Therapeutic Effects of Tianqi (Panax notoginseng)

Jul 14, 2020 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Chaohui
Introduction
Efficacy of Panax notoginseng (Sanqi): 1. Promotes blood circulation to resolve stasis and stops bleeding—Panax notoginseng primarily exerts hemostatic and blood-activating effects, along with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. 2. Protects the liver—Panax notoginseng contains total saponins of Panax notoginseng, which stimulate hepatocyte proliferation. 3. Enhances immune function—Panax notoginseng contains polysaccharides, total saponins, amino acids, and other bioactive components. 4. Prevents cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases—It helps regulate blood glucose levels bidirectionally.

Tianqi (also known as Sanqi) refers to the dried root of *Panax notoginseng*, a plant belonging to the Araliaceae family. It is warm in nature, sweet or slightly bitter in taste, and enters the Liver and Stomach meridians. Modern pharmacological research has revealed that Tianqi contains notoginsenosides (total saponins), volatile oils, flavonoid glycosides, polysaccharides, amino acids, and various trace elements. So, what are the therapeutic effects of Tianqi? The following section addresses this question.

Therapeutic Effects of Tianqi

1. Promotes Blood Circulation to Disperse Stasis and Arrest Bleeding

Tianqi promotes blood circulation to disperse stasis and arrest bleeding. Its primary actions include activating blood circulation to stop bleeding and reducing inflammation and pain, making it particularly effective for postpartum hemorrhage or traumatic injuries. When taking Tianqi, it is recommended to dissolve it in warm water before ingestion. However, patients suffering from wind-cold type common cold should avoid using Tianqi. It is advisable to take Tianqi only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional—self-medication is strongly discouraged.

2. Hepatoprotective Effect

Tianqi exerts protective effects on the liver. This is attributed to its notoginsenoside content, which promotes hepatocyte proliferation and prevents hepatic fibrosis and microvascular lesions caused by hepatic ischemia. It also shields the liver from chemical injury and effectively reduces hepatocyte apoptosis. Moreover, the saponin components in Tianqi possess anti-lipid peroxidation activity, contributing to anti-aging effects.

3. Immune Enhancement

Tianqi enhances immune function. This effect stems from its constituents—including notoginseng polysaccharides, total saponins, and amino acids. Notoginseng polysaccharides stimulate macrophage activity; total saponins elevate the total white blood cell count and increase the percentage of lymphocytes in peripheral blood; and amino acids—essential nutrients for humans—facilitate the synthesis of immunoglobulins. Collectively, these actions confer potent immune-enhancing properties to Tianqi.

4. Prevention of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases

Tianqi helps prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Its notoginsenoside content effectively dilates blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, improves microcirculation, increases blood flow, and prevents atherosclerosis—thereby offering excellent preventive and therapeutic benefits against various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions. Additionally, Tianqi exhibits bidirectional regulation of blood glucose levels and helps prevent hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia.

The above outlines the key therapeutic effects of Tianqi. We hope this information proves helpful to you.