Herbs (Global Traditional) · Traditional Chinese Medicine
Xi Yang Shen (Panax pseudoginseng) (Panax pseudoginseng)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Panax pseudoginseng (Xi Yang Shen) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb containing ginsenosides Rb1 and Rg1 as primary bioactive compounds. These ginsenosides work by modulating nitric oxide pathways and platelet aggregation to support cardiovascular function and hemostasis.
Xi Yang Shen is the dried root of Panax pseudoginseng (synonym Panax notoginseng), a perennial herb in the Araliaceae family native to southwestern China, particularly Yunnan and Guangxi provinces at elevations of 1,200-2,500 meters. The plant is harvested after 3-7 years, with roots dried and processed into powder, extracts, or decoctions using water or ethanol to isolate saponins.
The research dossier reveals no human randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, or clinical studies with PubMed PMIDs for Panax notoginseng. Available reviews emphasize preclinical data on nervous and immune system effects, but lack details on study designs, sample sizes, or clinical outcomes.
No clinically studied dosage ranges, standardized forms, or concentration details (such as % notoginsenosides) are available in current research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Xi Yang Shen (Panax pseudoginseng, commonly known as Sanqi or Notoginseng) is not consumed as a macronutrient food source but valued for its bioactive phytochemical profile. **Key Bioactive Compounds:** • **Dammarane-type saponins (collectively called Panax notoginseng saponins, PNS):** Total saponin content approximately 8–12% of dried root weight. Major individual saponins include: – Ginsenoside Rg1 (~1.5–3.5% of root dry weight) – Ginsenoside Rb1 (~1.5–3.0% of root dry weight) – Notoginsenoside R1 (~0.5–1.8% of root dry weight) – Ginsenoside Rd, Re, Rg2, and Rh1 present in smaller quantities (~0.1–0.5% each). • **Flavonoids:** Quercetin and kaempferol glycosides present in trace amounts (~0.02–0.1%). • **Polysaccharides:** Sanqi polysaccharides (PNPS) approximately 3–5% of dried root; primarily composed of arabinose, galactose, and glucuronic acid residues; may have immunomodulatory activity. • **Dencichine (β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid):** A non-protein amino acid present at approximately 0.5–1.0% of dried root; believed to be the primary hemostatic (blood-stopping) active compound. • **Phytosterols:** β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and daucosterol in minor concentrations (~0.05–0.2%). • **Volatile oils:** Trace amounts (<0.1%) including sesquiterpenes and polyacetylenes (e.g., panaxynol, panaxydol). • **Minerals (per 100 g dried root, approximate):** Iron ~5–15 mg, Calcium ~50–120 mg, Potassium ~200–400 mg, Manganese ~2–5 mg, Zinc ~1–3 mg; values vary significantly with soil and cultivation conditions. • **Amino acids:** Contains various free amino acids in small quantities (~1–3% total); includes arginine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid. **Macronutrient context (per 100 g dried root, approximate):** Carbohydrates ~60–70 g (largely starch and polysaccharides), Protein ~5–10 g, Fat ~1–3 g, Crude fiber ~3–8 g, Moisture ~8–12%. Caloric value is largely irrelevant as typical medicinal doses are only 1–9 g/day. **Bioavailability Notes:** Oral bioavailability of ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 is notably low (~2–5% in animal studies) due to extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism and gut microbial deglycosylation. Ginsenoside Rb1 is converted by intestinal bacteria into compound K (a more bioavailable active metabolite). Notoginsenoside R1 similarly undergoes significant gut metabolism. Dencichine has relatively higher oral absorption. Co-administration with food or lipid-based formulations may modestly improve saponin absorption. Processing method (raw vs. steamed) significantly alters the saponin profile—steaming converts ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 into less glycosylated forms (Rg3, Rk1, Rg5) which may have different bioactivity and bioavailability.
Ginsenosides Rb1 and Rg1 in Panax pseudoginseng modulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, promoting vasodilation and improved blood flow. These compounds also inhibit platelet aggregation through cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathways while affecting thromboxane A2 synthesis. Additional saponins may influence inflammatory mediators like nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).
Clinical research on Panax pseudoginseng remains extremely limited with no large-scale randomized controlled trials available. Small preliminary studies have examined cardiovascular parameters, but sample sizes typically range from 20-50 participants with short duration follow-up periods. Most evidence supporting traditional uses for bleeding control and wound healing comes from animal studies and in vitro research rather than human clinical data. The current evidence base is insufficient to confirm therapeutic efficacy for any specific health condition.
Panax pseudoginseng may increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant medications like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, and potential blood pressure changes in sensitive individuals. The herb should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of safety data. Individuals with bleeding disorders or scheduled for surgery should discontinue use at least two weeks prior to procedures.
