For centuries, gynostemmapentaphyllum (gynostemma in short, also known as jiaogulan) has been a famed herb acclaimed for its efficacy in remedying various ailments from treating hematuria to combating obesity to promoting longevity. A member of the cucumber family that grows mainly in Vietnam, Korea, China and Japan, it is also widely used in the skin and beauty care due to its powerful antioxidant properties and anti-aging effects on the skin. From a folk remedy to promoting longevity to an anti-aging skincare ingredient in elixirs of beauty, gynostemma does it all.
The Protector Within
Gynostemma can be used either as a stand-alone ingredient or in combination with other active ingredients and herbal extracts. Boasting similar but more powerful chemical composition and function than ginseng, Japanese researchers found 82 different saponins (a type of phytonutrient with soap-like traits) in gynostemma compared to 28 in pantax ginseng. Studies have also shown the herb to be effective in preventing UV-induced damage and reducing collagen loss. This is attributed to the high levels of superoxide dismutase – a powerful antioxidant in the body – that increase macrophage (a type of white blood cell) whose role is to locate and destroy foreign and unwanted elements such as bacteria and dead cells.
The Skin Rejuvenator
Contemporary research ranks gynostemma as one of the world’s top ten most effective anti-aging herbs. A 40-day experiment on its external application to the skin of mice found that both the epidermis and collagenous fibers within the dermis became thicker. Experts point to the plant’s high antioxidant content of flavonoids and gypenosides that help to reduce the levels of matrix metalloproteinases – enzymes causing collagen degradation. Users of gynostemma-based skincare products have observed their skin to be better moisturized, firmer, smoother and more balanced in tone.
Anti-Aging Skincare Ingredient
Equally effective as topical application and oral formulation, gynostemma is a key ingredient in anti-aging cosmetics, soaps, creams, shampoos and beauty capsules. For example, it can be found in Ceramiracle’s First Light Ceramides Skin Supplement – the award-winning one a day formula featuring other skin-loving ingredients such as phytoceramides, French melon SOD, colorless tomato carotenoids and pine bark proanthocyanidins. Every capsule of this patented and proprietary botanical complex contains a clinically studied dose to boost skin hydration, defy the signs of aging and improve skin elasticity, leaving you with youthful and radiant skin.
