ASHITABA vs Gynura Procumbens

A lot of articles have been circulating around the internet claiming Gynura Procumbens to be Ashitaba plant, though both herbs are beneficial to the health, Ashitaba and Gynura Procumbens are of two different types.
Ashitaba

Their leaves might be the same but a closer look would prove it otherwise.

The ridges of the leaves are more pronounced in Ashitaba plant than in Gynura Procumbens.
Ashitaba
To the untrained eye, both plants may look similar and often people will mistook one from the other, not to mention, there are those who are writing articles and/or selling these plants in its 'wrong' name, giving the person who bought the plant the wrong knowledge and a misconception on the beneficial effects of the plant.

So here we will give you enough knowledge to go around on these plants.


As this blog is focused on Ashitaba, this article will discuss more on information about Gynura Procumbens.


Gynura Procumbens
From the pictures alone, you can already tell the difference on the shape of the leaves ...yah?

Gynura procumbens is believed by the Chinese to be one that possesses the ability to lower blood pressure and sugar levels. Usually will recommend to eat 3 – 7 leaves daily in the raw form, 5-8 leaves per meal is enough.      

The leaves have a mild raw taste which makes it quite easy to consume.


To date, there had been a limited number of scientific studies done on this herb. A Singapore study that used diabetic rat models showed that an alcoholic extract of Gynura procumbens was able to reduce elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while another study by a Korean group of researchers reported that this herb possessed anti-hypertensive properties in a rat model.
Gynura Procumbens, an herbal treatment of eruptive fever, rash, kidney disease, migraine, constipation, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cancer. <source>

Gynura procumbens 
Besides the above medicinal properties, according to the Plant Resources of South East Asia (PROSEA), this plant is also used in Africa, where the boiled leaves are applied externally to relieve general body pains and raw leaves for rheumatic pains. Dried and pounded leaves are mixed with oil and applied as a poultice to treat skin compliants. It also used for the treatment of kidney problems and dysentery.  


Gynura procumbens is generally regarded to be a relatively harmless herb to consume. In fact, in Java Indonesia, the young shoots of this plant are eaten raw as a vegetable. Singaporeans may find it more palatable if the leaves have been blanched in hot water before consumption.
This plant grows easily from stem-cuttings. Seeds are not available. It is best grown in well-draining, fertile soil that is kept moist at all times. Semi-shade is preferred by this plant although it can be slowly adapted to grow in full sun, provided the plant does not dry out at the roots. Initial planting under direct sunshine will result in burnt leaves and stunting in growth. Growth should resume once the plant has acclimatised to its new growing conditions.
Gynura procumbens
Gynura procumbens grows as a scrambling perennial plant with stems that can extend to 6m long if left to grow. The fleshy leaves are bright green that are rather smooth to touch. The shape of leaves can vary depending on the growing conditions and they can range from roundish to ovate in shape but are all shallowly toothed at the margins.
In shade, they are darker green and appear rather flat but under direct sun, the two sides of each leaf may develop a slight V shape along the mid-rib and take on a lighter green colour.
                      Gynura Procumbens
Sambung Nyawa (Leaves Of The Gods)

In Malay its called : Sambung Nyawa, 
Scientific name      : Gynura procumbens.
Other names           : Daun Dewa, Leaves of the Gods, Googoolipid,                 Mollucan Spinach,Sam Akar, Akar Sebiak, Kelemai Merah and Bai Bing Cao



Hope we clarified the confusion on that matter. Know your herbs :)













39 comments:

BUTSOKOY said...

Thanks for your clarification. I was also puzzled on the distinct difference in shape of the leaves of two plants. The Gynura is often mistaken as the Ashitaba.

Anonymous said...

where we can get ashitaba plant

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the clarification.I really thought Gynura Procumbens is the Ashitaba since it was sold to me as Ashitaba(from a sunday market)although I was instructed to take it raw as was the instructions I read in taking the Gynura Procumbens. Your info is really of great help. Thank you again.

palengke97 said...

I have several Gynura plants ready for sale/trade. If interested pls email me at palengke97@gmail.com. Thanks

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the info...those guys who sell gynura and called it ashitaba are deadly wrong...they should not fool their customers. Ignorance of the law excuses no one....

titoernny said...

now my hint were right.. ASHITOBA and GYNURA is not one>>> people selling it in one online site are fooling us... damn....

titoernny said...

NOW... were can we buy the true ASHITABA???? please HELP!!!!

