Gynostemma pentaphyllum (jiaogulan, planta nemuririi) - cultura biologica

Gynostema pentaphyllum, also known as jiaogulan, the immortality plant or the plant of eternal youth, is a perennial plant belonging to the gourd family, the same family as cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons. It originates from the mountainous regions of Asia, especially China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

It appears as a fast-growing herbaceous vine. This plant has thin and flexible stems that can reach up to 8 meters in length. Its leaves are made up of 3-5 oval leaflets, dark green in color, with toothed edges. Small yellow-green flowers appear on the underside of the stem and are surrounded by thin bracts. The fruits are small capsules containing 3-5 seeds each.

Gynostema pentaphyllum is known for its medicinal properties, containing a rich amount of compounds called gypenosides, which are similar to the ginsenosides found in ginseng. This plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, chronic fatigue, and digestive problems. It is also believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects. Jiaogulan is often consumed as tea but can also be found as a dietary supplement.

Scientific studies on the health benefits of Gynostema pentaphyllum are still ongoing, but the plant is considered a promising source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential.

Other known names: jiaogulan, immortality herb, plant of eternal youth

Cold resistance of this plant is limited. Generally, it can survive low temperatures down to about -5 degrees Celsius. It can be grown indoors or even as an annual plant.

Height including pot: approx. 30 cm

Pot diameter: 12 cm

Plant size and development stage vary depending on the season.