Impact of 2‐week Oral Consumption of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan)‐containing Liquid Dietary Supplement, JULE of the Orient™ on Various Subjective Symptoms, Blood Circulation, Blood Pressure and Other Anthropometric Parameters: A Randomized, Placebo‐controlled, Double‐blind Human Clinical Study

Abstract

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled human clinical trial has examined the general effects of orally consumed saponin‐standardized Gynostemma pentaphyllum (jiaogulan)‐containing herbal tonic named JULE of the Orient™ (JULE). JULE or a placebo was provided as a beverage to healthy adults for 14 days (120 ml/day). Subjective questionnaire ratings (0–5) were used to measure general feelings of well‐being, neurological/psychological traits, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular complaints and any adverse effects. Blood circulation in hands was measured using laser Doppler. Questionnaire data were analyzed between day 1 and day 15 with the nonparametric Wilcoxon matched pairs tests. Significant differences were found in the JULE group (N=12) and consisted of decreased ratings for tiredness, procrastination, stiff shoulder, heartburn, physical discomfort, vision issues, stress, memory loss, daydream and increased stamina. Blood circulation in JULE group tended to be increased by about 30% compared to the pre‐intervention. In contrast, the placebo group (N=12) showed no significant changes. All other parametric data, such as body weight, BMI, blood pressure were not significantly different. These results suggest that JULE intake may increase subjective feelings of general well‐being and neurological/psychological traits by enhancing blood circulation.