Jiaogulan extract
Jiaogulan extract (pronounced: Dschiau-gu-lan, Latin: Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a Chinese medicinal herb that is also known as the “plant of immortality”. The unusual nickname is due to a Chinese province in which a particularly large number of people lived to be over 100 years old. When people were asked for their health secret, they said they regularly consumed Jiaogulan extract. Participants at the “International Conference on Traditional Medicine” even categorised Jiaogulan extract as one of the “top ten” most effective strengthening herbs in 1991.
Jiaogulan is a pretty climbing plant with a long tradition
The pretty climbing plant belongs botanically to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) and can reach a height of up to eight metres. It is mainly native to the south of the Yangtze River and the Qinling Mountains, which has also earned it the nickname “Ginseng of the South”. In China, Jiaogulan extract has been an integral part of traditional medicine for centuries. Not without reason, as it has now been proven that the plant has several pharmacologically active ingredients, which in turn have numerous biological activities. For example, Jiaogulan extract is considered to be liver-protective, antimicrobial, hypolipidaemic (lowers blood lipid levels), anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and heart-protective. New studies even indicate that the polysaccharides in Jiaogulan extract can prevent the growth of cancer cells. In laboratory tests, for example, it has already been established that the plant’s ingredients increase the number of so-called T-scavenger cells. These fight against malignant cells.
Jiaogulan has a firm place in TCM
In China, the herb is mainly used to prevent infections and cardiovascular diseases and has a slightly bitter taste reminiscent of liquorice. Its leaves are used in fresh salads, as a vegetable and as a tea. The herb is also often offered in capsule form as a dietary supplement. It can also be used to treat exhaustion, anxiety and stress. However, the fact that this valuable medicinal herb is also suitable for high-quality cosmetic products has not been known in Western Europe for very long. Yet the ingredients are truly impressive.
The medicinal herb Jiaogulan extract and its ingredients
A total of around 230 ingredients have been identified in jiaogulan extract to date, which in turn can be categorised into different groups. Saponins, flavonoids, sterols and polysaccharides form the largest groups.
Due to the 180 saponins contained in jiaogulan extract, the herb is even considered a significantly more effective alternative to ginseng. The gypenosides in Jiaogulan extract already correspond to a large extent to the panaxosides (ginsenosides) of ginseng, while other forms are converted into these in the organism. Ultimately, the immortality herb contains around four times as many saponins as ginseng.
The total saponin content of jiaogulan leaves is around seven per cent. In addition to the well-known flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin, some rare flavonoids have also been detected in the herb. These include ombuoside and yixingensin, for example. Flavonoids have antioxidant and antiproliferative properties and are categorised as secondary plant substances. The total flavonoid content of the plant is around five per cent. Eight essential amino acids (18 amino acids in total), vitamins, trace elements (including manganese, zinc, iron, copper, selenium and molybdenum) and several polysaccharides, some of which have an immunostimulating effect, have also been identified. A study has already shown that the polysaccharides GPA1, GPA2 and GPA3 contained in the plant have impressive antioxidant activities. GPA3 in particular is considered a powerful radical scavenger.
Jiaogulan extract in cosmetics
The medicinal herb represents a completely new dimension in skin care, as the ingredients – integrated into a skin care cream – ensure a natural balance thanks to their adaptogenic (regulating) effect. Hypofunctions (such as extreme dryness) are stimulated by the gently stimulating and restorative effect, while hyperfunctions are reduced by the calming and balancing effect. This creates an optimal balance when used regularly. The herb also helps the organism to adapt to different stress situations. This extraordinary adaptogenic mode of action not only stabilises the skin’s protective barrier, but also improves its general ability to retain moisture, thereby regulating the depth of wrinkles. The medicinal herb helps the body with cell renewal and thus slows down the ageing process. This extract is therefore ideal for anti-ageing products, among other things.
Jiaogulan similar to ginseng
Jiaogulan extract is similar to ginseng in terms of its effect, but the herb of immortality is considered to be more effective. The abundant gypenosides it contains have an excellent antioxidant effect and stimulate the skin’s natural functions. The ingredients also act as a kind of “irritation buffer” that stabilises hypersensitive skin. Basically, the herb is extremely harmonising and gentle. It is well tolerated and, according to current knowledge, free of side effects. In a study on the treatment of obesity, in which the test subjects consumed 450 milligrams of Jiaogulan extract daily, no impairment of haematological test results and vital parameters was found.
Jiaogulan profile
INCI: Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Leaf Extract
Description: herbaceous climbing plant with unpaired pinnate leaves
Family: Cucurbitaceae (pumpkin family)
Ingredients: saponins (especially gypenosides), ginsenosides, trace elements, essential amino acids, polysaccharides, proteins and vitamins
Effect: anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating, antioxidant, balancing, anti-carcinogenic, cholesterol-lowering
We like to work with these active ingredients containing immortality herbs:
| Name | Company Name | INCI Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amacha-zuru Extract | GSI Europe - Import + Export GmbH | Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Leaf Extract , Butylene Glycol | |
| AMACHAZURU Liquid B | ICHIMARU PHARCOS CO., LTD. | Aqua , Butylene Glycol , Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Leaf Extract | |
| REFORCYL® | Rahn AG | Glycerin , Aqua (Aqua) , Glutamine , Decyl Glucoside , Phenethyl Alcohol , Citric Acid , Cistus Incanus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract , Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Leaf/Stem Extract |
Jiaogulan extract as an ingredient for sophisticated cosmetics
The immortality herb is one of the most effective adaptogenic plants in the world and is ideal for innovative and sophisticated cosmetics due to the ingredients and properties described. Anti-ageing products in particular benefit from the medicinal herb, but it is also suitable for normal, dry and sensitive skin. Cosmacon will be happy to advise you in more detail on this topic.
Literature:
Cho WK, Paek SH, Kim SY, Jang SJ, Lee S, Choi H, Jo Y, Lee JH, Moh SH.Life (Basel). 2023 Feb 2;13(2):423
Park S, Ko E, Lee JH, Song Y, Cui CH, Hou J, Jeon BM, Kim HS, Kim SC.Molecules. 2019 Apr 23;24(8):1595.