain-induced cardiac arrhythmias, suggesting a role in maintaining normal heart rhythm and protecting against cardiac stress.
More recent research has explored Gynostemma’s cardioprotective mechanisms in greater detail. Studies in rats with induced myocardial infarction showed that Gynostemma leaf extract improved electrocardiogram readings, reduced infarct size (the area of damaged heart tissue), and decreased levels of cardiac enzyme markers that indicate heart damage. The extract also enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity in heart tissue while reducing oxidative stress markers. These effects appear to be mediated in part through the PI3K signaling pathway, a crucial regulator of cell survival and cardiovascular health.
For lipid metabolism, Gynostemma has demonstrated effects on cholesterol and triglyceride levels in multiple studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining Gynostemma for dyslipidemia found that it showed effects on total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol comparable to conventional lipid-lowering agents, but with significantly fewer adverse events. While the certainty of evidence was rated as low to very low due to study quality limitations, the consistency of findings across multiple trials is notable.
The herb’s effects on the cardiovascular system appear to work through multiple mechanisms: antioxidant protection of blood vessels, support for healthy endothelial function (the inner lining of blood vessels), modulation of nitric oxide production (important for blood vessel dilation), and effects on platelet aggregation. This multi-pronged approach aligns with what we see with many traditional herbs: rather than a single pharmaceutical-like effect, there’s a constellation of gentle influences that support overall cardiovascular health.
Blood Sugar Regulation and Weight Management Benefits
Gynostemma has been traditionally used in China for treating diabetes and has accumulated a substantial body of research supporting its effects on blood sugar regulation. A study in drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes showed that drinking Gynostemma tea (6 grams daily) for 12 weeks significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c (a marker of long-term blood sugar control) compared to placebo. Fasting glucose decreased by 3.0 mmol/L in the Gynostemma group compared to just 0.6 mmol/L in controls, and HbA1c dropped approximately 2 percentage points versus 0.2 points in the placebo group.
These effects on blood sugar appear to work through multiple mechanisms. Gynostemma enhances insulin sensitivity (helping cells respond better to insulin), increases glucose uptake into cells, improves GluT4 translocation (the mechanism by which glucose transporters move to the cell membrane to facilitate glucose entry), and may help preserve beta cell function in the pancreas. The saponins in Gynostemma, particularly certain gypenosides and dammarane compounds called damulins A and B, have been identified as key components responsible for these metabolic effects.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examining Gynostemma extract (branded as ActivAMP) in overweight adults found significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, total fat mass, and abdominal fat over 16 weeks compared to placebo. The study also showed improvements in blood triglyceride levels, liver enzyme markers, and inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha. Importantly, no significant adverse effects were observed, supporting the safety profile of Gynostemma for metabolic health applications.
Liver Protection and Fatty Liver Disease Support
Traditional Chinese Medicine has long used Gynostemma to support liver health, and modern research has validated this application. Studies have shown hepatoprotective effects in various models of liver injury, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chemical-induced liver damage, and chronic hepatitis. The mechanisms appear to involve antioxidant protection of liver cells, reduction of inflammatory cytokines, support for liver regeneration, and modulation of lipid metabolism in the liver.
In one clinical trial, adults with NAFLD who received Gynostemma extract while following a prescribed diet for four months experienced reductions in body mass index, fatty liver scores, and insulin resistance markers. While this was a small study and the participants were also dieting (making it hard to attribute effects solely to the herb), the findings align with traditional use and animal research showing that Gynostemma can help protect liver tissue and support healthy liver function.
The liver’s role in detoxification makes these protective effects particularly relevant. While we should be skeptical of sweeping “detox” claims in the wellness industry, genuine support for the liver’s natural detoxification processes through antioxidant protection and reduction of oxidative stress is valuable. Gynostemma appears to enhance the activity of key antioxidant enzymes in the liver, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and support the liver’s detoxification pathways.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
The antioxidant capacity of Gynostemma is substantial and well-documented. The herb is rich in various antioxidant compounds including saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids like chlorogenic acid. These compounds work synergistically to scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect cells from oxidative damage.
Research has shown that Gynostemma polysaccharides significantly increase levels of major antioxidant enzymes and molecules in the body, including SOD (superoxide dismutase), GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase), CAT (catalase), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and glutathione (GSH), while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage. This enhancement of the body’s endogenous antioxidant systems is arguably more valuable than simply providing exogenous antioxidants, as it strengthens the body’s own protective mechanisms.
The anti-inflammatory effects of Gynostemma have been demonstrated in multiple studies. In animal models of inflammation, Gynostemma extract reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha while improving motor function and reducing inflammatory markers in tissues. These anti-inflammatory effects appear to work through modulation of key inflammatory signaling pathways including NF-kappaB and support for anti-inflammatory mechanisms through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
What makes these antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties particularly significant is that chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are underlying factors in virtually all age-related diseases, from cardiovascular disease to neurodegeneration to metabolic dysfunction. Herbs like Gynostemma that can help modulate these fundamental processes may provide broad protective benefits across multiple systems.
Immune Modulation
We touched on this briefly in the tonic section, but Gynostemma’s effects on immune function deserve deeper attention. Studies have shown that Gynostemma polysaccharides can significantly increase spleen and thymus indices (measures of immune organ health), activate macrophage phagocytosis and natural killer cell activity, enhance splenocyte proliferation, elevate CD4+ T lymphocyte counts and improve the CD4+/CD8+ ratio (important markers of healthy immune balance), and increase levels of interleukin-2, a key immune signaling molecule.
