Jiaogulan belongs to the same family of plants as cucumbers and melons, but it does not bear an edible fruit or vegetable. Harvested in the late summer, the leaves of Jiaogulan are dried and used for healthcare products and medicine.

Although it has long been used for beverages and medicine in southern China, praised in China as the herb of immortality, Jiaogulan was not known to the general scientific community until relatively recently. In 1976 a Japanese researcher, discovered an herb with many qualities similar to ginseng. This event sparked years of scientific research on Jiaogulan, revealing it to be a powerful adaptogenic and antioxidant herb with many health-giving properties. Currently, researchers are investigating the role of Jiaogulan in preventing and treating a wide variety of conditions. Studies have confirmed the following benefits of Jiaogulan:

Cholesterol

Scientific studies have confirmed Jiaogulan ability to assist the regulation of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (bad cholesterol), and HDL (good cholesterol, which helps to metabolize cholesterol from the arteries).

Blood Pressure

Jiaogulan has been widely reported to be effective in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Although the exact mechanism is still being researched, studies have shown that Jiaogulan improves the metabolism of the heart directly as well as enhances the release of nitric oxide in the body, which helps to relax the coronary blood vessels.

Digestion

While Jiaogulan is great for regulating cholesterol, it also assists a good weight loss program, by improving and strengthening digestion. At the same time, it helps an underweight person by assisting the absorption of nutrients. This regulatory effect on bodily functions is the hallmark of an Adaptogen.

Strength and Endurance

The results of human studies confirm that Jiaogulan can enhance the contractility of the heart muscle and heart pumping function. Other studies have shown that the saponins in Jiaogulan increase strength and endurance in the body. Considering these findings overall, Jiaogulan becomes the perfect herb for anyone who wants to improve his competitive edge in any field of athletic performance.

Immunity

Jiaogulan has also demonstrated an ability to support the immune system when under the siege of various destructive agents. Jiaogulan has also shown its effectiveness, in clinical research studies, as a potent immune modulator. It increases the production of Lymphocytes, Phagocytes, and Serum IGG.

Adaptogenic Properties

Jiaogulan has a biphasic effect on brain functions, energizing or calming the system depending upon need, as well as on the regulation of hormonal functions in both men and women. The healthy maintenance of these physiological actions plays a major role in the body's ability to cope with stress.

Antioxidant Properties

The results of many scientific studies show that Jiaogulan powerful antioxidant quality protects against free radical damage.