Phytochemistry: The phytochemicals in jiaogulan responsible for it adaptogenic properties are thought to be a group of triterpene saponins called gypenosides. These include a large number of structurally similar terpene derivatives including gynosaponin TN-1, gynosaponin TN-2, gypenoside XLV, and gypenoside LXXIV. Eight of the terpene saponins in jiaogulan are the same as the panaxadiol-type of terpene saponins in Panax ginseng. Jiaogulan may also contain flavonoids including the flavonol ombuin, the flavonol glycoside ombuoside, the flavonol glycoside gynopentaphylloside and the flavone glycoside vitexin. Jiaogulan extracts also contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Uses: Jiaogulan is used as a herbal tea in China in order to combat general stress. However it can be purchased in capsules also. The similarity in structure between the terpene saponins in jiaogulan and Panax ginseng may explain their similar anti-stress effects. Isolated gypenosides from jiaogulan have been shown to have significant anti-stress effects in animals. Jiaogulan extracts have been shown to lower cortisol levels, and normalise levels of dopamine and serotonin.
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