Fiveleaf Gynostemma Herb or Root

Primarily produced in the Chinese areas of south of Yangtze River.

Wrinkled, stem is thin, grayish-brown or dark brown, externally with longitudinal grooves, covered with loose hairs, compound leaves, small leaves are membranous, 5~7 leaves, some have 9 leaves; leaf stem is 2~4cm long, covered with rough hairs; small lateral leaves are oval long-round or long round-lanceolate, the middle one is relatively large, 4~12cm long, 1~1.3 diameter wide, apex is gradually pointy, base is wedge-like, both sides covered with rough hairs, edge has saw-teeth, teeth tip is pointy. Fruit is spherical, about 5mm diameter, fruit stem is 3~5mm long. Bitter taste, with grass-like aroma.

Superior medicinal material has thin stem, wrinkled, grayish-brown or dark green color.

Bitter, slightly sweet; cool

Clears heat, supplements deficiency, resolves toxin. Adjust blood pressure, reduce blood lipid, adjust blood glucose, and promote excretion of uric acid. Apply to excess or abnormality of blood lipid, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood uric acid.