Chinese herbs

Gynostemma

Also called: jiaogulan, southern ginseng

A climbing vine (jiaogulan) taken as tea.

Why people take it
Cholesterol, blood sugar.
What the evidence says
Small studies only.
How it is usually taken
As tea or 450 mg extract a day.
Be careful
May add to diabetes medicines and blood thinners.
Medicines it can interact with
May add to blood thinners and diabetes medicines.

Other chinese herbs

Dong quaiHorny goat weedSchisandraJujubeChrysanthemum teaEucommiaRehmanniaPolygonum multiflorumPuerariaPanax notoginsengAmerican ginsengEjiaoPearl powderHawthorn berry (shanzha)Monk fruit

Common questions

What is Gynostemma?

A climbing vine (jiaogulan) taken as tea.

Why do people take Gynostemma?

Cholesterol, blood sugar.

Does Gynostemma work?

Small studies only.

How much Gynostemma do people take?

As tea or 450 mg extract a day.

Is Gynostemma safe?

May add to diabetes medicines and blood thinners.

Does Gynostemma interact with medicines?

May add to blood thinners and diabetes medicines.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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