What’s particularly notable is that these immune-enhancing effects occurred in immunosuppressed mice, suggesting that Gynostemma helps restore normal immune function rather than simply stimulating it indiscriminately. This regulatory quality is important because we don’t want herbs that simply rev up the immune system, which could potentially contribute to inflammatory or autoimmune responses. Instead, we want herbs that help the immune system function optimally, responding appropriately to genuine threats while maintaining tolerance to self and non-threatening environmental factors.
The combination of immune support, antioxidant protection, and anti-inflammatory effects creates a comprehensive picture of how Gynostemma might support healthy aging and resilience against various stressors and challenges.
These diverse health benefits—from cardiovascular support to liver protection to immune modulation—are impressive on their own. But researchers have discovered something even more fundamental about how Gynostemma works at the cellular level. In Part 3, we’ll explore how this herb activates AMPK, your body’s master metabolic switch, and what that means for healthy aging. We’ll also cover safety, dosage, and practical guidance for using Gynostemma.
References:
Cardiovascular Benefits
- Circosta, C., De Pasquale, R., & Occhiuto, F. (2005). Cardiovascular effects of the aqueous extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino. Phytomedicine, 12(9), 638-643.
- Yu, H., Shi, L., Qi, G., Zhao, S., Gao, Y., & Li, Y. (2016). Gypenoside protects cardiomyocytes against ischemia-reperfusion injury via the inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase mediated nuclear factor kappa B pathway in vitro and in vivo. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 7, 148.
- Yu, H., Zhang, H., Zhao, W., Guo, L., Li, X., Li, Y., Zhang, X., & Sun, Y. (2016). Gypenoside protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting cardiomyocytes apoptosis via inhibition of CHOP pathway and activation of PI3K/Akt pathway in vivo and in vitro. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry, 39(1), 123-136.
Cholesterol & Lipid Metabolism
- Dai, N., Zhao, F., Fang, M., Pu, F., Kong, L., & Liu, J. (2022). Gynostemma pentaphyllum for dyslipidemia: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 917521.
- Megalli, S., Davies, N. M., & Roufogalis, B. D. (2006). Anti-hyperlipidemic and hypoglycemic effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum in the Zucker fatty rat. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9(3), 281-291.
Blood Sugar Regulation
- Huyen, V. T. T., Phan, D. V., Thang, P., Hoa, N. K., & Ostenson, C. G. (2010). Antidiabetic effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea in randomly assigned type 2 diabetic patients. Hormone and Metabolic Research, 42(5), 353-357.
- Huyen, V. T. T., Phan, D. V., Thang, P., Hoa, N. K., & Ostenson, C. G. (2013). Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea improves insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2013, 765383.
Weight Management
- Rao, A., Clayton, P., & Briskey, D. (2022). The effect of an orally-dosed Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (ActivAMP®) on body composition in overweight, adult men and women: A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 35(3), 583-589.
Liver Protection & NAFLD
- Chou, S. C., Chen, K. W., Hwang, J. S., Lu, W. T., Chu, Y. Y., Lin, J. D., Chang, H. J., & See, L. C. (2006).The add-on effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 12(3), 34-39.
- Wang, C., Wang, P., Chen, W., & Bai, Y. (2022). Mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum against non-alcoholic fibre liver disease based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 26(13), 3760-3771.
Immune Modulation & Antioxidant Properties
- Shang, X., Chao, Y., Zhang, Y., Lu, C., Xu, C., & Niu, W. (2016). Immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of polysaccharides from Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino in immunosuppressed mice. Molecules, 21(8), 1085.
- Liu, J., Zhang, L., Ren, Y., Gao, Y., Kang, L., & Qiao, Q. (2014). Anticancer and immunoregulatory activity of Gynostemma pentaphyllum polysaccharides in H22 tumor-bearing mice. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 69, 1-4.
- Wang, Z., Wang, Z., Huang, W., Suo, J., Chen, X., Ding, K., Sun, Q., & Zhang, H. (2020). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of an anti-diabetic polysaccharide extracted from Gynostemma pentaphyllum herb. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 145, 484-491.
Additional Comprehensive Reviews
- Su, C., Li, N., Ren, R., Wang, Y., Su, X., Lu, F., Zong, R., Yang, L., & Ma, X. (2021). Progress in the medicinal value, bioactive compounds, and pharmacological activities of Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Molecules, 26(20), 6249.
- Ji, X., Shen, Y., & Guo, X. (2018). Isolation, structures, and bioactivities of the polysaccharides from Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino: A review. BioMed Research International, 2018, 6285134.
Mark J. Kaylor is a passionate advocate for holistic health and natural remedies, with a focus on extending both lifespan and healthspan. As the founder of the Radiant Health Project and host of Radiant Health Podcast, Mark blends in-depth research with traditional wisdom to empower others on their journey to vibrant health. Through his writing and speaking, he shares insights into the transformative power of herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle practices.
Disclaimer: All information and results stated here is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information mentioned here is not specific medical advice for any individual and is not intended to be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. This content should not substitute medical advice from a health professional. Always consult your health practitioner regarding any health or medical conditions.