Suining Gynostemma

Suining Gynostemma

Suining Gynostemma is a product certified with a geographical indication for agricultural products.

　　In 1985, during the national survey of traditional Chinese medicinal resources, large areas of the precious herb known as "southern ginseng"—Gynostemma—were discovered in our county. On July 25, 1987, after evaluation organized by the Provincial Science and Technology Commission, the total saponin content of Suining Gynostemma was found to have reached an advanced level among similar domestic research projects. In October 1988, both Suining Gynostemma tea and total saponins won the Silver Crane Cup Award and the Rising Star Cup Award respectively at the China High-Quality Health Products Evaluation Conference. Suining Gynostemma is a product derived from the locally wild seven-leaf variety, harvested from new leaves of the year and processed into its final form. The leaves are tightly rolled, fine, even, and greenish in color; when brewed, the infusion is bright golden-yellow, fragrant, refreshing, sweet with a pleasant aftertaste, and the leaf base remains green with clear veins—indicating excellent quality. Internal quality indicators include: ① Physicochemical indicators: Total saponins (calculated as ginsenoside Rr, %) content reaches above 4.5%, total flavonoids (calculated as rutin, g/kg) content ≥3.4%, crude polysaccharides (g/kg) content ≥6g/kg.

　　Gynostemma, also known as: Heaven Grass, Gospel Grass, Super Ginseng, Public Kettle Bottom, Ground-Covering Root, Seven-Leaf Bitter, Five-Leaf Ginseng, and Seven-Leaf Ginseng, among others. Latin name: Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino. It is a herbaceous climbing plant of the Cucurbitaceae family, Gynostemma genus. Its stems are slender, branched, with vertical ridges and grooves, hairless or sparsely covered with short soft hairs. In Japan, it is called sweet vine tea. Gynostemma thrives in cool, shady, and moist climates, often growing wild in forests, near small streams, and other shaded areas. It is a perennial climbing herb. In China, it is mainly distributed in Pingli, Shaanxi; Kangxian, Gansu; Hunan; Hubei; Yunnan; Guangxi, and other provinces, earning the title of "southern ginseng." Gynostemma grown in southern regions has higher medicinal content and is referred to by locals as the miraculous “longevity herb that defies aging.” In 1986, the National Science and Technology Commission listed Gynostemma as the top candidate among "precious medicinal herbs" to be developed under the "Spark Program," and on March 5, 2002, the National Health Ministry included it in the list of health products.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected production area of Suining Gynostemma includes the towns and townships of Hongyan, Wuyang, Lixi, Baiyu, Wawu, Changpuzi, Zashi, Huangsongping, Dongshan, Chaoyi, Egongling, Dangping, Tangjiapu, Zhuzhoujiang, Leanpu, Huangtukuang, Jinwutang, Meiping, Matang, Hekou, Lianmin, Fengmutuan, Shuikou, and Guanxia in Suining County. The geographic coordinates span from 109°49′8″E to 110°32′29″E longitude and from 26°16′3″N to 27°8′24″N latitude. The total production area is 3,000 hectares, with an annual output of approximately 4,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Characteristics: Suining Gynostemma is a product derived from the locally wild seven-leaf variety, harvested from new leaves of the year and processed into its final form. The leaves are tightly rolled, fine, even, and greenish in color; when brewed, the infusion is bright golden-yellow, fragrant, refreshing, sweet with a pleasant aftertaste, and the leaf base remains green with clear veins—indicating excellent quality. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: ① Physicochemical indicators: Total saponins (calculated as ginsenoside Rr, %) content must not be lower than 4.5%, total flavonoids (calculated as rutin, g/kg) content ≥3.4%, crude polysaccharides (g/kg) content ≥6g/kg. 3. The product quality meets the safety requirements of the standard “Green Food Substituted Tea” (NY/T2140-2012).