A rare herbal medicine in Vietnam
Jiaogulan, scientific name is Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb) Makino Cucurbitaceae. Jiaogulan is also known as Sedum, miracle herb, Southern Ginseng. The Japanese call Jiaogulan as Amachazuzu. This valuable herb was already mentioned in 1639 in the book "Agriculture notes". Since ancient times, kings used Jiaogulan to enhance the health, increase longevity and to maintain the beauty. In a study of people living in the mountains of Japan, Jiaogulan was accidentally discovered in 1976. Through regular use of Jiaogulan people had an average lifespan of 98 years. In 1997, the Jiaogulan plant was discovered on Mount Fansipan in northern Vietnam. Today, the research on Jiaogulan, especially in China, the U.S., Germany and Italy are operated. 