Jiaogulan (Gynostemma)

Tier 3 — weak evidence · Adaptogen · Cholesterol

A climbing vine from Southeast Asia sometimes called "Southern ginseng" because it contains compounds similar to ginsenosides. Small trials show modest reductions in cholesterol and blood sugar. Traditional use as an adaptogenic tea spans centuries. Human research is limited and mostly from small studies. May interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications.

Dose: 450–900 mg/day extract or 3 cups gynostemma tea; limited human trial data