Ginseng Plus Panax Notoginseng Root Extract
Also known as: Ginseng Plus Panax Notoginseng Root Extract, Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Notoginseng, Tienchi ginseng, Sanqi, Tianqi, Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng
Overview
Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng are perennial plants whose roots are highly valued in traditional medicine, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Panax ginseng is widely recognized as a general tonic and adaptogen, known for its ability to help the body adapt to stress and promote overall vitality. Panax notoginseng, on the other hand, is traditionally used for its benefits on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. The supplement ingredient "Ginseng Plus Panax Notoginseng Root Extract" combines extracts from both species, aiming to leverage their complementary therapeutic effects. Both plants contain bioactive saponins, primarily ginsenosides and notoginsenosides, which are believed to be responsible for their purported benefits. These compounds are studied for their potential roles in enhancing exercise endurance, providing neuroprotection, and supporting vascular health. Research into these extracts is ongoing, with a growing body of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, indicating moderate maturity in scientific understanding.
Benefits
The combination of Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng extracts offers several evidence-based benefits: - **Exercise Endurance:** A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that Panax notoginseng root extract (1350 mg/day) significantly increased exercise time to exhaustion in healthy adults after 30 days, suggesting improved physical performance. This benefit is supported by a well-controlled study, though with a small sample size. - **Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) Recovery:** Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs indicate that Panax notoginseng saponins injections (PNSI), when used as an adjunct therapy after intravenous thrombolysis in AIS patients, can improve neurological deficits, reduce disability, and potentially lower mortality in the short term. The evidence for this benefit is strong, derived from multiple RCTs with robust methodologies. - **Diabetic Nephropathy:** A meta-analysis of 17 RCTs showed that the combined use of Panax notoginseng with Astragalus membranaceus significantly improved clinical effective rates, reduced urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), and enhanced renal function markers in patients with diabetic nephropathy. This suggests a beneficial role in kidney health for diabetic patients, supported by a large meta-analysis. Additionally, mechanistic studies suggest secondary benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, though these require further clinical validation through more targeted human trials.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng are primarily attributed to their active compounds, ginsenosides and notoginsenosides. These saponins exert their effects by modulating multiple biological pathways within the body. They are known to enhance nitric oxide production and improve endothelial function, which contributes to better vascular health and blood flow. Their anti-inflammatory properties stem from the inhibition of key inflammatory pathways, such as NF-κB, and the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Neuroprotective effects are mediated through antioxidant activity, which combats oxidative stress, and the modulation of neuronal apoptosis pathways, helping to preserve brain cell integrity. Furthermore, these compounds are believed to improve mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, which may explain their observed benefits in enhancing exercise endurance. While these compounds have moderate oral bioavailability, their absorption can be influenced by the gut microbiota, which metabolizes the saponins into more absorbable forms.
Side effects
Overall, Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng extracts are generally well-tolerated in clinical trials. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are rare but may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, and headaches. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of users, can include insomnia, particularly if taken late in the day, and allergic reactions, which may manifest as skin rashes or itching. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, are not extensively documented but a significant concern is the potential for increased bleeding risk due to the antiplatelet effects of Panax notoginseng. This is particularly relevant for individuals on anticoagulant medications. Potential drug interactions include a heightened risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulants like warfarin, due to their additive antithrombotic properties. Contraindications for use include individuals with known bleeding disorders or those undergoing surgery. Pregnant individuals should also avoid these supplements unless specifically supervised and advised by a healthcare provider due to insufficient safety data in this population.
Dosage
The effective dosage for Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng extracts varies depending on the specific extract and the intended benefit. For exercise endurance, clinical trials have shown benefits with approximately 1350 mg/day of Panax notoginseng root extract taken orally. For acute ischemic stroke, Panax notoginseng saponins injections (PNSI) are used in hospital settings, with dosing protocols varying by medical guidelines and patient needs. It is important to note that optimal dosing for combined supplements, such as "Ginseng Plus Panax Notoginseng Root Extract," is not yet standardized, as clinical trials often use purified extracts with quantified active compound content. For benefits like improved exercise endurance, daily dosing for at least 30 days has shown effects. Absorption of these extracts may be enhanced when taken with meals, and the individual's gut microbiota can influence the metabolism and bioavailability of the active saponins. There are no universally established upper limits for these combined extracts, but adherence to recommended dosages from reputable manufacturers or healthcare professionals is advised.
FAQs
Is it safe to combine Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng?
Yes, clinical studies, including those combining these herbs with others like Astragalus, have shown synergistic effects without an increase in adverse events, suggesting it is generally safe.
How soon can benefits be expected?
For exercise endurance, improvements were observed after 30 days of consistent use. For acute conditions like stroke, benefits are typically short-term and seen post-thrombolysis in a clinical setting.
Are there risks of bleeding?
Yes, caution is advised, especially if you are taking anticoagulant medications like warfarin, due to the antiplatelet effects of Panax notoginseng, which could increase bleeding risk.
Does it improve cognitive function?
While some research suggests neuroprotective effects, high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically on cognitive function improvement are limited, requiring further investigation.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1376025/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of Panax notoginseng saponins injections (PNSI) as an adjunct therapy for acute ischemic stroke patients after intravenous thrombolysis. It concluded that PNSI significantly improved neurological outcomes and reduced disability, with a low risk of bias, highlighting its potential in stroke recovery.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8950061/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of Panax notoginseng root extract on exercise endurance in healthy adults. The study found that 30 days of supplementation significantly increased time to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer compared to placebo, suggesting a beneficial effect on physical performance.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2023/2945234 – This meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials assessed the efficacy of combining Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng in treating diabetic nephropathy. The findings indicated that this combination significantly improved renal function markers and reduced proteinuria, suggesting a beneficial role in managing kidney complications in diabetic patients.