Efficacy and Effects of Tianqi (Notoginseng)

Generally, Tianqi (also known as Sanqi) is a highly valued traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is warm in nature and sweet-bitter in taste, and primarily affects the Liver and Stomach meridians. Tianqi possesses multiple therapeutic effects, including promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, stopping bleeding and relieving pain, invigorating and tonifying the body, and reducing swelling and alleviating pain. A detailed analysis follows:

1. Promoting Blood Circulation and Removing Blood Stasis

Tianqi contains saponin compounds that inhibit platelet aggregation, dilate blood vessels, improve microcirculation, and facilitate the dissipation of stagnant blood. It is commonly used for traumatic injuries, contusions with swelling and pain, and angina pectoris due to coronary heart disease (blood stasis pattern). It helps reduce blood viscosity and prevent thrombosis.

2. Stopping Bleeding and Relieving Pain

Tianqi exhibits a unique dual action—both promoting blood circulation and arresting bleeding. Its amino acid components enhance platelet adhesion and aggregation, thereby shortening bleeding time; meanwhile, its saponins modulate vascular permeability to reduce hemorrhagic exudation. It can be administered orally or topically to treat hemoptysis, epistaxis, and traumatic bleeding. Its efficacy is particularly pronounced in cases where bleeding coexists with blood stasis.

3. Invigorating and Tonifying the Body

Tianqi contains various amino acids, trace elements, and ginsenoside Rb1, which collectively enhance immune function, increase resistance to fatigue, and ameliorate syndromes of dual deficiency of Qi and blood—such as fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath. It also helps regulate stress responses and improve physical stamina, making it widely used in convalescent care following illness.

4. Regulating Lipid and Glucose Metabolism

Tianqi saponins inhibit cholesterol synthesis and promote lipid metabolism, thereby lowering serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Simultaneously, they improve insulin resistance and enhance cellular glucose utilization, thus aiding glycemic control. This makes Tianqi beneficial for patients with hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes.

5. Reducing Swelling and Alleviating Pain

Tianqi alleviates swelling and pain by promoting blood circulation, resolving blood stasis, improving local blood flow, and mitigating inflammatory responses. Topically, it is applied during the early stages of abscesses, carbuncles, and sores; orally, it treats stabbing pain in the chest or abdomen. Its analgesic effect is associated with inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and modulation of neurotransmitter transmission.

Tianqi is frequently employed as an adjunctive therapy for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, it should only be used under the guidance of a qualified physician and in combination with standard Western medications to avoid potential drug interactions.