Notoginseng root extract comes from the Panax Notoginseng plant. It has been key in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is known for its wide uses, from cardiovascular support to managing blood sugar.
As part of our series on medicinal herbs, we look into its history, uses today, and what science says about notoginseng.
Key Takeaways
- Notoginseng root extract is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine.
- The extract is rich in saponins, the major bioactive components.
- Scientific studies suggest its efficacy in managing blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
- It shows promise in improving cardiovascular health and reducing oxidative stress.
- The traditional uses of Notoginseng align closely with its modern applications.
- Notoginseng root takes around six years to mature before it can be harvested.
Introduction to Notoginseng Root Extract
The Introduction to Notoginseng shows us the complex benefits and health gains of this amazing root extract. It is known as Panax notoginseng in traditional Chinese medicine. But what exactly is Notoginseng root?
Notoginseng, or Panax notoginseng, grows in China as a perennial herb. Its roots and rhizomes contain valuable compounds used for health purposes. The Notoginseng root extract overview highlights its use in improving heart health and boosting physical strength.
When exploring Notoginseng root, one finds over 200 bioactive compounds in it. These include saponins and flavonoids, with saponins leading the charge. Ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, and R1 are notably plentiful. Panax notoginseng has a high saponin content, around 15%, more so than Panax ginseng, which has about 4%. This makes it more potent in its health benefits.
The breakdown of these compounds in our body is quite interesting. For instance, some saponins turn into metabolites like compound K in our gut. This process is affected by our gut bacteria. Interestingly, these metabolites are more available in women due to specific gut bacteria. The place where Notoginseng grows also affects its benefits. Areas with lots of rain and humidity have Notoginseng with more useful ginsenosides.
Processing Notoginseng roots by steaming creates new ginsenosides like Rh4, Rk3, and Rg3. This process boosts its health properties. The demand for Notoginseng root extract is growing globally. It will continue to grow steadily in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and health supplement markets from 2024 to 2031.
Historical Significance and Traditional Uses
Notoginseng, known as Sanqi, holds a special spot in Ancient Chinese Medicine. It dates back to the Ming Dynasty. It was famous for its powerful healing abilities and wide use. Panax notoginseng is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to do many things. These include dispersing blood stasis, stopping bleeding, reducing swelling, and easing pain.
Notoginseng is celebrated for its pharmacological benefits. Its value in Ancient Chinese medicine comes from its ability to boost blood circulation without causing problems. It’s a key remedy in TCM. Being called “More precious than gold” in Chinese culture shows its lasting medicinal importance.
Historically, Notoginseng helped treat heart and brain diseases. Its success in these areas highlights its powerful properties. The main components of the plant are saponins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and volatile oils. Each offers its own set of benefits.
The move of Notoginseng to a modern-day herbal remedy is due to its well-documented advantages. Research has revealed its potential to fight tumors, reduce oxidation, lower inflammation, protect the brain, and adjust the immune system.
Many benefits are tied to traditional preparation and use methods, as detailed in Chinese medical texts. From grinding the root for topical use to making tea for drinking, these varied methods show Notoginseng’s versatility and effectiveness.
Let’s now look into some historical insights on Notoginseng in ancient medicine:
| Usage | Benefit | Component |
| Dispersing blood stasis | Improved blood circulation | Saponins |
| Hemostasis | Reduced bleeding | Polysaccharides |
| Calming pain | Pain relief | Saponins, Volatile Oils |
| Reducing swelling | Anti-inflammatory effects | Flavonoids |
Exploring the cultural significance of Notoginseng shows its progression from ancient use to a modern-day miracle. This herb’s journey highlights the enduring wisdom of Ancient Chinese Medicine. It also sets the stage for discussing recent advancements in the following sections.
Health Benefits of Notoginseng Root Extract
Notoginseng root extract is prized in traditional Chinese medicine for over 3000 years. It is known for its many health benefits. One key benefit is its cardiovascular support. Cardiovascular diseases are on the rise, but Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) help protect the heart.
PNS are vital in stopping blood clots and improving blood flow. They also fight inflammation, which is good for heart health. Notoginsenoside R1 (NG-R1) increases good enzymes while decreasing bad ones in the blood. This action supports the heart.
Notoginseng is packed with antioxidants. These fight stress and inflammation in the body, helping the heart. Research has found over 100 saponins in notoginseng, like ginsenosides and notoginsenosides. These saponins make blood flow better, lessen blood thickness, and help with clotting issues.
