Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Gynostemmatis Pentaphylli Herba seu Radix |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 絞股藍 · Jiao Gu Lan |
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| Medicinal Part | Whole herbs |
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| Efficacy Category | Tonifying |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried whole herb Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino.(Cucurbitaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter, Sweet; Cool |
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| Channels Entered | Lung, Spleen, Kidney |
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What Is Jiao Gu Lan?
Jiao Gu Lan (Fiveleaf Gynostemma Herb or Root) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese areas of south of Yangtze River.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter, Sweet; Cool
Channels Entered: Lung, Spleen, Kidney
Jiao Gu Lan: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Gynostemmatis Pentaphylli Herba seu Radix
Botanical Origin
The dried whole herb Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino.(Cucurbitaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese areas of south of Yangtze River.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has thin stem, wrinkled, grayish-brown or dark green color.
Macroscopic Features
Wrinkled, stem is thin, grayish-brown or dark brown, externally with longitudinal grooves, covered with loose hairs, compound leaves, small leaves are membranous, 5~7 leaves, some have 9 leaves; leaf stem is 2~4cm long, covered with rough hairs; small lateral leaves are oval long-round or long round-lanceolate, the middle one is relatively large, 4~12cm long, 1~1.3 diameter wide, apex is gradually pointy, base is wedge-like, both sides covered with rough hairs, edge has saw-teeth, teeth tip is pointy. Fruit is spherical, about 5mm diameter, fruit stem is 3~5mm long. Bitter taste, with grass-like aroma.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter, Sweet; CoolLungSpleenKidney
Traditional Functions
Boosts qi and fortifies the spleen, resolves phlegm and stops cough, clears heat and resolves toxin, and discharges turbidity to lower lipid.
How Jiao Gu Lan Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Jiao Gu Lan is classified among the Tonifying herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
