Drug Information - Notoginseng Root

Common Forms
Available as loose, dried roots and as tablets.
Source
The drug is extracted from the root of Panax notoginseng (also known as Aralia quinquefolia var. notoginseng), which belongs to the same family as panax or Chinese ginseng. The plant is native to the southern regions of China, and the root is cultivated before the plant flowers or after the fruit has ripened.
Chemical Components
Active constituents of the root appear to be saponins. The plant root also contains heteroglycans composed of glucose, galactose, arabinose, mannos e , and xylose.
Actions
The extract of the roots of P. notoginseng has exhibited antitumorigenic activity on mouse skin tumors . Studies have also demonstrated some calcium channel antagonism leading to antihypertensive and vasodilatory actions . A study using dogs found that notoginseng had electrophysiologic effects similar to those of amiodarone . An in vitro study found that notoginseng extract improved sperm motility as well . Notoginseng also was shown to improve learning and decrease memory deficits in rats .
Reported Uses
Notoginseng root is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat internal and external bleeding. It is taken internally to quell nosebleeds and blood in stool, urine, or lungs and for acute attacks of Crohn's disease. Applied externally, it is used to relieve pain and swelling from bruises, cuts, sprains, and other external wounds. None of these treatments has been supported by controlled clinical trials in humans.
Notoginseng has been promoted to treat angina and hypertension based on animal studies that showed effects on circulation and blood pressure. The lack of controlled human trials with notoginseng root limits its therapeutic usefulness.
Dosage
No standard guidelines exist because most consumption is as a tea mixture with other Chinese herbs.
Notoginseng root can be made into a liniment or compress for external use on wounds and bruises.
Interactions
Beta blockers: May have additive effects. Monitor the patient closely. Contraindications and precautions Notoginseng is contraindicated in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; it may cause a miscarriage.
Special Considerations
Inform the patient that clinical data supporting the use of notoginseng are lacking.
Advise the patient to consult a health care provider before using herbal preparations because a treatment that has been clinically researched and proved effective may be available.
Although no known chemical interactions have been reported in clinical studies, consideration must be given to the pharmacologic properties of the herb and the potential for exacerbation of the intended therapeutic effect of conventional drugs.
Commentary
Traditionally, notoginseng root has been used to treat bleeding disorders. There is no clear clinical evidence to support this use or any other, and thus, it cannot be recommended. Animal trials have found some potential use in CV disorders, but further human clinical trials are needed to determine the exact effect of notoginseng and the doses that are safe in humans.