In China, the people called this herb "cheap ginseng" as it has similar healthy properties, but at a lower cost. It was proven in laboratory conditions that ginsenosides, a substance that was considered unique and contained only in ginseng, was also present in large quantity in Gynostemma leaves. Another name for this plant is "the herb of immortality". In the European countries, it was considered a decorative indoor plant until the 21st century, and it not so long ago, following the example of Chinese colleagues, that Western doctors began to use decoctions based on Gynostemma as a medicine.

The main function of the gynostemma, in the opinion of Chinese doctors, is decreasing the speed of the aging process. This is why they advise a decoction made from Gynostemma leaves to the elderly. The Chinese province of Guizhou, where this drink is very popular and is included in the daily diet, is home to a large number of centenarians. Additionally, gynostemma is also known under the name "Jiao Gu Lan", which is recommended as "women's ginseng". It is a drink that is said to regular the female reproductive system.