plant used for medicine jiaogulan plant Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino Gynostemma pentaphyllum, also called jiaogulan, is a dioecious, herbaceous climbing vine of the *family Cucurbitaceae* (cucumber or gourd family) indigenous to the southern reaches of China, northern Vietnam, southern Korea, and Japan. Jiaogulan is best known as an herbal medicine reputed to have powerful antioxidant and adaptogenic effects purported to increase longevity. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gynostemma_pentaphyllum] gynostemma pentaphyllum requires discussion