Jinxiu Gynostemma Tea

Jinxiu Gynostemma Tea

Jinxiu Gynostemma Tea is a protected geographical indication product.

　　The Gynostemma plants in Jinxiu, Guangxi’s Dayaoshan, grow beneath the primitive forests of the Dayaoshan Mountains, free from pollution by air, water sources, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers. Their gypenoside content is higher than that in other regions, earning them the title “King of Gynostemma.”

　　Traditional Chinese medicine holds that Gynostemma is bitter in taste, cold in property, and non-toxic. It is widely used among the people for its anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, cough-suppressing, and phlegm-resolving effects. In summer, local residents often gather its stems and leaves to make a cooling herbal drink. In 1972, an integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine team in Qujing, Yunnan Province first applied Gynostemma clinically—administering 2.5–3 grams three times daily as a decoction for a 10-day course of treatment. A total of 537 cases of chronic bronchitis in the elderly were treated, with 25 clinical cures, 133 marked improvements, 266 general improvements, and an overall efficacy rate of 79%, generally without side effects.

　　Also known as Fiveleaf Gynostemma Herb, Gynostemma belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and the genus Gynostemma. There are 13 identified species worldwide, 11 of which are found in China. Field-grown Gynostemma is visually similar to Cayratia japonica (from the grape family) in plant morphology. Fresh Gynostemma is a perennial herbaceous vine with slender stems, typically 1 to 3 meters long, with a pentagonal or polygonal cross-section. Tendrils grow from the leaf axils. The leaves are dark green, compound, with 5–7 small elliptical leaflets, each with a small petiole. The blades are wrinkled, fragile, and have serrated edges. The inflorescence is a panicle, 8–20 cm long, bearing spherical tiny fruits about 5–6 cm in diameter. When mature, the fruits turn black, giving off a faint fragrance with a slightly bitter taste.

　　The Gynostemma plants in Jinxiu, Guangxi’s Dayaoshan, grow beneath the primitive forests of the Dayaoshan Mountains, free from pollution by air, water sources, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers. Their gypenoside content is higher than that in other regions, earning them the title “King of Gynostemma.”

　　The “Shengtangshan” brand Gynostemma tea is a premium product produced by Guangxi Jinxiu Shengtang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (formerly Guangxi Jinxiu Shengtangshan Natural Health Products Development Company), the largest Gynostemma producer in China. It is the result of combining wild Dayaoshan Gynostemma with modern high technology. Since its market launch in 1987, it has won the favor of domestic and international consumers for its unique health benefits and superior quality. In January 1990, the State Science and Technology Commission issued Document [1990] No. 1, fully affirming its excellent health effects and recommending it to the public. In April 1998, it was approved by the National Health Ministry as a “health food.”

　　Due to the unique efficacy and outstanding quality of “Shengtangshan” brand Gynostemma tea, it won a silver award at the 1992 Hong Kong International Food Expo and was named one of the “100 Best-Selling Consumer Products in China in 1995.”