Panax notoginseng
What's the taxonomical classification of Panax notoginseng?
Panax notoginseng belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it follows the biological lineage of the order Apiales. This plant is further categorized under the family Araliaceae, which places it within the genus Panax, ultimately identifying it by its specific species name, notoginseng.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Genus | Panax |
| Species | notoginseng |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Panax notoginseng has a fleshy, spindle-shaped taproot that is typically light yellow to white in color and possesses a characteristic pungent aroma. The aerial portion consists of a perennial herbaceous structure featuring large, palmate leaves that often grow in clusters of three to five leaflets. These leaves are dark green and possess serrated margins along their edges. During the flowering stage, the plant produces small, white, star-shaped flowers arranged in umbels on a central stalk. After pollination, the plant develops small, round berries that transition from green to a bright red color when fully ripe.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the mountainous regions of the Korean Peninsula and parts of northeastern China. It thrives primarily in temperate forest ecosystems characterized by high humidity and cool climates. Its natural habitat is typically restricted to shaded areas with well-drained, organic-rich soil found at specific elevations. Due to its specialized environmental requirements, the species is often confined to protected woodland zones. Wild populations are increasingly rare as natural habitats face pressure from human activity and climate shifts.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Panax notoginseng requires cultivation in shaded, well-drained mountain soils with a temperature range between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius and consistent moisture levels.
Growers typically plant the rhizomes in early spring once the frost has subsided to ensure stable root development. Because the species is sensitive to direct sunlight, farmers often use artificial shading structures to mimic the forest floor environment. Regular irrigation and careful weed management are essential to prevent competition for nutrients during the long growing period.
After several years of careful monitoring, the roots are harvested when they reach the desired medicinal potency.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Panax notoginseng is utilized medicinally primarily through its underground structures, specifically the radix, rhizoma, and the main taproot system. The medicinal properties are concentrated within the thick, fleshy root that develops from the central taproot. As the plant matures, the rhizoma serves as an important storage organ for various bioactive compounds. These parts often form a dense tuber-like structure that contains the highest concentration of ginsenosides. Consequently, the entire root complex is harvested to create traditional herbal remedies.
According to a study published by "Molecular medicine reports", Panax notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma is one of the three primary components of the Guan Xin Dan Shen formulation. This formulation is used as a treatment for the management of coronary heart disease in China. In the study, db/db mice were treated with the formulation for 10 weeks. The research assessed the effects of the formulation on diabetic cardiomyopathy after this 10 week period.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- Radix
- Rhizoma
- Root
- Taproot
- Tuber
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Panax notoginseng, has been utilized for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various conditions involving blood circulation and pain. Practitioners historically employed the root to address injuries, such as bruising and swelling, by promoting the movement of blood and resolving stasis. It was frequently prescribed to stabilize blood pressure and reduce inflammation within the body. In many regional traditions, the powdered form of the root served as a primary remedy for stabilizing hemorrhage and calming the spirit. These long-standing medicinal practices established the plant as a cornerstone for treating traumatic injuries and cardiovascular discomfort.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", the underground part of Panax notoginseng, known as Sanqi, is commonly used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of haemorrhage, haemostasis, and swelling. The aerial part of the plant, which includes leaves, flowers, and fruits, is also applied for similar functions. Up to date, more than 100 saponins have been isolated from the roots, rhizomes, leaves, flowers, and fruits of P. notoginseng. These saponins are considered to be responsible for the biological activities of Sanqi. The reported saponins can be classified into protopanaxadiol (PPD), protopanaxatriol (PPT), C17 side-chain varied, and other types based on the skeletons of the aglycons.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Chinese medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Panax notoginseng?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, blood circulation promoting, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory pharmacological activities. Its bioactive compounds work to reduce systemic inflammation by inhibiting key pro-inflammatory cytokines. The high antioxidant content helps neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage. Furthermore, the plant enhances blood circulation and supports neurological health through its potent neuroprotective properties. Finally, its immunomodulatory effects assist in regulating the body's natural immune response to maintain homeostasis.
According to a study published by "Steroids", 11 new 20(S)-protopanaxadiol type saponins were obtained from the leaves of Panax notoginseng, named as notogiensiosides NL-E1-NL-E4 (1-4), NL-F1 (5), NL-F2 (6), NL-G1 (7), NL-G2 (8), and NL-H1-NL-H3 (9-11). These compounds, including the 20(S)-PPD type saponins with aglycone (20S,24ζ)-3β,12β,20,24,25-pentahydroxy dammarane, were examined for nitric oxide inhibitory activities in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Compounds 2-7 and 10 exerted NO inhibitory activity at 25 μM without cytotoxicity. These inhibitory activities occurred in a dose-dependent manner at 1, 10, and 25 μM. Notably, notogiensoside NL-F2 (6) possessed strong biological activity even at 1 μM.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 1. anti-inflammatory
- 2. anti-oxidant
- 3. neuroprotective
- 4. blood circulation promoting
- 5. immunomodulatory
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive saponins known as ginsenosides, specifically Ginsenoside Rg1, Ginsenoside Rb1, Ginsenoside Rg3, Notoginsenoside R1, and Ginsenoside Rd. These medicinal compounds are categorized into different chemical groups based on their unique molecular structures. Ginsenoside Rg1 and Notoginsenoside R1 are often studied for their potential neuroprotective and cognitive benefits. In contrast, Ginsenoside Rb1 and Ginsenoside Rd are frequently researched for their effects on the central nervous system and metabolic regulation. Additionally, Ginsenoside Rg3 is noted for its significant role in supporting anticancer activities and immune modulation.
