Jiaogulan

Gynostemma pentaphyllum · Gynostemma

Snapshot

Indications	Contraindications
Dyslipidemia¹ Glycemic control² Body fat reduction^{3, 4} Anxiety with chronic stress⁵ Hair health⁶	Pregnancy⁷ Breastfeeding⁷ Under age 18⁸

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a climbing herb of traditional Chinese medicine, and its gypenoside saponins act on metabolic regulation and inflammatory signaling⁹. That metabolic effect drives most supplementation: lipid management, glycemic support, and body fat reduction in overweight adults^{3, 4}. It is also taken for anxiety under chronic stress and for hair health, uses each tested in single trials.

In a 2026 study in mice and hepatic stellate cells, the saponin gypensapogenin I reduced liver fibrosis, and no human trial has tested it. Roughly 299 products list jiaogulan, mostly as capsules, with liquids, tablets, and powders also sold; see Form comparison.

Per Health Canada labeling, patients taking prescription medications are directed to consult a health care practitioner before use⁷.

Last updated October 16, 2026. Read how we make monographs.

In the full monograph

34 sources, 26 studies

When to useThe situations practitioners use it for, each with the reason and the study behind it.
SafetyWho should avoid it, who needs extra care, and the side effects reported in studies.
InteractionsThe medicines and supplements it interacts with, the effect of each, and what labeling says to watch.
Protocol notesThe doses used in studies, how and when they were taken, and how the forms on the market compare.
How it worksWhat it is and how it works in the body, in plain terms.
Published studiesThe studies behind each use, popular claims checked against them, and trials still under way.
Word of mouthWhat patients and practitioners report online, kept separate from the clinical evidence.
Clinical perspectiveA closing read of where the evidence is solid, where it is thin, and what has not been studied.

Snapshot

In the full monograph

Sources