[Effects of Jiaogulan] 3 Benefits of Jiaogulan Which Activates Fat Breakdown Switch

Hello, I am Jinny, a pharmacist.

Do you believe in the idea that there's a substance that can give you the effects of exercise without actually working out? Let me introduce you to "Jiaogulan," a leaf that claims to produce the effects of a 30-minute treadmill run with no exercise required.

Jiaogulan refers to the leaves of the vine plant known as " Gynostemma pentaphyllum," and it has been traditionally used in Asian countries, including South Korea, as a type of tea. These leaves are rich in various vitamins, amino acids, sugars, and phytochemicals, including saponins.
*Saponins: A general term for glycosides widely distributed in the plant kingdom, encompassing triterpenoid and steroid glycosides.

Saponins, found in Jiaogulan leaves, are of particular interest, with compounds like Gypenoside A and Gypenoside B known for their potential to activate AMPK in the body. AMPK is an enzyme that acts as an energy sensor, and when the body experiences energy depletion due to factors like hunger or exercise, AMPK gets activated, promoting fat oxidation to obtain energy.

Typically, to activate AMPK through exercise, you'd need to engage in a high-intensity workout on a treadmill for around 30 minutes [1]. However, it's claimed that consuming Jiaogulan can activate AMPK without the need for physical exercise. This has generated significant interest, and recent research in the scientific community is exploring the use of Jiaogulan in obesity treatment.
[1] Park, H., Kaushik, V. K., Constant, S., Prentki, M., Przybytkowski, E., Ruderman, N. B., & Saha, A. K. (2002). Coordinate regulation of malonyl-CoA decarboxylase, sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase by AMP-activated protein kinase in rat tissues in response to exercise. The Journal of biological chemistry, 277(36), 32571–32577

Now let's take a closer look at what changes occur in our bodies when we consume Jiaogulan through human trials.

If you're looking to lose weight, especially if you're in the middle-aged group, you probably find belly fat to be the most troublesome area. Belly fat is problematic because it has less movement and muscle development compared to other parts of the body, and it accumulates fat more easily and is harder to get rid of.

But did you know that belly fat is more dangerous than we might think? The visceral fat inside the abdomen can disrupt hormones and trigger inflammation in the body. People with more belly fat are at a higher risk of having elevated blood pressure, blood sugar, lipid levels, and other health issues.

So, if you want to reduce belly fat, it's a good idea to incorporate Jiaogulan into your diet. In a study, 80 overweight Koreans were divided into a supplementation group and a placebo group. The supplementation group consumed 450mg of Jiaogulan leaf extract powder daily for 12 weeks.

After 12 weeks, the supplementation group experienced a significant reduction in total abdominal fat area, including belly fat, as well as body weight, body fat mass, body fat percentage, and body mass index (BMI) without any safety concerns.

There is another interesting study related to Jiaogulan's effect on reducing body fat, specifically in areas of concern for many individuals. If abdominal fat is a common concern for both men and women, lower body fat tends to be more prevalent among women. This is partly due to the influence of female hormones that lead to the accumulation of more fat in areas extending from the abdomen to the hips and thighs.

Last year, a study reported results suggesting that Jiaogulan leaf consumption can lead to a reduction in fat accumulation, especially in areas known as female-pattern fat deposition, such as the hips and thighs.

In this study, participants with a BMI ranging from over 25 to less than 35, indicating obesity, were given 450mg of Jiaogulan leaf extract daily for 16 weeks. The findings showed not only reductions in body weight and total fat but also a decrease in female-pattern fat in the female group

If you are on a diet, it's important not to focus only on visible fat but also pay attention to the invisible "triglyceride" that can gradually damage your body. High levels of triglycerides can lead to the accumulation of bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) in the blood vessel walls, potentially causing atherosclerosis.

Even in young individuals, especially those who appear relatively thin, blood tests may reveal elevated triglyceride levels. Therefore, I recommend that you check your triglyceride levels through blood tests.

In the previous research, Jiaogulan was found to be helpful not only in reducing body fat but also in lowering blood levels of triglycerides

Today, we explored the dieting effects of Jiaogulan, which activates AMPK through research. It has been shown to help significantly reduce body weight, addressing concerns such as abdominal obesity and lower body fat, particularly relevant for women. It also demonstrated an effect in improving triglyceride levels, which play a role in vascular health, making it a promising choice for managing obesity and various adult health issues.

Jiaogulan, recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as "Jiaogulan leaf extract powder," is acknowledged for its functionality and safety. However, it's important to note that taking more than 450mg per day may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. As the two previously mentioned studies have demonstrated significant dieting effects with a daily dosage of 450mg, it's recommended to maintain a consistent intake over the course of 8 to 16 weeks, rather than trying to consume excessive amounts.

I hope you have a healthy day both physically and mentally. This was Jinny.