Panax pseudo ginseng var. notoginseng, also known as pseudoginseng, is a plant that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many years.
This plant, which grows in Japan and China, has hemostatic properties that promote healthy blood flow. In traditional medicine practices, it was used to help stop bleeding.
Panax pseudoginseng is a member of the Araliaceae family of plants that also includes Panax ginseng. However, these two plants differ in terms of the properties they have and the benefits they provide.
Panax ginseng is an adaptogen that is typically used for improving general well-being, supporting resistance to environmental stress, promoting cognition and supporting immune function. [1]
Panax pseudoginseng is not an adaptogen and is used for different purposes than Panax ginseng. Those who want to take products that contain Panax pseudoginseng should understand their uses, effects and potential risks before using any.



- Exhibits hemostatic properties
- Supports healthy blood circulation
- Contains steroidal saponins & triterpenoids
Common Uses of Panax Pseudoginseng
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Panax pseudoginseng is commonly used in oral form for promoting healthy blood circulation.
It is also used for hemostatic purposes, such as stopping bleeding in urine, stool, vomiting and coughing. It has also been used for managing nosebleeds and hemorrhagic diseases.
Panax pseudoginseng has other oral uses as well, including relieving pain, dizziness, soar throat, reducing swelling, promoting healthy blood cholesterol and supporting healthy blood pressure levels.
NMCD states that extracts form this herb have also been used traditionally for ischemic stroke and angina. However, the FDA has not approved this plant as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any medical conditions.
Topical forms of Panax pseudoginseng are used for stopping bleeding from wounds. These products are typically applied directly to the skin in order to slow the flow of blood and support wound healing.
Benefits of Panax Pseudo Ginseng
Constituents in the roots of the panax pseudoginseng plant are believed to have hemostatic properties. Hemostasis is the first stage of wound healing in a damaged blood vessel, involving the coagulation (clotting) of blood.
This plant contains triterpenoid saponins, which are chemical compounds known as dammarane-type ginsenosides, according to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Ginseng Research. [2]
These include 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (ppd) and 20(S)-protopanaxatriol (ppt), according to a 2015 study published in Natural Product Research. [3]
Panax pseudoginseng has a higher content of these ginsenosides, which include Rb1, Rd and Rg1, compared to Panax ginseng and other plants that belong to the same family, according to a 2004 study published in Planta Medica. [4]
Consumers should note that ginsenosides in general affect several different pathways in the body, which makes it difficult for researchers to isolate and study their effects, according to PubChem. [5]
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that preliminary research shows that a specific Panax pseudoginseng root extract might be beneficial for ischemic stroke, but more evidence is needed. [6]
The efficacy of Panax pseudoginseng for blood disorders and other bleeding problems in not known. More research is needed to accurately determine its efficacy and safety for these uses.
How to Take Panax Pseudoginseng
Panax pseudoginseng is available in different forms for oral use, including powder and tinctures that can be added to liquids. Panax pseudoginseng capsules are also available for oral use.
These products are sold under a few different names, including pseudoginseng, notoginseng, radix notoginseng, Tian Qi and San Qi. Consumers can purchase these products from online retailers, such as Amazon.
It is important for consumers not to confuse Panax pseudoginseng products with Panax ginseng products, since these are associated with different uses.
Panax pseudoginseng products vary in dosages, with some brands offering 500 MG per serving size. There are no standardized dosage guidelines and how much you should take depends on the concentration and potency of the specific product you are using.
NMCD states that a typical dose is 1 to 1.5 G of the raw herb divided into three daily doses. [6] Those who want to take these products should ask their doctor for a safe dosage to take, which will be based on their overall health, age and other factors.
Side Effects of Panax Pseudoginseng
According to NMCD, there is not enough reliable research information on Panax pseudoginseng to determine its safety. [6] More human studies are needed to evaluate the risk of side effects.
This herb has a long history of use in traditional medicine, which suggests that it has been well tolerated historically. However, it may not be appropriate for all people.
It is rated Likely Unsafe for pregnant women and women who are lactating. One of the active chemical constituents in the Panax pseudo ginseng plant, called ginsenoside Rb1, has been associated with increasing the risk of birth defects in animal models.
Panax pseudoginseng might cause mild side effects in some individuals. These include flushed skin, insomnia, vomiting, dry mouth, nervousness and nausea.
Due to the risk of side effects and the lack of information on the safety of these products, they should only be used under the guidance of a doctor. Panax pseudoginseng products should not be given to children without consulting a healthcare provider.
Products that contain Panax pseudoginseng might affect women with certain conditions that are influenced by hormones and should be avoided. These include breast cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids and uterine cancer.
Panax pseudoginseng might have estrogenic effects that make these products unsafe for women with these conditions to use, according to NMCD. [6]
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Center. Panax ginseng. 2015.
- Dong Hyun-Kim. Chemical Diversity of Panax ginseng, Panax quinquifolium, and Panax notoginseng. Journal of GInseng Research. 2012. Jan; 36(1); 1-15.
- Xu, F.X. et al. A novel strategy for rapid quantification of 20(S)-protopanaxatriol and 20(S)-protopanaxadiol saponins in Panax notoginseng P. ginseng and P. quinquefolium. Natural Product Research. 2015. 29(1); 46-52.
- Zhu, S. et al. Comparative study on triterpine saponins of Ginseng drugs. Planta Medica. 2004. Jul; 70(7); 666-77.
- PubChem. Ginsenoside RG1. 2016.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Center. Panax pseudoginseng. 2015.
Article last updated on: July 5th, 2018 by Nootriment