In
our last installment on anti-aging herbs, we discussed the
historical quest of ancient Chinese emperors for immortality
and how it lead to the gradual discovery of many plants that
could aid human longevity. While the resulting collection
of herbs did not allow people to live forever, it was found
that they can help you stay healthy longer and may even help
you live longer. One of the anti-aging herbs we discussed
was Foti, famous for its rejuvenating properties.
Another
great anti-aging herb is Gynostemma pentaphyllum.
Gynostemma, known as Jiaogulan ("jee-ow-goo-lan")
in China, is a member of the cucumber family. A climbing vine,
it grows prolifically in the wild mountainous regions of southern
China. As an herb, it is also an adaptogen, helping
to normalize metabolic functions in the body and reinforce
overall health. Like Foti, it operates via multiple pathways
and is an excellent anti-aging herb.
Gynostemma
is widely used in China as a tonic because of its ability
to slow the aging process, but also to treat chronic bronchitis,
strengthen the body, reduce fatigue and hypoxia, improve sexual
vigor, clarify the mind, calm the nerves and ease pain. The
herb has many biochemical similarities to Panax ginseng.
Like Ginseng, the principle active constituents in Gynostemma
are a group of saponin glycosides. Over 80 saponin glycosides,
known as gypenosides, have been isolated, at least
four of which (gypenosides 3, 4, 8 and 12) are identical in
structure to Panax ginseng's ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb3, Rd, and
F2, respectively). It is also rich amino acids, polysaccharides,
and at least 23 important trace minerals.
The
pharmacodynamics of Gynostemma are remarkably diverse. In
the research lab, many studies have been done on the herb
because of its traditional use and the presence of saponins.
The studies have revealed a range of mechanisms that cumulatively
indicate broad based anti-aging activity.
Antioxidant
Effects
Free radicals are highly reactive "oxygen species"
chemicals that are a byproduct of normal cellular physiological
processes on the cellular level, produced primarily in the
mitochondria, or energy storehouses, of the cell. They are
also produced by environmental stresses on the cell, such
as UV radiation and toxins. Free radicals can cause oxidative
modifications (such as lipid peroxidation) and cross linking
in the chemical compounds that make up the cell. As a result,
the chemical equilibrium of oxidation-reduction reactions
in the cell is changed, altering signaling pathways and enzyme
activities, which in turn can alter chromatin formation, change
the cell's differentiation state, send the wrong signals to
other cells, or even initiate cell death.
The
cell produces enzymes, like superoxide dismutase, that prevent
and repair some of this oxidative damage. Gynostemma has been
shown in several studies to increase the production of superoxide
dismutase or glutathione peroxidase, lowering levels of oxidized
lipids and decreasing free radical damage and proliferation.
This activity can help individual cells to live longer, and
on a holistic level, it can be instrumental in protecting
against cardiovascular disease and liver deterioration.
Studies
on the effects of UV radiation on bacteria have shown that
Gynostemma inhibits the effects of UV radiation. Along with
its antioxidant properties, this suggests that the herb could
be useful for either internal or external anti-aging skin
care applications.
Glycation
Studies have shown that Gynostemma has a blood sugar lowering
effect. While this is certainly good news for those with diabetes,
it can also offer the general population help in protecting
from an aging mechanism known as glycation. Glycation, a result
of high blood sugar, is a process in which glucose links with
proteins and DNA and causes them to chemically bond, leading
to the gradual cross-linking of adjacent proteins. This bonding
and cross-linking causes the eventual stiffening of tissues
over time and can lead to inflammation and autoimmune responses.
Its effects are most notable on the skin in which the longest
lived proteins, like collagen and elastin, are not recycled
very often. Glycation and protein cross-linking can be a contributing
factor in atheroschlerosis, cardiovascular diseases, kidney
diseases, arthritis, cataracts, Alzheimers, and impaired wound
healing.
Anti-inflammatory
Effects
Inflammation in the tissues of the body tend to increase free
radical damage and shorten cell life span as some cells are
sacrificed during inflammation. If post-mitotic cells, which
are found in large numbers in the brain, skeletal muscles
and heart, are affected, they are not replaced. Other cells
consume or exhaust additional mitotic divisions, a limited
number of which are programmed into the cellular DNA (The
Hayflick Limit). This process contributes to the aging of
the affected tissue.
In
part due to its blood sugar lowering effects, Gynostemma is
also an anti-inflammatory agent. Lowered blood sugar levels
results in lower insulin levels which in turn acts to down-regulate
inflammatory enzymes like NFKB. Additionally, studies on induced
edema in the feet of rats indicated that Gynostemma has significant
anti-inflammatory activity.
Cardiovascular
Effects
A healthy heart helps make a healthy body and a long life.
Gynostemma acts in several ways to assist in this regard.
Of course, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are
important for helping to maintain cardiovascular health. Free
radicals and swollen tissues can be very damaging to the heart.
Saponins in general have been shown to inhibit the formation
to lipid peroxides in the cardiac muscle, decrease LDL cholesterol,
and act as a calcium channel blocker. These effects counter
the development of atherosclerosis.
Beyond
that, Gynostemma also demonstrated an anti-thrombotic (blood
coagulation inhibiting) effect, reducing platelet aggregation,
as well as a vasorelaxation effect. It was shown to elicit
a concentration dependent increase in nitric oxide production
which in turn caused concomitant vasodilation in cardiac tissues.
Actually, the herb's effect on blood pressure is adaptogenic,
helping to lower or raise blood pressure to healthy levels,
depending on the direction of imbalance, improving blood flow
to the brain and other organs.
Hepatoprotective
and Anti-fibrotic effects
In China, Gynostemma is often used to treat patients with
hepatitis because of its hepatoprotective effects. As a strong
antioxidant, it helps protect liver cells from damage. One
study showed that Gynostemma decreases lipid peroxidation
in liver microsomes. Another study on animals showed that
the herb helped significantly in healing chronic liver injury
by thinning the fibrous collagen bands in fibrotic liver tissue.
Immunity
Perhaps most importantly, Gynostemma and its orchestra of
saponins is beneficial to the immune system. While overall
immunity certainly benefits from taking a good antioxidant,
research has also shown that Gynostemma increases the production
and activity of leukocytes, phagocytes, serum immunoglobulin,
and NK (natural killer) cells in the body. The effects of
its pro-immunity activities are: better resistance to disease
infection, treatment of upper respiratory illness, prevention
of fatigue, better toleration of hypoxia, and increased resistance
to the formation of cancer. Research has been conducted on
liver cancer showing that it could effectively induce cell
apoptosis (programmed cell death) in liver hepatomas. Gynostemma
also holds promise in preliminary research on esophageal cancer.
In
China, Gynostemma is popular as an all around anti-aging tonic.
In addition to all the above effects, it is used to improve
scalp metabolism, enhance hair growth, and reduce graying.
An
herb this powerful must kick your body into serious high gear,
right? Well, yes and no. Gynostemma is adaptogenic with regard
to the nervous system. If you are depressed or ill, its wide
range of effects are stimulating, but if you are stressed
and overexcited, the herb is a mild sedative with nerve calming
effects, making it good choice for anxiety.
Remember!
At Draco, all raw plant materials are carefully selected at
peak potency and certified to be free of pesticides and heavy
metals. The extracts are Kosher Certified and processed in
a state-of-the-art ISO9002 Certified facility. If
you would like more information, or if you can't wait to get
started on your next product development idea, don't hesitate
to give us a call at:
(408)287-7871.
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Copyright 2004, Draco Natural Products, Inc.
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