This herb also helps prevent and treat heart and brain blood issues. It protects the liver and nerves too. Notoginseng’s wide range of benefits shows why it’s been used in herbal medicine for centuries.
| Health Benefit | Description |
| Cardiovascular Support | Preventing diseases like arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, and myocardial infarction. |
| Anti-inflammatory Effects | Reducing inflammation, which is crucial for protecting the heart and other organs. |
| Antioxidant Properties | Combating oxidative stress to preserve cellular health and prevent disease. |
| Blood Circulation Improvement | Promoting blood flow and reducing viscosity to prevent clotting issues. |
| Neuroprotective Effects | Supporting nerve health and reducing the risk of neurological diseases. |
| Hepatoprotective Effects | Protecting liver function and promoting liver cell growth. |
Notoginseng root extract enjoys continued popularity in both traditional and modern medicine. It doesn’t just provide cardiovascular support, it also offers protective effects for the whole body. This ensures overall well-being.
Active Compounds in Notoginseng
Notoginseng is packed with many active parts. Ginsenosides are the most important of these. They are types of saponins that make Notoginseng a powerful medicine. Most saponins in Panax notoginseng are of the dammarane-type.
So far, scientists have found over 200 saponins in Panax notoginseng. They particularly discovered 22 saponins from its leaves. This included eight new ones known as notoginsenosides SL1-SL8. Together with 14 other identified compounds, they put ginsenosides at the forefront of Notoginseng’s compounds. Notoginsenosides SL1, SL3, NL-A3, and ginsenoside Rc are noteworthy because they protect nerve cells from L-glutamate injury.
Advanced research identified 226 saponins in Panax notoginseng leaves using special methods. From these, 16 single compounds were isolated. This list comprised various ginsenosides and notoginsenosides. 11 of these saponins were recognized for their anti-inflammatory qualities. These findings show the strong health advantages of these compounds.
How Panax notoginseng is processed, like steaming or baking, affects its chemical makeup and benefits. For example, steaming it has shown to boost hemoglobin and white blood cell levels in mice unlike its raw form. Depending on the purpose, raw and steamed Panax notoginseng are used differently. Raw form is good for blood disorders, while steamed form is better for general health.
Steaming also changes its chemical components, impacting things like its anticoagulant and antioxidant powers. Yet, these changes aren’t part of the current quality standards. This gap shows the need for more research. In 2017, Panax notoginseng production hit 28,000 tons, bringing in about 16.2 billion Chinese yuan. This underlines the critical need to fully understand and standardize these compounds for health and business reasons.
Scientific Evidence and Research
Notoginseng, also known as Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen, has been the subject of intense study. Researchers have found more than 200 chemicals in it. Among these, Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are very important because of their health benefits.
Many clinical trials show PNS can help with depression and anxiety. Studies found that PNS reduces how long animals are inactive in the forced swim test. This test checks for depression-like behaviors. PNS also makes them more active and increases how much sucrose they consume, showing it could make them feel better.
The table below shows important findings from research on PNS and Notoginseng:
| Study Focus | Key Findings |
| Antidepressant Effects | Decreased immobility time in forced swim test, improved animal activity, increased sucrose consumption |
| Ginsenoside Rg1 | Reduction of depression-like behaviors in CUMS model rats, regulation of HPA axis |
| Snail Enzyme Digestion | 50% digestion of PNS shows the best antidepressant effects |
| Neurological Impact | Increased neuronal status, quantity, and density of dendritic spines |
Notoginseng’s anti-cancer properties are also being researched. Steaming the roots seems to make these properties stronger. Since around 60% of cancer patients are over 65 and have weaker immune systems, this could be very important.
Notoginseng contains over 200 compounds, with more than 59 being saponins like ginsenosides. Substances such as Rg1, Rb1, Rd, and Re make up 90% of Notoginseng’s ginsenosides. These are being intensely studied.
Three-year-old Notoginseng plants have more ginsenosides than two-year-olds. This means older plants have more health-boosting chemicals. This shows the age of the plant matters a lot for its strength.
It’s vital to keep researching Notoginseng to fully understand its health benefits. Future research will explore more ways to use Notoginseng in medicine.
How to Use Notoginseng Root Extract
Learning the right way to use Notoginseng root extract can really boost its healing powers. This extract, a staple in Chinese medicine, fits easily into your daily health habits when used the right way.
Notoginseng root extract has powerful ingredients like ginsenosides Rb1, Rd, and Rg1, plus notoginsenoside R1. These substances last a long time in our bodies, 32-57 hours for Rb1 and 58-307 hours for Rd. So, knowing the best times to take it is key.
