Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract is a standardized plant extract derived from the dried whole plant of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino, a plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family.

As a representative plant with both medicinal and edible uses, Gynostemma pentaphyllum was first recorded in the "Jiu Huang Ben Cao" (Famine Relief Materia Medica) of the Ming Dynasty, initially used as a famine food, and later discovered to have significant medicinal value. In 1986, the State Science and Technology Commission listed it as a valuable traditional Chinese medicine to be developed in the "Spark Program"; in 2002, the Ministry of Health officially included it in the list of raw materials for health foods.

Modern extraction processes typically use water or alcohol extraction methods to concentrate and extract the active ingredients from the whole Gynostemma pentaphyllum plant, producing a standardized powder product. Depending on the saponin content, common specifications on the market include total gynostemma saponins at 10%, 40%, 80%, 90%, and even 98% high-purity products. It appears as a light yellow to brownish-yellow powder with a characteristic odor and can be widely used in various dosage forms such as health foods, functional beverages, tablets, and capsules.

What are the unique characteristics of the core components of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract?

The pharmacological activity of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract mainly stems from its rich chemical composition, the most crucial of which are gynostemma saponins (Gypenosides), also known in the industry as "total gynostemma saponins." Scientific research has shown that researchers have isolated and identified more than 80 saponin components from Gynostemma pentaphyllum, six of which have the same chemical structure as ginseng saponins (Rb1, Rb3, Rd, F2, etc.). This explains why Gynostemma pentaphyllum has similar tonic effects to ginseng but with a milder nature. Besides saponin compounds, Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract also contains the following important active ingredients:
Flavonoids: including quercetin and kaempferol, which possess powerful antioxidant capabilities.
Polysaccharides: which can activate macrophages and enhance the body's non-specific immune response.
Amino acids and trace elements: containing various essential amino acids and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and iron.
Sterols: plant sterols help regulate lipid metabolism.
It is particularly noteworthy that the molecular formula of Gynostemma pentaphyllum saponin is C₈₀H₁₂₆O₄₄ (based on Gynostemma pentaphyllum saponin A), with a molecular weight of 1791.83, belonging to tetracyclic triterpenoid saponins. It is these structurally complex saponin components that give Gynostemma pentaphyllum its reputation as a "vascular scavenger," making it a core ingredient in modern cardiovascular health formulations.

What are the positive effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract on the human body? Are there any potential side effects?

1. Regulating blood lipid metabolism and maintaining cardiovascular health
Gynostemma pentaphyllum saponins are known as "vascular scavengers." By inhibiting cholesterol synthesis enzyme activity and promoting lipid metabolism, they can significantly lower serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Clinical data shows that continuous use of preparations containing Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract for 8 weeks can improve various indicators in patients with dyslipidemia by approximately 30%, effectively preventing atherosclerosis.

2. Assisting in blood sugar regulation and improving insulin resistance
Studies have shown that Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract can have a positive impact on patients with type II diabetes through mechanisms such as improving insulin sensitivity and promoting glucose metabolism. Although it cannot replace drug treatment, as an auxiliary measure, it helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

3. Protecting the liver and promoting liver cell repair
For people who drink alcohol frequently, stay up late, or need to take medication for a long time, Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract shows significant liver protection effects. Its saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides can reduce chemical and alcoholic liver damage and enhance liver detoxification function.

4. Enhancing Immunity and Antioxidant Effects
Gynostemma pentaphyllum polysaccharides can activate macrophage function and enhance the body's non-specific immune function; at the same time, its ability to scavenge free radicals is 1.8 times that of vitamin E, which helps delay cell aging and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

5. Anti-fatigue and Improved Exercise Endurance
Athlete experiments have shown that taking preparations containing 200mg of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract can extend endurance exercise time by up to 25%, while reducing lactic acid accumulation and accelerating physical recovery.

Potential Side Effects and Contraindications

Although Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract is considered "almost non-toxic and without side effects," the following situations should still be noted in practical applications:
Gastrointestinal reactions: Some sensitive individuals may experience nausea, mild diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort. It is recommended to start with a small dose.

Allergic reactions: A very small number of people may experience allergic symptoms such as rashes and itching. If this occurs, discontinue use immediately.

Drug interactions:  Concurrent use with anticoagulants, antihypertensive drugs, and hypoglycemic drugs may enhance their effects.  A 4-hour interval is recommended, and use should be under the guidance of a doctor.

Contraindications for special populations: Not for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women; use with caution in individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency and chronic diarrhea; patients with autoimmune diseases should follow medical advice.

What are the applications of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract supplements in the modern health industry?

1. Cardiovascular Health Formulas
As a core ingredient for regulating blood lipids and softening blood vessels, Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract is often combined with ingredients such as red yeast rice, nattokinase, and fish oil to develop soft capsules and tablets for cardiovascular health in middle-aged and elderly people.

2. Metabolic Regulation and Weight Management
Gynostemma pentaphyllum is among the top 20 most frequently used ingredients in weight-loss health foods. It is often combined with ingredients such as lotus leaf, cassia seed, and L-carnitine to achieve the effect of assisting weight loss by regulating lipid metabolism and inhibiting fat absorption.

3. Liver Protection and Hangover Relief Products
In liver protection tablets developed for business professionals, Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract is combined with silymarin, kudzu root extract, etc., to form a compound formula for hangover relief and liver protection.

4. Immunomodulatory and Anti-Fatigue Preparations
In oral liquid and powder products for sub-healthy individuals, athletes, and those engaged in high-intensity work, Gynostemma pentaphyllum acts as an adaptogen, helping the body cope with various stresses and enhancing overall vitality.

5. Functional Teas and Food & Beverages
Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract can be added to tea bags, solid beverages, and compressed candies to meet consumers' convenient daily health and wellness needs.

In terms of dosage forms, Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract can be processed into various forms such as hard capsules, soft capsules, tablets, granules, and oral liquids. For B2B buyers, choosing the appropriate product specifications is crucial: general health purposes may require specifications with 40%-80% total saponins, while high-end products with specific efficacy claims may require high-purity extracts of over 90%.

How to purchase high-quality Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract raw materials?

High-quality raw materials should meet the following standards:
Standardized content: Clearly labeled total saponin content of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (HPLC or UV detection) to ensure batch-to-batch consistency.

Complete qualifications: Possessing SC production license, ISO quality management system certification, HALAL certification, and KOSHER certification.

Traceability system: Raw materials come from standardized planting bases, free from pesticide residues and heavy metal contamination risks.

Technical support: Ability to provide formulation application suggestions, stability test data, and compliance document support.

Why choose Xi'an Sost Biotech as your Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract supplier?

Xi'an Sost Biotech Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the research, development, production, and export of standardized plant extracts. We support customized formula development, packaging design, and label compliance consulting.

Business Inquiry Email: ericyang@xasost.com