Identity & origin
BOTANICAL IDENTITY
The right name is the first step.
Kew describes this taxon as a perennial. This notice concerns Panax notoginseng, family Araliaceae. The pharmacopoeial material is: roots.
Results are presented to explain the research; no self-medication recommendation.
Also known as: Notoginseng, Panax notoginseng
The inventory more specifically names variety notoginseng. This profile does not transfer results from Asian ginseng, Panax ginseng, to this species.A photograph alone does not guarantee identification for consumption.
An illustration is not enough to identify a plant for consumption. Do not forage for a species based solely on this profile.
Uses & evidence
UNDERSTANDING THE USES
Properties & uses.
Stroke: research on a defined medicine
A large Chinese trial found greater functional independence after stroke with Xuesaitong pharmaceutical saponin capsules. The result concerns one product within medical care; it does not validate root, tea or self-treatment after stroke.
A human study may be positive, negative or inconclusive. Read the findings, preparation and limitations.
Read the sourceThe traditional uses described are not clinical proof of effectiveness. Evidence for one preparation cannot automatically be applied to another.
Precautions before use
BEFORE ANY USE
Precautions & contraindications.
This guidance does not cover every individual situation. Missing information is not a guarantee of safety.
Contraindications & precautions
- Insufficient dataThis targeted audit does not provide a comprehensive contraindication review; this does not mean contraindications are absent.
Medicine interactions
- Insufficient dataThis dossier cannot establish compatibility with medication. A limited study does not replace an interaction review of the exact product.
Other retained warnings · review incomplete
These existing warnings remain relevant to consult. Their exhaustive reassessment is outside this targeted review.
Restrictions and precautions
- The references in this notice do not establish a complete contraindication list. This limitation does not mean absence of risk.
Medicine interactions
- Medicine compatibility is not assessed in this notice; a pharmacist should check it before any use.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and children
The retained data do not support recommending medicinal use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No paediatric use is proposed; pharmacopoeial listing does not establish a child-appropriate dose.
“Reported” does not prove causality; “possible” may reflect indirect evidence. “None reported” means none in the cited source, not that all combinations have been studied. Do not stop a prescribed treatment based on this profile.
Adverse effects
- Trial size and duration cannot rule out rare or delayed effects. Tolerability of the tested product does not apply to every preparation.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
The retained data do not support recommending medicinal use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Children & adolescents
No paediatric use is proposed; pharmacopoeial listing does not establish a child-appropriate dose.
If symptoms persist, worsen or are unusual, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, contact the emergency services.
Available evidence
EXPLORE THE EVIDENCE
The available evidence.
A hospital trial studied notoginseng-saponin capsules. Its result does not automatically apply to crude root or tea.
Stroke: research on a defined medicine
Functional independence at three months was more frequent with the studied formulation than placebo.
A human study may be positive, negative or inconclusive. Read the findings, preparation and limitations.
Read the referenceLimitations to keep in mind.
Suspected stroke is an emergency. This plant replaces no emergency care, prescribed prevention or rehabilitation.
Studies, findings & limitations
THE RESEARCH
What the research shows.
A laboratory or animal result alone does not demonstrate a benefit in humans. Each result must be read alongside the preparation studied and its limitations.
Stroke: research on a defined medicine
A human study may be positive, negative or inconclusive. Read the findings, preparation and limitations.
- Type of research
- Multicentre double-blind randomized trial in China.
- Preparation concerned
- Xuesaitong saponin capsules in stroke care.
- Observed results
- Serious adverse-event frequency was comparable between groups.
- Limitations to consider
- Selected population, specific product and medical setting. The study does not establish safety for all combinations or extracts.
What can we take from this?
Selected population, specific product and medical setting. The study does not establish safety for all combinations or extracts.
Documentary review dated 09/10/2026. The references remain available to check the context.
Sources & last review
CHECKING REFERENCES
Sources for this profile.
- ANSM — French Pharmacopoeia, List A, January 2026, p. 25Accessed on 09/10/2026
- GBIF — taxonomy of Panax notoginsengAccessed on 09/10/2026
- Kew POWO — Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H.ChenAccessed on 09/10/2026
- Efficacy and Safety of Panax notoginseng Saponins in the Treatment of Adults With Ischemic Stroke in China: A Randomized Clinical Trial. — Wu L et al. (2023)Accessed on 09/10/2026
Image: Smithsonian Institution, NMNH, Botany · CC0 1.0. View the original image and its licence. Image resized and converted to WebP.