Notoginsenoside Rg1 can reduce glucose-induced hyperglycemia and synergistically enhance insulin-mediated glucose lowering, while ginsenoside Re effectively lowers blood glucose levels. Experimental studies have demonstrated that these compounds can be used to treat non-genetic forms of diabetes.

Total saponins of Panax notoginseng exhibit potent antihypertensive effects, with a particularly pronounced impact on diastolic blood pressure. These saponins demonstrate selective vasodilatory activity across different vascular beds. Notably, the panaxoside Rd component can block calcium ion channels in vascular smooth muscle cells, thereby sequestering intracellular calcium and promoting vasodilation, which in turn helps reduce the incidence of hypertension.

Notoginseng is highly effective in preventing thrombus formation and is considered a premier agent for both the treatment and prevention of thrombosis. Its active constituents, primarily ginsenoside Rg1 and total notoginseng saponins (PNS), markedly inhibit platelet aggregation, exert antithrombin activity, and promote fibrinolysis.

Panax notoginseng alcohol extract can enhance and improve coronary microcirculation, increase nutritive myocardial blood flow, thereby augmenting myocardial oxygen and nutrient supply; consequently, it can be used to treat myocardial ischemia, angina pectoris, and shock.

Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that notoginsenosides can dilate blood vessels, increase cerebral blood flow, and improve blood supply to ischemic areas, thereby alleviating cerebral ischemia and hypoxia and promoting the recovery of reversible neuronal damage.

Research has shown that Panax notoginseng contains anti-cancer bioactive compounds such as notoginsenosides, β-elemene, and the trace element selenium. Notoginsenosides Rb1 and Rd can inhibit tumor cell proliferation; notoginsenoside Rh1 exhibits a significant inhibitory effect on hepatocellular carcinoma cells; and notoginsenoside Rh2 possesses potent antitumor activity and can induce the reversal of cancer cells into non-cancerous cells. In addition, notoginsenosides and Panax notoginseng polysaccharides can enhance the body’s immune function, thereby providing some adjunctive therapeutic benefits in cancer treatment.

Notoginseng is rich in total ginsenosides and exerts lipid-lowering and liver-detoxifying effects; its remarkable ability to promote blood circulation and dissipate blood stasis makes it an exceptional herb for nourishing and protecting the liver. The compound Rb1 in notoginseng can reduce hepatic cholesterol and serum lipids, with a particularly pronounced effect on lowering triglyceride levels, thereby effectively addressing the longstanding challenge of fatty liver—its resistance to treatment and high rate of recurrence after therapy.

Notoginseng can scavenge oxygen free radicals, enhance the activity of endogenous superoxide dismutase, strengthen the body’s capacity to eliminate oxygen free radicals, attenuate the chain reaction of these radicals, and reduce lipid peroxidation in the blood. It also markedly increases superoxide dismutase activity in brain tissue and blood while significantly decreasing malondialdehyde levels in these tissues and blood, thereby exerting anti-aging effects.

Notoginseng exhibits bidirectional regulatory effects on human physiological functions, enhancing the body’s stress response and its ability to adapt to adverse environmental conditions, making it a medicinal–food homologous plant that both treats disease and tonifies vital functions. Notoginseng polysaccharides are effective immunomodulatory components that promote macrophage function, while total notoginseng saponins can increase the total white blood cell count and the percentage of lymphocytes in the blood, thereby enhancing humoral immune antibody production to a certain extent.

In traditional Chinese medicine, this is considered a manifestation of blood stasis. Sanqi has the effects of promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis, making it effective in treating menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, persistent lochia after childbirth, and abdominal distension and pain due to blood stasis.

Spot Removal and Beauty Care

Panax notoginseng total saponins (PNS) and panaxadiol saponins (PDS) can delay aging, with their flavonoid compounds exhibiting antioxidant activity that significantly surpasses that of vitamin E. Panax notoginseng polysaccharides promote blood circulation and moisturize the skin, thereby exerting anti-aging effects. The trace elements it contains possess multifunctional biological activities, helping to regulate endocrine function and alleviate acne-related inflammation and recurrence. The amino acids and proteins in Panax notoginseng nourish the skin and have a skin-lightening effect, while also effectively removing various pigmented spots—such as sunspots, blackheads, and impurity deposits—caused by hormonal imbalance or post-sun exposure.

Clear and nourish the lungs

Protect the stomach and intestines

Notoginseng exhibits varying degrees of inhibitory activity against a range of pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It is effective in alleviating constipation, promoting detoxification, and restoring normal gastrointestinal function.

Sanqi flowers have cardiotonic, calming, and sedative effects; they can promote systemic blood circulation, thereby improving cerebral blood supply and alleviating insomnia caused by neurasthenia or fatigue.

Expert Talk on Notoginseng (1)