Can patients with obesity-related diabetes consume Panax notoginseng powder?

Sanqi powder (Panax notoginseng powder) is commonly used as a health supplement. In small doses, it helps soften blood vessels, lower blood pressure and blood lipid levels, and protect the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. Can individuals with obesity-related diabetes consume Sanqi powder?

Can individuals with obesity-related diabetes consume Sanqi powder?

Yes, individuals with obesity-related diabetes may consume Sanqi powder. Sanqi promotes blood circulation and resolves blood stasis—a key pathological factor in diabetic complications. Therefore, improving microcirculation and resolving stasis can help manage such complications. Sanqi is particularly beneficial for both microvascular and macrovascular complications: it enhances microcirculation, lowers blood lipid levels, stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques, and is especially effective in treating diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy by promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis.

However, Sanqi should be avoided during gestational diabetes, as its blood-activating and stasis-resolving properties may increase the risk of miscarriage, fetal distress, or bleeding. This underscores the importance of not self-medicating with Sanqi without medical supervision—individuals with diabetes should undergo regular clinical evaluations. Current research on Sanqi has identified several active constituents—including total saponins—that demonstrate antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, coronary artery–dilating, and vascular endothelium–protective effects.

Strict dietary control is essential for patients with obesity-related diabetes: high-calorie, high-fat, and high-carbohydrate foods should be avoided, and daily caloric intake should be reduced to achieve and maintain an ideal body weight. We hope this information proves helpful!