Basic Introduction to Suining Gynostemma Pentaphyllum
Suining Gynostemma Pentaphyllum is a cultivated seven-leaf variety selected from local wild resources. The product is made from new leaves collected in the same year, processed into twisted, fine, uniform strands with a greenish color; after brewing, the infusion displays a bright golden-yellow hue, has a fresh and pleasant aroma, a sweet aftertaste, and a green leaf base with clear veins, indicating excellent quality.
Gynostemma Pentaphyllum, also known as Paradise Grass, Gospel Grass, Super Ginseng, Public Luo Guo Di, Ground-rooting Herb, Seven-Leaf Sweetheart, Five-Leaf Ginseng, and Seven-Leaf Ginseng, among others, is a herbaceous climbing plant of the family Cucurbitaceae and genus Gynostemma. Its Latin name is Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino. It has slender stems with branches, longitudinal ridges and grooves, and is hairless or sparsely covered with short soft hairs. In Japan, it is called “Amacha.” Gynostemma prefers a damp, mild climate and often grows naturally under forest cover, along small streams, and in other shaded areas. As a perennial climbing herb, it is mainly distributed in Pingli County, Shaanxi Province, Kang County, Gansu Province, Hunan, Hubei, Yunnan, Guangxi, and other provinces in China. It is known as “Southern Ginseng,” and the medicinal content of Gynostemma grown in southern regions is relatively high. Locally, it is referred to as a miraculous “anti-aging longevity herb.” On March 5, 2002, the Ministry of Health included it on the list of health products. In 1986, the State Science and Technology Commission listed Gynostemma as the top priority in the “Torch Program” for valuable Chinese medicinal herbs awaiting development. In 1985, during the national survey of Chinese medicinal resources, large areas of the precious herb Gynostemma, known as “Southern Ginseng,” were discovered in our county. On July 25, 1987, following an assessment organized by the Provincial Science and Technology Commission, the saponin content in our county's Gynostemma was found to have reached advanced domestic levels in similar research projects. In October 1988, Gynostemma tea and its saponins won Silver Crane and Rising Star awards at the China High-Quality Health Product Evaluation Meeting. Suining Gynostemma is a cultivated seven-leaf variety selected from local wild resources, with new leaves collected in the same year and processed into a product with twisted, fine, uniform strands and a greenish color; after brewing, the infusion displays a bright golden-yellow hue, has a fresh and pleasant aroma, a sweet aftertaste, and a green leaf base with clear veins, indicating excellent quality. Internal quality indicators: 1) Physicochemical indicators: total saponins (calculated as ginsenoside Rr, %) content reaches 4.5% or more, total flavonoids (calculated as rutin, g/kg) content ≥3.4%, crude polysaccharides (g/kg) content ≥6 g/kg.
Geographical Scope
The geographical protection area for Suining Gynostemma Pentaphyllum includes the towns and townships of Hongyan, Wuyang, Lixi, Baiyu, Wawu, Changpuzi, Zai Shi, Huangsangping, Dongshan, Chaoyi, Eogongling, Dangping, Tangjiafang, Zhuzhoujiang, Le'anpu, Huangtukuang, Jinwutang, Meiping, Matang, He Kou, Lianmin, Fengmutuan, Shuikou, and Guanxia. The geographic coordinates range from 109°49′8″E to 110°32′29″E and from 26°16′3″N to 27°8′24″N. The total production area is 3,000 hectares, with an annual production volume of approximately 4,000 tons.
Nutritional Value
Gynostemma tea can increase cellular vitality, improve blood circulation, promote metabolism, enhance immunity, and has anti-aging, fatigue-relieving, cancer-preventing, blood pressure-lowering, lipid-reducing, anti-inflammatory, sedative, stomach-strengthening, beauty-enhancing, and many other benefits. Regular consumption promotes health, intelligence, longevity, and is suitable for all seasons and ages.
Product Characteristics
Product Quality Characteristics
1. External sensory characteristics: Suining Gynostemma is a cultivated seven-leaf variety selected from local wild resources. The product is made from new leaves collected in the same year, processed into twisted, fine, uniform strands with a greenish color; after brewing, the infusion displays a bright golden-yellow hue, has a fresh and pleasant aroma, a sweet aftertaste, and a green leaf base with clear veins, indicating excellent quality.
2. Internal quality indicators: 1) Physicochemical indicators: total saponins (calculated as ginsenoside Rr, %) content shall not be less than 4.5%, total flavonoids (calculated as rutin, g/kg) content ≥3.4%, crude polysaccharides (g/kg) content ≥6 g/kg.
3. The product quality meets the safety requirements of the Green Food Herbal Tea Standard (NY/T2140-2012).