How Should I Take Panax Notoginseng Extract?

Panax Notoginseng Extract Powder, commonly used for its potential benefits on circulation and health, should be taken according to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer or healthcare professional. However, general guidelines include:

★ Dosage

The typical dosage for panax notoginseng extract varies. A common range is between 100 mg to 500 mg per day, but it is crucial to follow the specific dosage recommendations of the product you are using.

★ How to Take It

Mix the powder with water, tea, or any beverage, but it is often best taken with warm water.

Some people prefer to take it on an empty stomach for better absorption, but if it causes any discomfort, taking it with food may help.

★ Timing

Depending on the dosage, you can take it once or twice a day. Some prefer to take it in the morning or split the dosage between morning and afternoon.

★ Consultation

If you are on any medication, especially blood thinners, or have any medical conditions (like hypertension), consult a healthcare provider before using panax notoginseng extract.

 

 

Panax notoginseng and regular ginseng (Panax ginseng) are both well-known for their medicinal properties, but they come from different species within the same genus and have distinct differences in terms of active ingredients and health benefits.

 Botanical Origin

a. Panax notoginseng (often referred to as notoginseng or Sanqi) is a species of ginseng commonly found in China, particularly in the Yunnan province.

b. Panax ginseng (often referred to as Korean ginseng or Chinese ginseng) is more widely known and is primarily cultivated in Korea, China, and parts of North America.

 Active Ingredients

Both types of ginseng contain ginsenosides (the main active compounds), but they differ in their specific profiles.

a. Panax notoginseng contains ginsenosides like Rg1, Rb1, and Rd, with a higher concentration of ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1. It also has other compounds like panax notoginsenoside and flavonoids, which contribute to its unique effects.

b. Panax ginseng, on the other hand, contains a broader range of ginsenosides (such as Rb1, Rb2, Rg1, and Re) in varying concentrations, making its active ingredient profile more diverse.

 Health Benefits

a. Panax notoginseng is traditionally used for improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and healing wounds. It is particularly well-known for promoting cardiovascular health by increasing blood flow, lowering blood clotting, and controlling blood pressure. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities make it popular as well.

b. Panax ginseng is more often associated with boosting energy, improving mental clarity, and enhancing immune function. It is commonly used for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress and fatigue. It is also said to support general physical stamina and endurance.

 Usage in Traditional Medicine

a. Panax notoginseng is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine for issues related to blood and circulation, such as bruising, heavy menstrual periods, and wound healing.

b. Panax ginseng is often used in both traditional Chinese medicine and Korean medicine to help with fatigue, cognitive function, and immunity. It is seen as a more general tonic for vitality and longevity.

 

Yes, Panax notoginseng extract is often considered beneficial for bruising and bleeding, based on modern research.

 Effect on blood platelets

Research has shown that the active ingredients in panax notoginseng extract, particularly ginsenosides, can influence platelet function. Platelets are crucial in the blood-clotting process. Some ginsenosides may enhance platelet aggregation in a controlled manner. When there is bleeding, platelets need to clump together to form a plug and stop the bleeding. By promoting appropriate platelet aggregation, panax notoginseng extract may help in the initial stages of hemostasis, similar to how the body's natural clot-forming mechanisms work.

 Vascular effects

The extract may also have positive effects on blood vessels. Capillary rupture, a common cause of minor internal bleeding that results in bruising, may be less likely to occur if the blood vessel walls are strengthened. It might also enhance the microcirculation's blood flow. This is crucial because improved blood flow can speed up the healing process and lessen the time it takes for a bruise to heal by delivering nutrients and oxygen to the damaged area.

 Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

Bruises are often accompanied by an inflammatory response in the body. Panax notoginseng extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The anti-inflammatory properties may lessen bruise-related pain and swelling. Antioxidants can shield cells from harm brought on by free radicals released during inflammatory and injury processes, which may further help the bruised area heal.

 

 

The safety of long-term use of panax notoginseng extract needs to be considered from multiple aspects:

★ Pharmacological basis

a. Active ingredients: Panax notoginseng extract contains saponins, polysaccharides, and other active ingredients. Saponins can dilate blood vessels, improve microcirculation, and inhibit platelet aggregation. These effects are beneficial for preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in moderation. However, long-term use may continuously affect the body's blood-forming and blood-circulation regulating mechanisms.

★ Potential risks of long-term use

a. Bleeding tendency: Panax notoginseng extract has anticoagulant and anti-platelet aggregation effects. Prolonged use may increase the risk of bleeding, such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or more serious internal bleeding, especially in people with a history of bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant drugs simultaneously.

b. Gastrointestinal problems: Long-term use may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Some people with a weak gastrointestinal tract may be more prone to these problems.

c. Hormonal imbalance: In some cases, long-term use of panax notoginseng extract may have an impact on the body's endocrine system. Reports indicate that it may impact hormonal levels, potentially leading to menstrual disorders in women, though the precise mechanism is still unclear.

★ Appropriate Group and usage

a. Appropriate group: For middle-aged and elderly people with mild blood stasis symptoms, short-term use under the guidance of a doctor may help improve blood circulation. For example, those with occasional chest tightness or dizziness due to poor blood flow may experience certain relief.

b. Usage precautions: If considering long-term use, it is crucial to consult a professional Chinese medicine doctor or pharmacist. Regular physical examinations, including blood tests to monitor coagulation function and liver and kidney function, are necessary. The dosage should also be strictly controlled according to individual conditions.

In general, long-term use of panax notoginseng extract is not completely safe. It should be used rationally under the guidance of medical professionals to avoid potential adverse effects.

 

Here are some ways to choose high-quality panax notoginseng extract:

 Source of raw materials

Panax notoginseng is mainly produced in Yunnan and Guangxi in China. The Panax notoginseng from Wenshan, Yunnan is renowned for its high quality due to the unique local natural environment, including suitable climate and soil conditions. Products labeled with raw materials from this area are often more reliable. The growth years of panax notoginseng have had a significant impact on its quality. Generally, 3-5-year-old panax notoginseng roots are of better quality. Roots that are too young may have insufficient active ingredient accumulation, while overly old ones may have a decline in some active components.

 Active ingredient content

Panax notoginseng saponins are the main active ingredients of panax notoginseng extract. High-quality panax notoginseng extract should have a relatively high saponin content. You can check the product label for information on the saponin content. Generally, a product with a saponin content of more than 80% can be considered of good quality. Some high-end products may even have a saponin content close to 90% or higher.

 Production process

The extraction method affects the quality of the extract powder. The common extraction methods include ethanol extraction and water extraction. Ethanol extraction can usually extract more saponins effectively. Supercritical fluid extraction is a more advanced method, which can better preserve the active ingredients of panax notoginseng with high purity and less impurity, but the cost is relatively high.

 Product appearance and smell

High-quality panax notoginseng extract is usually light yellow to off-white, with a fine and uniform powder texture. There should be no obvious lumps or impurities. If the powder is too light or too dark in color or has visible particles, it may indicate quality problems. It should have a characteristic faint smell of panax notoginseng. If there is a strong strange smell, it may be contaminated or added with other substances.

If you are interested in other aspects of our Panax Notoginseng Extract Powder, please contact us at bella@inhealthnature.com.