According to a study published by "Cells", Panax notoginseng contains Ginsenoside Rg1 (G-Rg1), which is a saponin composed of natural active ingredients. This compound is derived from the roots or stems of the plant. Its pharmacological activity against cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury involves 4 sets of mechanisms. These include anti-oxidant activity through pathways such as Akt, Nrf2/HO-1, PPARγ/HO-1, ERK, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Additionally, the compound acts through MAPK pathways including JN1/2 + ERK1/2 and the PI3K-Akt/mTOR, PKB/Akt, and HIF-1α/VEGF pathways.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ginsenoside Rg1
- Ginsenoside Rb1
- Ginsenoside Rg3
- Notoginsenoside R1
- Panax notoginseng saponins
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive impairment. Its active ginsenosides help protect neurons from damage to improve memory and focus in patients facing cognitive impairment. Research suggests the herb may also stabilize blood sugar levels for individuals managing diabetes. Additionally, it is studied for its ability to support heart health and reduce risks associated with cardiovascular disease. These properties make it a significant subject in neuroprotective and metabolic health studies.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", Panax notoginseng saponins are used to address the brain lesions found in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) rat model. The study established these AD rat models through the intra-peritoneum injection of D-galactose combined with the injection of excitatory neurotoxin ibotenic acid into bilateral nbM. Research focused on the activity and content of synaptophyis protein in the brain to observe the protective effects of Panax notoginseng saponins. The results showed that Panax notoginseng saponins could reduce the lesion of the level of synaptophyis protein in the brain compared to the model group's rats. Ultimately, Panax notoginseng saponins play a protective role by reducing the down of the level of synaptophyis protein in the brain in this AD animal model.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's disease
- Vascular Dementia
- Diabetes
- Cognitive impairment
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Panax notoginseng, a medicinal herb used to create various preparations including fibrous root powder, Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills, Tongluojiunao, Xuesaitong injection, and Yindan xinnaotong soft capsules. These different forms are primarily utilized in traditional and modern medicine to promote blood circulation and reduce stasis. The fibrous root powder serves as a foundational material for many specialized pharmaceutical products. Specific formulations like Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills and Tongluojiunao are often targeted toward cardiovascular support and neurological health. Additionally, Xuesaitong injection and Yindan xinnaotong soft capsules provide concentrated ways to administer the herb's active compounds for systemic benefits.
According to a study published by "Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy", Panax notoginseng main root powder (MRP) has high medicinal value, strong market demand, and a premium price. The study focused on Panax notoginseng products including Panax notoginseng fibrous root powder (FRP). Using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and deep learning, identification accuracies reached 97.77 % for CNN and 98.66 % for Transformer models. For regression prediction of adulterant concentrations, R2 values ranged from 0.9475 to 0.9789 for CNN and 0.9387 to 0.9848 for Transformer models. Furthermore, R2 values for predicting primary active components varied from 0.9445 to 0.9726 for CNN and 0.9602 to 0.9720 for Transformer models.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Panax notoginseng fibrous root powder
- Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills
- Tongluojiunao
- Xuesaitong injection
- Yindan xinnaotong soft capsules
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause serious health complications such as increased bleeding due to over-anticoagulation of the blood. Consuming it may lead to systemic issues if the specimen contains heavy metals like cadmium toxicity. There is also a risk of arsenic accumulation which can harm various organ systems over time. Such toxic elements may ultimately lead to significant cellular membrane damage. These side effects highlight the potential dangers associated with improper consumption of the herb.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", the active components extracted from Panax notoginseng have obvious anticoagulant effects. These components can be used as potential anticoagulant drugs, but the risk of bleeding is currently unclear. The study involved a comprehensive literature search using 4 electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang database, as well as ClinicalTrials.gov. This research was conducted from the inception of the study up to 28 Feb 2023. Although Panax notoginseng shows potential, the specific side effects related to its use as an anticoagulant remain undetermined.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- bleeding
- over-anticoagulation
- cadmium toxicity
- arsenic accumulation
- membrane damage
What herbs are paired with Panax notoginseng?
This plant Panax notoginseng is frequently paired with herbs such as Dan Shen, Chuan Xiong, and Hong Hua to enhance its ability to invigorate blood and resolve stasis.
These combinations are specifically formulated in traditional medicine to address cardiovascular health and improve circulation. For example, adding Dan Shen helps to clear heat while supporting the heart, whereas Chuan Xiong assists in moving the blood more effectively through the vessels. Pairing it with Hong Hua further strengthens the medicinal effect of breaking up blood clots and reducing pain.
These strategic herb pairings work synergistically to maximize the therapeutic potential of the ginseng for treating various blood-related ailments.