An Immortality Tea?

Have you heard of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum? It is a five-leafed perennial climbing vine native to Southern China, Northern Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, the same plant family as cucumbers, gourds, and melons. Unlike these varieties, gynostemma does not bear edible fruit and is a dioecious species, existing as either a male or female plant. When the two grow together, the female will produce small clusters of black seeded berries.

Gynostemma is also referred to as "sweet-tea vine,” and it became particularly famous as an "immortality tea." In the last several decades, it has increasingly gained popularity. The plant contains a group of triterpenoid saponins known as ginsenosides, which are believed to be responsible for many of its health-promoting properties. It is an adaptogenic herb rich in antioxidants with chemical constituents similar to ginseng. The leaf has more potency than the root when it comes to the healing benefits. It helps lower blood pressure, support cardiovascular health, promote longevity, and improve respiratory function. It also supports weight loss by boosting fat metabolism and has a calming effect on the mind and body to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Gynostemma is a great source of antioxidants and nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, including selenium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, and phosphorus. Although it’s not botanically related to Panax ginseng or other ginseng, Gynostemma contains some of the same compounds as ginseng, such as ginsenosides. It also contains other ginseng-like saponins. Interestingly enough, Gynostemma contains over 80 different saponins compared to the 28 found in ginseng. Gypenosides are one of the main chemical compounds found in gynostemma that are responsible for its healing effects. These are triterpenoid saponins that are also present in other tonic herbs such as ashwagandha, Siberian ginseng, and astragalus root.

Gynostemma is also referred to as "southern ginseng", since it grows mainly in south-central China, and due to its similarity to ginseng and its saponin content. Its high saponin glycoside content gives the herb a sweet taste. The term "saponin" is actually derived from the Latin word meaning soap, which means they are chemical compounds with soap-like characteristics.

Researchers suggested that two very important antioxidants contribute to its amazing health benefits — glutathione and superoxide dismutase. One clinical study revealed that taking gynostemma each day for two months reduced fatigue, insomnia, memory loss, and other aging signs.

Here are some main health benefits of Gynostemma pentaphyllum:

Supports cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving circulation. Gynostemma may help promote healthy blood flow and prevent excess arterial narrowing. Chronic narrowed arteries are a major cause of heart disease.

Boosts immune function by increasing the production of immune cells. By enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing oxidative cell damage, gynostemma can boost the body’s immune cells to fight against disease and neutralize free radicals. Gynostemma is considered an adaptogen because of its ability to modulate immune functions and provide protective effects against chronic inflammation. These qualities as an adaptogenic substance are directly related to its high amount of triterpenoid saponin gypenosides and several polysaccharide compounds, which help lower high blood pressure, boost lipid metabolism, balance cholesterol, and stabilize blood sugar levels.

Promotes weight loss by increasing metabolism and reducing fat absorption. Gynostemma may increase fat-burning capacity and make muscle cells more sensitive to insulin. Gynostemma helps improve blood flow during exercise, and this can increase exercise capacity and duration, which promotes weight loss through increased energy expenditure. Active compounds in Gynostemma may help regulate insulin, reduce liver fat accumulation, and insulin resistance.
How to consume gynostemma? 

Although fresh gynostemma leaves are edible, it is usually dried and heat-processed to release many of their beneficial compounds. It is excellent to make an herbal tea with it. It is generally recommended to put a teaspoon of leaves in a cup of hot water, and you can use it more than once during the day. It has a delicious, slightly sweet taste with a flavor similar to green tea and nettle.

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