Overview

Codonopsis is a family of plants used in China and Korea to replenish vital energy, or qi. It's sometimes used as a cheaper alternative to Panax ginseng.

Codonopsis contains chemicals that seem to slow down the growth of cancer cells. It also seems to affect the immune system.

People use codonopsis for HIV/AIDS, cancer, obesity, diabetes, heartburn, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Codonopsis is sometimes called "poor man's ginseng" because it's used in commercial products as a substitute for Panax ginseng. But none of the active chemicals in ginseng have been found in codonopsis. They are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for CODONOPSIS overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Codonopsis is possibly safe when used appropriately. Doses of 6-9 grams seem to be safe. But codonopsis is possibly unsafe when used in large amounts. Doses of 30-60 grams have been linked with side effects including chest pain, throat pain, dizziness, confusion, and other symptoms.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Codonopsis is possibly safe when used appropriately. Doses of 6-9 grams seem to be safe. But codonopsis is possibly unsafe when used in large amounts. Doses of 30-60 grams have been linked with side effects including chest pain, throat pain, dizziness, confusion, and other symptoms.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if codonopsis is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Codonopsis might slow blood clotting. Taking codonopsis might increase the risk for bleeding during and after surgical procedures. Stop using codonopsis at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with CODONOPSIS

    Codonopsis might slow blood clotting. Taking codonopsis along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Abiraterone (Zytiga) interacts with CODONOPSIS

    Abiraterone is a drug used for cancer. Codonopsis might speed up how quickly the body gets rid of abiraterone. This might reduce the anticancer effects of abiraterone.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with CODONOPSIS

    Codonopsis might lower blood sugar levels. Taking codonopsis along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of codonopsis might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.