Botanical Overview
Panax notoginseng, commonly known as Notoginseng, Sanqi, or Tianqi, is a member of the Araliaceae family. Native to China and parts of Southeast Asia, the medicinally active parts are primarily the root and root tuber. It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and increasingly recognized in Western phytotherapy.
Energetics
The root is characterized by a warming temperature and neutral moisture effect. Its tastes are predominantly bitter and sweet, with directionality described as both ascending and descending. It is considered tonifying, mainly influencing the blood aspect of qi, blood, and fluids.
Primary Actions
- Hemostatic – stops bleeding
- Circulatory tonic – supports blood circulation
- Anti-inflammatory
- Cardioprotective
- Neuroprotective
Indications
Western
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Pain
- Poor circulation
Syndromes
- Hemorrhage
- Vascular insufficiency
- Inflammation
- Cardiovascular disorders
TCM
- Hematemesis
- Epistaxis
- Blood stasis
- Trauma-induced bleeding
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
Syndromes
- Blood deficiency
- Blood stasis
- Qi deficiency
- Trauma syndrome
Ayurveda
No well-established traditional uses documented.
Unani
No well-established traditional uses documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Major phytochemical constituents include notoginsenosides and ginsenosides (both types of saponins), flavonoids, and polysaccharides. These contribute to its pharmacological activities, including hemostasis, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powdered root: 3-9 g daily
- Decoction: 3-6 g daily
- Standardized extract: 100-300 mg/day (notoginsenosides)
Safety & Contraindications
Panax notoginseng is generally well tolerated but should be used with caution in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs due to risk of enhanced bleeding. Safety during pregnancy and lactation is not well established; caution is advised.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers were identified for Panax notoginseng.
Selected References
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 3 (2007)
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd Edition – Bensky et al. (2004)
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd Edition – Dang (2011)
- Pharmacology and clinical applications of Panax notoginseng – Wang et al. (2017)