According to a famous Korean Medical textbook(Donguibogam), it is a very valuable medicine and has been used as a tea and wine. It is a wild plant which belongs to the eggplant species. It is thus regarded as a mysterious herb, and Qin Shi-Huang(the first emperor of Chin) used it often. There is a legend about Gugija. Once there was a village whose people lived a long lives. The secret of their longevity were the roots of Gugija which grew near the well form which the villagers darnk. Although Gugija grows in Korea, Japan, and China, Cheongyang is the best place to grow it because of the soil and climate. Presently, 1,500 families are cultivating about 400 tons per year at 150ha. Gugija also it has an excellent reputation for its efficacy.

	Bataine
	Supports the liver and the stomach. Prevents hardening of the arteries, hypertension and anemia. Helps sinews and bones growth.
	Rutin
	Reduces cholesterol, prevents geriatric diseases.
	β--sitosterol
	Reduces cholesterol, prevents geriatric diseases caused by excess albumin escpecially. inhibitive action for prostatomegaly.

Gugija doesn't have any poison. It is known for it′s remarkable effect in eliminating physical and mental fatigue. It's also good for backaches, and skin problems. Qin Shi-Huang sent a group of liege subjects around the world to find the herb of eternal youth. Gugija might have been the herb which the emperor had longed for.