Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a vine up to 8 meters tall of the Cucurbitaceae family, distributed across South and East Asia, nicknamed 'southern ginseng' for its adaptogenic effects believed to prolong life in traditional Chinese medicine. Its young shoots and stems are processed into tea and cosmetic ingredients. Jiaogulan is also believed to help improve blood circulation and lower cholesterol.

Grows at elevations of 300-3,200 m above sea level with an optimal temperature of 15-30°C. Develops quickly in warm, moist, shaded climates with well-drained soil. Commonly found in forests or roadsides.

• Stem small in diameter and thin, cylindrical, covered with fine elongated grooves.
• Leaves oblong, compound, arranged from 5-7 leaflets, widening at the base, tapering at the tip. Dark green on top and bright green underneath, serrated edges.
• Flowers greenish-white, male and female located on different plants.
• Fruit round, 5-6 mm in diameter, smooth surface, green when young and black when ripe
• Seeds heart-shaped with a diameter of about 4 mm, grayish-brown in color.

• Propagated generatively through seed.
• Seeds are soaked in warm water for 24 hours and sown in loose soil.
• Each planting hole contains 2-3 seeds. Seeds germinate 2-6 weeks after sowing.

Flavonoid, ombuin, ergostanol, sitosterol, stigmasterol, saponin, cholestanol, acetylenic sterol, rutin, allantoin, vitexin, amino acids.

Treats asthma, bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, improves blood circulation, stimulates liver function, boosts the immune system, lowers blood sugar, and cholesterol

• Take fresh leaves as needed and wash thoroughly with running water.
• Cut the leaves into small pieces then air-dry at room temperature and cover with a black cloth. Drying is done until evenly dry.
• Once dry, grind the leaves into powder then pack in a closed container

Southern ginseng