Jiaogulan Benefits Beat Green Tea: Offers Longevity, Immunity & Anti-Cancer Effects

A little-known herb from the mountains of Asia is gaining momentum as a powerful health booster—potentially more potent than green tea.

Meet jiaogulan, also known as Gynostemma pentaphyllum, a climbing vine plant nicknamed the "immortality herb" for its centuries-old association with longevity and vitality. It's native to the mountainous regions of southern China and other parts of Asia and is known to increase metabolism, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and offer anti-cancer and anti-diabetes properties.

Though widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, jiaogulan remains relatively under the radar in the U.S.

“Few people in the US know about it,” Dr. Michael Aziz, a board-certified internist and author of "The Ageless Revolution," told the New York Post.

The specialist in anti-aging and regenerative medicine was featured in the Spring 2025 issue of the Biohack Yourself Magazine, in stores on April 21, 2025.

Aziz, who takes 900 milligrams of the herb daily, believes it could be a game-changer for modern health routines.

Jiaogulan has been shown to contain gypenosides, a group of compounds similar to those in ginseng, that may help lower cholesterol, improve metabolism, and fight inflammation. What sets it apart is its remarkable antioxidant power.

“Jiaogulan tea has a very high ORAC value (antioxidant capacity). It is eight times higher than what is found in green tea,” Aziz pointed out.

The herb’s unique combination of bitter and sweet flavors is more than a taste profile—it reflects its diverse medicinal potential. According to a study in the Journal of Functional Foods, jiaogulan’s bitter saponins are effective at clearing heat and detoxifying the body, making it useful for conditions like viral hepatitis and chronic bronchitis. Meanwhile, its sweet properties are said to nourish the heart, protect the liver, and support blood circulation.

“They also improve insulin signaling and improve the function of mitochondria, which are the batteries of our cells...Those are some of the hallmarks of aging that affect longevity," Aziz told The Post.

Jiaogulan is primarily consumed as a tea or in supplement form. While its flavor may be earthy or slightly bitter, its benefits could outweigh the initial taste shock. As interest in holistic and plant-based health solutions continues to grow, this “miracle grass” might just become the next green tea—only stronger.

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