Bodybuilding.com - Clayton's Health Facts: Gynostemma.

Printable page

Did you know?
Clayton South writes for many major health magazines and publications!

Clayton South, SPN (ISSA), is a recognized expert in the bodybuilding / fitness industry with over 150 bodybuilding, fitness and nutrition publications to his credit.

Gynostemma.

By: Clayton South

What Is It?
And Where Does It Come From?

Gynostemma is a Chinese herb derived from a tall, stocky fruit bearing flowering plant. The herb has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine and is widely reputed to be an herbal "fountain of youth."

Native to the mountains of southern, the plant is similar in properties to ginseng, and is also known as southern ginseng.

What Does It Do?
And What Scientific Studies Give Evidence To Support This?

As an adaptogen, this herb has the unique ability to help "restore homeostasis" or "re-establish equilibrium" to the body's various systems, which include the cardiovascular, digestive, nervous, immune and reproductive systems.^1,2,3

Gynostemma functions as an anti-inflammatory, an anti-hypertensive, an anti-cholesterol agent, a super oxidant, and it helps to prevent the graying of hair by increasing the enzyme activity of cell membranes responsible for nourishing the hair follicles.

As an antioxidant gynostemma boosts the immune system by elevating the number and activity of white blood cells, and strengthens the digestive system by assisting in liver function through inhibited oxidation of liver cells. It also helps to relieve stress by soothing and relaxing the central nervous system.

Gynostemma may help thwart the effects of over-training because of its ability to protect the immune system from stress.⁵ A study at Guiyang Medical College in China has shown that a gynostemma recipe increased strength and endurance in the body. Considering the above statements overall, gynostemma becomes the perfect herb for anyone who wants to improve their athletic performance.⁴

Limited clinical evidence suggests that gynostemma is effective at helping people lose weight.

Who Needs It?
And What Are Some Symptoms Of Deficiency?

Because of its ability to protect the immune system, all persons can benefit from gynostemma supplementation. Athletes can benefit from supplementation because of the ability of gynostemma to protect the body from stress and the ravages of over-training.

As an antioxidant, gynostemma helps to protect vital organs from oxidative damage. Persons exposed to high levels of pollution can benefit greatly from gynostemma supplementation.

No physiological requirement exists, and there are no symptoms of deficiency.

How Much Should Be Taken?
And Are There Any Side Effects?

No reported side-effect exist, and centuries of anecdotal evidence suggest that gynostemma supplementation is safe.

Strictly adhere to label directions at all times.

To View Top-Selling Gynostemma Products, Click Here.

REFERENCES

1. Song, W.M., et al. "Comparison of the adaptogenic effects of jiaogulan and ginseng." Zhong Cao Yao. Chinese. 1992; 23(3):136.

2. Wei, Y., et al. "The effect of gypenosides to raise White Blood Count." Zhong Cao Yao. Chinese. 1993; 24, 7, 382.

3. Kimura, Y., et al. "Effects of crude saponins of Gynostemma pentaphyllum on lipid metabolism." Shoyakugaku Zasshi. Japanese. 1983 (Rec'd 1984); 37(3):272-275.

4. Zhou, Ying-Na, et al. "Effects of a gypenosides-containing tonic on the pulmonary function in exercise workload." Journal of Guiyang Medical College.1993; 8(4):261.

5. Qian, Hao, et al. Protective effect of jiaogulan on cellular immunity of patients with primary long cancer treated with radiotherapy plus chemotherapy. Acta Academiae Medicinae Shanghai. 1995; 22(5):363-366.

csouthca@gmail.com