Damulin A

PhytochemicalSaponinBest with a meal

What is it

Damulin A is a dammarane-type saponin isolated from Gynostemma pentaphyllum (jiaogulan). It is being studied for AMPK-related metabolic effects.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Metabolic / glycemic support

Mixed Evidence

Preclinical data only. Human trials of isolated damulin A are not available.

How it works

Preclinical research suggests damulin A activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in muscle and liver cells, promoting glucose uptake and lipid oxidation. Effects observed in cell culture and rodent studies include improved insulin sensitivity and reduced hepatic lipid accumulation. Human clinical trials specifically on damulin A as an isolated supplement are not available; most human data refers to the parent herb gynostemma.

Dosage

No established RDA, AI or UL. Doses used in research are not standardized for human supplementation.

When and how to take it

No established timing. Gynostemma supplements are typically taken with meals.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Damulin A (isolated)

Rarely sold as an isolated supplement.

Limited PK data.

Gynostemma extract (contains damulin A)

More common form on the supplement market.

Variable.

Safety

Limited human safety data on the isolated compound. Gynostemma extracts are generally well tolerated, with occasional mild nausea or diarrhea reported.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of data. Use cautiously in people on glucose-lowering medications.

Interactions

Potential additive effects with antidiabetic medications. Caution with insulin or sulfonylureas due to AMPK-mediated glucose-lowering effects in animal models.

Food sources

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (jiaogulan) tea

Amount
1 cup
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is damulin A the same as gynostemma?⌄

No. Damulin A is one of many saponins in gynostemma.

Will damulin A lower blood sugar?⌄

Animal data suggests it may, but no human evidence supports this clinically.

References

Damulin A on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Damulin A (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Damulin A with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.