Overview

Panax notoginseng is a plant that grows in the mountains in Southwest China. Its root is sometimes used as medicine once it has grown for 3-5 years.

Panax notoginseng might relax blood vessels, which might improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. Some of the chemicals in Panax notoginseng might also reduce swelling and protect the heart.

People use Panax notoginseng for chest pain, stroke, heart attack, bleeding, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse Panax notoginseng with other plants with similar names, including Panax ginseng and American ginseng. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Chest pain (angina). Taking Panax notoginseng by mouth or by IV might reduce chest pain. But research evaluating this has been low quality, so it's not clear how well it works. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
  • Bleeding within the skull (intracranial hemorrhage). Taking Panax notoginseng by IV might improve recovery and reduce the risk of death in people that have had bleeding in the brain. But research evaluating this has been low quality, so it's not clear how well it works. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
  • Stroke. Taking Panax notoginseng by mouth or by IV might improve recovery after a stroke. But research evaluating this has been low quality, so it's not clear how well it works. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Heart attack. Taking Panax notoginseng by mouth doesn't seem to prevent heart attacks in people with heart disease who are using conventional medications for heart disease.
There is interest in using Panax notoginseng for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Panax notoginseng is possibly safe when used for up to 6 weeks. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include dry mouth, flushed skin, insomnia, nausea, and rash.

When given in the rectum: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Panax notoginseng is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Panax notoginseng is possibly safe when used for up to 6 weeks. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include dry mouth, flushed skin, insomnia, nausea, and rash.

When given in the rectum: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Panax notoginseng is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Panax notoginseng is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. One of the chemicals in Panax notoginseng has caused birth defects in animals. Avoid use.

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Panax notoginseng might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use Panax notoginseng.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Aspirin interacts with PANAX NOTOGINSENG

    Taking Panax notoginseng with aspirin might increase how much aspirin and Panax notoginseng is in the blood. This might increase the side effects of both aspirin and Panax notoginseng.

  • Caffeine interacts with PANAX NOTOGINSENG

    Caffeine is changed and broken down by the liver. Panax notoginseng might increase how quickly the liver breaks down caffeine. Taking Panax notoginseng along with caffeine might decrease the effects of caffeine.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with PANAX NOTOGINSENG

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Panax notoginseng might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with PANAX NOTOGINSENG

    Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Panax notoginseng might increase the effects of warfarin. Taking Panax notoginseng along with warfarin might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.

Dosing

Panax notoginseng has most often been used by adults in doses of 100-400 mg by mouth 1-3 times daily for up to 6 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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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.