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Efficacy and mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum as a medicine food homology herb in glycemic control: a meta-analysis with review.

  • 2026-04-15
  • Frontiers in pharmacology 17
    • Ruoshi Wang
    • Yuqing Wang
    • Yanfei Mo
    • Heng Zhang
    • Gaoxiang Ma

Study Design

Type
Systematic Review
Sample size
n = 584
Population
584 patients
Methods
Meta-analysis of clinical studies from PubMed, CNKI, and Embase; random-effects models calculated pooled mean differences for FPG, 2hPG, and HbA1c; systematic review also summarized antidiabetic mechanisms

Introduction

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino is a traditional "medicine food homology" plant widely consumed in Asia to promote health. Its safety profile makes it a promising diabetes candidate. This study systematically evaluates its efficacy in glycemic control and elucidates its mechanisms of action.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis of clinical studies from PubMed, CNKI, and Embase. Random-effects models calculated pooled mean differences (MD) for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial glucose (2hPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). A systematic review also summarized its antidiabetic mechanisms.

Results

Eight studies involving 584 patients were included. Gynostemma pentaphyllum significantly reduced FPG (MD = -0.79 mmol/L, 95% CI = -1.08 to -0.51), HbA1c (MD = -1.01%, 95% CI = -1.41 to -0.61), and 2hPG (MD = -0.90 mmol/L, 95% CI = -1.95 to -0.15). Long-term and monotherapy treatments showed superior efficacy. The mechanistic review revealed hypoglycemic effects via multiple pathways, including enhanced glucose uptake, reduced glucose production, increased insulin secretion, and improved insulin resistance.

Discussion

Combined clinical and mechanistic findings demonstrate that Gynostemma pentaphyllum provides effective glycemic control through multi-target pharmacological mechanisms, solidifying its potential as a comprehensive therapeutic approach for diabetes management.

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