MARANA THA said...

It's so nice of you to show us the real Ashitaba Plant. Also, thank you for giving is the benefits of the Gynura procumbens. Really appreciate it. May GOD bless people like you abundantly!

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU very much for the information :) it was really a great help for me especially right now that i'm thinking of it to be my subject on my upcoming thesis..thank so much,continue the good work! God bless..

Anonymous said...

gudam;;;where can i buy the original ashitaba leaves

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the information.
We planted a lot of this Gynura thinking it was Ashitaba..
Now that we know the difference, we'll be using it's name.. Gynura Procumben.. Thanks a lot..

Anonymous said...

Now, I want to know about gynura procumbens VS gynura pseudochina.

RoSelou said...

Last time i check i did not found your site, but i suspected that our ashitaba is not the real one. Now I have proof, your photos of ashitaba and gynura clearly shows the difference between the two herbs. Thanks for the info, very helpful.

Anonymous said...

Here's where I bought mine and it is the real ashitaba: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashitaba-Angelica-keiskei-koidzumi-for-Sale/300232080121742.
I hope this helps.

Anonymous said...

Can I share this link on facebook? Don't want to have any issues if ever. thanks

Anonymous said...

I don't think there would be a problem with sharing the link. I did and they didn't mind at all

Ashitaba benefits said...

Source of Ashitaba is island of Hachijo Japan , is a lush green herb , the Ashitaba also named dong quai , this herb contain much medicinal benefits , in japan They utilization In many of the dishes the most popular , Ashitaba is health treasure . Ashitaba benefits

Anonymous said...

I am looking for Ashitaba oil but can't find it. It's very rare and expensive and it shouldn't be mixed with a carrier oil. Does anyone know where I can find it?

Anonymous said...

I have a few ashitaba plants at home i got from my supplier :) https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashitaba-Angelica-keiskei-koidzumi-for-Sale/300232080121742

I also purchase ashitaba powder from them which is easier to ingest mixed together with my fruit juice.

Anonymous said...

I have hundreds of Gynura Procumbens plats in pots it has average of 50 leaves per pot. It is for Sale and if you are sick already and you need this kind of herb i will give it to you free as a help.
email me @ you_iknow@rocketmail.com

Willy C.Cabaguing said...

Thank you very much for this informative article it was really a relief to misconception between two different equally important and beneficial herbs.

Unknown said...

i have gynura ready to sell email me @ aizelle_ara01@yahoo.com.ph

Anonymous said...



thank you for the article very helpful for me got to prove this plant I got a high blood pressure at this very day 140/90 im only 38and its because of my lifestyle I thought is was Ashitaba now I got Gynura Procumbens in my yard got to propagate it even more my wife lola consumes it every day shes 93 and feeling good.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Thank you for telling the difference between the two. Even though it is not ashitaba, as once mentioned by the one who gave this plant to me, at least it has its own health benefits similar to ashitaba.

Unknown said...

i have of two the gynura and true ashitaba feeling thankful thanks God!

Anonymous said...

NHAdvocate

Have managed to grow a least a total of 2 meters of the Gynura plant which I have been calling Ashitaba until now that the distinct features of the plant specie have been clarified. Nonetheless, with the leaves (5-7) that I take every morning with breakfast, I have experienced good results specifically - good abdominal cleansing...

Anonymous said...

is gynura taste and smell like a guava leaves? thanks

Super Strong Incense said...

This is wonderful. I am not quite much with the internet, but I believe that what I just read is some good material. Thanks for writing such wonderful article. God bless.
Welcome to Super Strong Incense - SuperStrongIncense.com

Unknown said...

The moment my friend give this plant to me, he told that its a "green tea" leaves which I think would closely resemble this same.

What's the difference between the two?

Please give advise. Thank you and God bless.

Colin Boles said...

Hi I'm 76 & just diagnosed with Diabetes! My wife has made me Gynura Tea while I was in Cabanatuan City for August! Can get some plants from you to be able to continue her cure here in Australia colinboles@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Now I know...but good thing is that it is also beneficial to our health because I have planted it here and it started to grow wildly...

Unknown said...

Now I know...but good thing is that it is also beneficial to our health because I have planted it here and it started to grow wildly...

Unknown said...

I have gynura plant i eat 5 leaves together with insulin plant leaves every day before breakfast as my maintenance.

Unknown said...

Elsa Montesclaros of Cebu City Philippines

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