02/01/2019 / By Ellaine Castillo
Gynura (Gynura divaricata) is a perennial herb that is widely used in China, where it is also called “Bai Bei San Qi.” In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Gynura is used as a remedy for respiratory problems, sore eyes, toothache, rheumatic arthralgia, and diabetes. Its wide range of medicinal applications can be attributed to the different phytochemicals that it contains. To further understand the potential applications of Gynura, researchers from Soochow University in China summarized the different chemical components present in the herb as well as its medicinal properties.
In the study published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, the researchers reviewed articles on Gynura that were published between the years 1979 to 2016, which they found through a literature search using different databases. Their search revealed that Gynura is rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and aliphatic compounds.
The researchers attributed the different components in Gynura, especially the flavonoids and phenolic acids, for its numerous health benefits. Some of its most notable pharmacological properties include the following:
Gynura was recently approved in China as a new source of food. But prior to this, Gynura was already enjoyed by many people as a highly nutritious vegetable. This herb is rich in proteins, fiber, vitamin C, and minerals.
The shoots of the Gynura plant are commonly used to make soup, which they also used as a folk remedy for insomnia, digestive problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Some people also use the branches and leaves of this herb to make soup, tea, and even savory dishes containing pork.
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, antioxidant, Gynura, Gynura divaricata, Herbs, hypotensive, medicinal plants, natural remedies, plantmedicine, TCM, traditional Chinese medicine
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