Herb library · Herb · Panax notoginseng
Notoginseng (san qi)
A ginseng relative from southwest China, prized in Chinese medicine for bleeding and wounds and, today, for the heart and after strokes. Chinese trials of its extracts are numerous and some are large, but most are small or at risk of bias, and it adds to the effect of aspirin on blood clotting.
Traditional use
Grown in Yunnan and Guangxi, the root was so valued by soldiers for stopping bleeding from wounds that one of its Chinese names means "gold no recompense." It is a common ingredient in Chinese patent medicines, and in China extracts of its saponins are made into capsules and injections used in hospitals for stroke and heart disease.
What studies show
- Limited
Stroke recovery: a large 2023 trial in China (2,966 people) found that a notoginseng saponin capsule taken for 3 months after an ischemic stroke raised the share of people functionally independent (89% vs 82% on placebo). It is one trial, of a standardized prescription product.
- Limited
Chest pain from heart disease: a 2013 review of Chinese trials found oral preparations eased angina symptoms but did not lower heart attacks or other cardiovascular events; the authors said small samples and likely bias weaken the conclusion.
- Limited· shows no benefit
Muscle soreness after exercise: in a small 2013 trial of 20 trained men, it did not convincingly change performance, muscle pain or blood markers.
Be careful of
Cautions
- InteractionIn trials in people with heart disease or stroke, notoginseng preparations added to aspirin's effect on platelets and blood clotting. If you take aspirin, a blood thinner, or have a bleeding disorder or upcoming surgery, talk with your clinician first.
- NoteIn the large stroke trial, serious side effects were no more common than with placebo. Most other trials are small and short, and products vary.
- PregnancyThe sources read here give no safety information for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your clinician first.
- Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.
From the old books
What herbals and dispensaries of the past printed. History, in their words.
“From its extraordinary reputation amongst military and fighting men, the root of this plant is very costly. The last name, "gold no recompense," refers to this fact. The drug comes from Kuangsi and Yunnan, where it is cultivated.”
Sources
- Efficacy and Safety of Panax notoginseng Saponins in the Treatment of Adults With Ischemic Stroke in China: A Randomized Clinical Trial (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
- Oral Panax notoginseng Preparation for Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
- Panax notoginseng preparation plus aspirin versus aspirin alone on platelet aggregation and coagulation in patients with coronary heart disease or ischemic stroke: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
- The effects of Panax notoginseng on delayed onset muscle soreness and muscle damage in well-trained males: a double blind randomised controlled trial (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
Reviewed September 25, 2026.