Full Spectrum Jiaogulan 375 mg By Planetary Herbals Overview & Drug Interactions

Calcium is a vital nutrient found in various foods such as dairy products, certain vegetables, and many fortified items. Over 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, predominantly as hydroxyapatite. The remaining calcium circulates in the blood, extracellular fluid, muscles, and other tissues, where it is essential for processes like nerve signaling, muscle contraction, vascular activities, glandular secretion, and maintaining cell membrane and capillary permeability. It also plays critical roles in enzyme reactions, respiration, kidney function, and blood clotting, and is involved in neurotransmitter and hormone release, amino acid uptake, vitamin B12 absorption, and gastrin secretion. Calcium balance changes with age: it is positive during periods of growth, stable in adulthood, and tends to become negative in older age. Calcium loss occurs through feces, urine, sweat, and shedding skin cells. In women, reduced estrogen levels decrease calcium absorption and retention, increase bone turnover, and lead to lower bone mass. Calcium supplements come in various forms, including citrate and carbonate, which differ mainly in their calcium content and absorption rates. Calcium citrate is easily absorbed and can be taken without food, making it suitable for older adults or those with low stomach acid. In contrast, calcium carbonate, which contains a higher percentage of calcium, is best absorbed when taken with meals.

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a plant native to China and is known as "Southern Ginseng" or "Five-Leaf Gynostemma," due to its close resemblance to ginseng and the five leaflets on its leaves. It has also been called 'Miracle Plant'. It is a climbing vine that grows in warm, humid regions and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including fatigue, stress, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. It is also believed to have anti-aging and immune-boosting properties. Hundreds of different compounds have been found in Jiaogulan, some of which have found to be somewhat similar, or even identical, to those found in other plants, such as Panax ginseng.