Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a perennial climbing vine with serrated leaves which commonly grow in groups of five. It is widely distributed in southern China, Japan, India, and South Korea. The leaves are edible and used as tea. It is a popular traditional herbal medicine in Asian countries and is well-known for its actions in promoting health and beauty. 

Flavonoids and gypenosides, the triterpenoid saponins of G. pentaphyllum, are considered to be the primary phytochemicals contributing to the health properties. Phytochemical studies of this plant have identified a number of dammarane-type of gypenosides, which are structurally related to the ginsenosides, the saponins present in ginseng. Many experimental results showed G. pentaphyllum exerts activities including inhibition of inflammation, prevention of cardiovascular disease due to anti-oxidant activity, and lipid-lowering properties. It is also reported that G. pentaphyllum is effective in the treatment of psoriasis.