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Dietary supplement

Jiaogulan Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Mental Refreshment

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Jiaogulan is a dietary supplement by Mental Refreshment with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for fatigue and stress (adaptogen), blood sugar support, high blood pressure.Based on those ingredients, 327 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Jiaogulan extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Jiaogulan by Mental Refreshment

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Mental Refreshment contains one active ingredient: jiaogulan extract. Jiaogulan is a plant used traditionally in Asian medicine and studied for its potential effects on blood sugar and immune function.

The capsule also contains gelatin and rice powder as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Jiaogulan's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: supports immune health stamina and endurance.
  • We looked for evidence on: Athletic performance, Stress, fatigue, recovery.
  • The closest evidence on file: Jiaogulan is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Athletic performance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Jiaogulan is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Stress.

The evidence supports jiaogulan for diabetes — it's rated possibly effective for helping manage blood sugar. For athletic performance, cardiovascular disease, cancer, fatty liver disease, and respiratory infections, the evidence isn't established in our data, so we can't say whether it works for those uses.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Jiaogulan

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Jiaogulan appears generally well tolerated when used short-term — studies up to 4 months show it's handled fairly well. The most common side effects are diarrhea and nausea; some people also report dry mouth, dizziness, or trouble sleeping.

Long-term safety isn't well studied, so use caution if you're thinking of taking it regularly. Don't take jiaogulan if you're pregnant — safety data advises against it because we don't know enough about how it might affect your baby.

Avoid it while breastfeeding too, since there isn't enough safety information. If you're thinking about it during pregnancy or while nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Jiaogulan

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Jiaogulan.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 327 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking jiaogulan, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin), drugs that suppress your immune system, or diabetes medications — all three are documented to interact with jiaogulan at Moderate severity.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Jiaogulan may be worth considering if you're managing blood sugar and interested in botanical support — but it's not a replacement for your diabetes medications. If you take blood thinners, immune suppressors, or diabetes drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, since it can interact with all three.

Avoid it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 22, 2021.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Jiaogulan, straight from the product label.

Brand Mental Refreshment
Barcode (UPC) 715854664871
Net contents 180 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 22, 2021
DSLD ID 242526
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Jiaogulan by Mental Refreshment, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
715854664871
IngredientAmount% DV
Jiaogulan extract820 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Rice powder

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Mental Refreshment Premium brand/Optimum results

100% satisfaction guaranteed

Formulation

Powerful adaptogen & antioxidant Supports immune health Supports stamina & endurance

Contains No: Artificial coloring, artificial flavor, preservatives, yeast, corn, milk or milk derivatives, lactose, salt, sodium, soy, sugar, gluten, starch or wheat.

We have assayed & fully guarantee the quality & potency of this product.

Manufactured in a FDA Registered facility that conforms to GMP standards

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For adults, take two (2) capsules daily, preferably with meals.

Precautions

As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications you take with your health care providers.

Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medications, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18. Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store in a dry place and avoid excessive heat.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice Consistent Quality Made in the USA

See for yourself

Jiaogulan by Mental Refreshment label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Jiaogulan by Mental Refreshment

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Jiaogulan extract

Interacts with
327 drugs
820 mg per serving Form: Gypenosides

Jiaogulan is a climbing vine used in traditional Chinese medicine as an adaptogen and for heart, blood sugar, and cholesterol support. Early human and...

Jiaogulan extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Rice powder. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Jiaogulan by Mental Refreshment Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Jiaogulan?

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Go to the checker
327Drugs
327 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Jiaogulan with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Jiaogulan extract3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, jiaogulan might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research suggests that jiaogulan has antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, jiaogulan might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that jiaogulan can lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, jiaogulan might decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy.
Clinical and animal studies suggest that jiaogulan can stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Jiaogulan, from the product label.

Mental Refreshment

See all Mental Refreshment products
Name
Mental Refreshment Nutrition
City
Severna Park
State
MD
ZipCode
21146
Web Address
www.mentalrefreshment.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Jiaogulan by Mental Refreshment: Common Questions

Does Jiaogulan by Mental Refreshment interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Jiaogulan has a known interaction with 327 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Jiaogulan contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What side effects might I get from jiaogulan?
Most commonly, diarrhea and nausea. Some people also report dry mouth, dizziness, or insomnia. It's been studied for up to 4 months and seems well tolerated during that time, but long-term effects aren't clear.
Can I take jiaogulan if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — avoid it during pregnancy because safety hasn't been established and it may affect your developing baby. Don't take it while breastfeeding either, since there isn't enough safety information. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's safe for you.
Does jiaogulan actually help with blood sugar?
It's rated possibly effective for diabetes based on clinical research showing it can lower blood glucose levels. That said, it's not a substitute for your diabetes medications — use it only under your doctor's guidance.
What is jiaogulan used for?
Jiaogulan is a plant traditionally used in Asian medicine. In this product, the extract is intended to support health, though solid evidence exists mainly for blood sugar management. Evidence for athletic performance, heart health, cancer, liver disease, and infection prevention is insufficient.
Is jiaogulan safe to use long-term?
Short-term use up to 4 months appears well tolerated, but long-term safety isn't well studied. If you're thinking of taking it regularly, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Jiaogulan label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Jiaogulan's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 8 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Jiaogulan 8 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Tan H, Liu ZL, Liu MJ. [Antithrombotic effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum]. Zhingguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1993;13:278-80.
  3. Chan LY, Chiu PY, Lau TK. An in-vitro study of ginsenoside Rb(1)-induced teratogenicity using a whole rat embryo culture model. Hum Reprod 2003;18:2166-8..
  4. Huyen VT, Phan DV, Thang P, Hoa NK, Ostenson CG. Gynostemma pentaphyllum Tea Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetic Patients. J Nutr Metab. 2013;2013:765383. doi: 10.1155/2013/765383.
  5. Li Y, Lin W, Huang J, Xie Y, Ma W. Anti-cancer effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (Jiaogulan). Chin Med. 2016 Sep 27;11:43. Review. PubMed
  6. Huyen VT, Phan DV, Thang P, Ky PT, Hoa NK, Ostenson CG. Antidiabetic effect of add-on Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract therapy with sulfonylureas in type 2 diabetic patients. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2012; 452313.
  7. Huyen VT, Phan DV, Thang P, Hoa NK, Ostenson CG. Antidiabetic effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea in randomly assigned type 2 diabetic patients. Horm Metab Res. 2010;42(5):353-7.
  8. Rao A, Clayton P, Briskey D. The effect of an orally-dosed Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (ActivAMP®) on body composition in overweight, adult men and women: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study. J Hum Nutr Diet 2021.

See these in context on the Jiaogulan monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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