Panax Notoginseng: A Powerful Medicinal Herb
Introduction
Panax notoginseng, also known as Sanqi or Tianqi, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb in the Panax genus. Used for centuries, it is famous for stopping bleeding, improving circulation, and treating various inflammatory and cardiovascular conditions. Modern research increasingly confirms many of these traditional uses through clinical and pharmacological studies.
Active Compounds
The primary bioactive constituents of Panax notoginseng include:
- Notoginsenosides and ginsenosides (saponins)
- Flavonoids
- Polysaccharides
- Dencichine (an amino acid with hemostatic properties)
These compounds are responsible for the herb’s wide range of therapeutic actions.
Health Benefits
1. Cardiovascular Protection
Panax notoginseng improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, and protects against atherosclerosis by reducing platelet aggregation and protecting blood vessels.
2. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
Its saponins have been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory pathways (e.g., NF-κB) and reduce oxidative stress, aiding in the prevention of chronic diseases like arthritis and neurodegeneration.
3. Hemostatic Properties
Traditionally used to stop both external and internal bleeding, it accelerates blood clotting and tissue repair.
4. Anti-Cancer Activity
Studies indicate that notoginsenosides suppress tumor growth and induce apoptosis in cancer cells, especially in breast, liver, and lung cancers.
5. Neuroprotective Effects
Panax notoginseng enhances memory, protects neurons from damage, and reduces neuroinflammation, showing promise in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and stroke recovery.
Conclusion
Panax notoginseng is a time-honored herbal medicine now supported by strong modern scientific evidence. Its benefits range from cardiovascular protection to anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, making it a valuable herb in both traditional and integrative healthcare.
References
- Zhang Y, Wang Y, Wang X, et al. (2016). Cardiovascular protective effect of notoginsenoside R1: A review of evidence from pharmacological studies. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 7: 483.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2016.00483 - Liu X, Wang J, Wang H, et al. (2014). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of notoginsenoside R1 in ischemia/reperfusion injury. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, 35(9), 1123–1130.
https://doi.org/10.1038/aps.2014.40 - Chen J, Liu X, Zhang Q, et al. (2018). Hemostatic effect of notoginseng: Pharmacological insights and therapeutic applications. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 220, 265–272.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.03.030 - Yu T, Li K, Xue H, et al. (2019). Anticancer activity of Panax notoginseng saponins: Molecular mechanisms and clinical potential. Phytotherapy Research, 33(4), 863–877.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6270 - Wang L, Yu C, Lu Y, et al. (2015). Neuroprotective effects of notoginsenoside R1 against β-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity. Neuroscience Letters, 606, 104–109.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2015.08.002