- In capsule form, it’s easy to take every day. Always check the ginsenoside levels on the package to match your health needs.
- As a powder, you can mix it into drinks or foods. This way, you can adjust the amount you use to what works for you.
- Tinctures are alcohol-based and can be mixed with water or placed under the tongue for quick use.
If you have heart or brain blood flow issues, using XueShuanTong, made from Notoginseng roots, can help a lot. Studies show it works well with other treatments.
Here’s more detail on how to use it:
| Usage Form | Dosage Instructions | Commentary |
| Capsules | 1-2 capsules daily after meals | Easy to take every day; remember to check for ginsenoside levels |
| Powder | 1-2 teaspoons daily mixed with your choice of liquid | Can be tailored to your taste |
| Tinctures | 20-30 drops in water or directly under the tongue | Gets into your system quickly |
Using Notoginseng root extract right and not missing doses is key. Make it a normal part of your day for the best results. If you do, Notoginseng can really help your health.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
When using Notoginseng root extract, exercise caution. It’s key to note the common side effects like skin rash and itching. Some might experience swelling of the face or hives.
There could be breast pain, headaches, or irregular periods. Trouble sleeping is also a side effect. These issues usually don’t need urgent medical help.
Be cautious about the supplement’s interaction with other drugs. Notoginseng can affect how blood thinners and diabetes medications work. It can also react with caffeine and alcohol. So, always talk to a doctor before starting new supplements.
Rarely, users might face severe issues like cerebral arteritis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Knowing about these risks is vital for making informed health choices.
It’s also important to watch for FDA recalls or warnings on supplements. A 2015 finding showed that many herbal products did not have the ingredients they claimed. Buying from trusted sources is essential to avoid harmful substances.
| Potential Side Effects | Precautions |
| Common Side Effects | Consult a healthcare provider before use |
| Interactions with blood thinners, diabetic medications, immunosuppressants | Avoid concurrent use with caffeine, alcohol |
Comparisons with Other Ginseng Varieties
When we look at Notoginseng and other ginseng types, they differ a lot. This includes what chemicals they have and how they help our health. For example, Panax Ginseng, or Korean ginseng, is famous for its stress-relief properties. It contains about 200 substances, like ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, and Rb2. These make it very beneficial for health.
American ginseng, on the other hand, has a unique set of ginsenosides, such as Rb1, Re, and Rd. Its Rg1/Rb1 ratio is usually under 0.4. This makes American ginseng a gentler choice. It’s different than Korean ginseng and Notoginseng, which have higher Rg1/Rb1 ratios.
Notoginseng is special because of its ginsenoside mix, including Ra3, R1, Rb1, and Rg1. It also has notoginosenosides, missing in Korean ginseng, that boost its healing powers. While Korean ginseng has more acidic polysaccharides, Notoginseng brings its own unique benefits. Knowing these differences helps us choose the best ginseng for our health.
FAQ
What is Notoginseng root extract?
Notoginseng root extract comes from the root of the Panax notoginseng plant. It’s a traditional herb used in Chinese medicine. It’s known for its healing powers and many uses in wellness today.
What are the health benefits of Notoginseng root extract?
The benefits of Notoginseng include support for the heart, antioxidant effects, and lowering inflammation. These help improve your health significantly.
How was Notoginseng historically used in ancient Chinese medicine?
In ancient Chinese medicine, people used Notoginseng for healing and restoring health. It’s important in culture and was applied in treating many problems. This shows its deep roots in Chinese medical traditions.
What are the active compounds found in Notoginseng?
Notoginseng has important active compounds like ginsenosides and saponins. These elements are key to its healing properties. They play a big role in the benefits it provides.
What scientific evidence supports the use of Notoginseng?
A lot of clinical trials and studies have shown the good effects of Notoginseng. Research keeps finding more health benefits. This helps to understand how it works in medicine today.
How can I incorporate Notoginseng root extract into my daily health routine?
You can use Notoginseng root extract daily in forms like capsules, powders, or teas. Make sure to follow the recommended dosages. This will help you get the best results.
What are the potential side effects and precautions when using Notoginseng?
Notoginseng is usually safe, but some might have allergic reactions or stomach issues. Always check for possible drug interactions. Talking to a doctor before using it is important.
How does Notoginseng compare to other ginseng varieties like Panax and American Ginseng?
Notoginseng is different from Panax and American Ginseng because of its unique health properties. It’s especially good for the heart and reducing inflammation. This makes it stand out from the others.