Description

Gynostemma pentaphyllum, belonging to the genus Gynostemma in the family Cucurbitaceae, is a perennial herb widely distributed in Asian countries. G. pentaphyllum contains important medicinal components, called gypenosides, which are reportedly effective in the treatment of various illnesses, such as inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This herb is widely used as tea or functional food, and has thus received substantial attention in recent years.