Panax notoginseng is a Chinese herb often known by its common name, Tian San Qi or Tienchi ginseng. Tian San Qi ginseng has been used in China for centuries and was used during the war by American pilots to stop bleeding.

According to a group of scientists at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology who recently published a paper on identifying the DNA of Notoginseng, most of the plants that belong to the well-known Panax species are similar in appearance and chemical composition. Among these however, "the root of Panax Notoginseng (San Qi) is a unique herb that has distinct clinical usage."

Research is showing that Notoginseng exerts a number of beneficial effects on several physiological functions, including the nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems. It is widely used in Asia for angina, to help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and to expand coronary arteries in order to promote blood circulation and prevent blood clots.

According to Ron Teeguarden, master herbalist and author of Radiant Health: The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs (Warner Books, 1998), Notoginseng is also considered one of the most powerful blood tonics known to man. It is used in Chinese medicine to assist coagulation of the blood, stop bleeding, and to dilate the coronary artery and increase coronary blood flow, thus providing more blood to the heart muscle. The herb also reduces cardiac load, lowers arterial pressure, and improves micro-circulation in and around damaged heart tissue.

The Notoginseng plant looks similar to Siberian Ginseng, and contains twelve saponins (phytochemicals) that are similar to the active ingredients in Panax Ginseng. Notoginseng is actually richer in active constituents than either Panax or American Ginseng, and it also contains immune stimulating polysacchaarides.

In an in-vitro experiment, scientists at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University also found that one of Notoginseng's active ingredients-ginsenosides Rg1-is a potent phytoestrogen, exerting the protective actions of estrogen. Ginsenosides have demonstrated pharmacological effects in the central nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems.

Notoginseng has been found to clinically relieve chest pain associated with angina. Angina typically results from a spasm in the wall of the coronary artery that momentarily constricts the artery and cuts off the heart's blood supply. In a clinical study that reportedly took place at Wu-Han Medical College (now called Tongji Medical University) in Shanghai, China, 15 out of 16 patients with angina who were given Notoginseng experienced significant relief.7

Animal studies also suggest that Notoginseng can dilate coronary arteries and be used as an anti-anginal agent.

Notoginseng is recognized as a potent antioxidant, which is one of the reasons it can counteract the free radical damage associated with cardiovascular disease-and really reverse the damage that has already been done-while offering protection from future problems. It also strengthens resistance to illness and acts as an anti-inflammatory, even reducing the growth of some cancers. An in-vitro study also indicates that it can even regenerate axons and dendrites in neurons, that can compensate for and repair damaged neuronal networks in the dementia brain.

Tian San Qi ginseng is thought to have the following actions;
1. It is believed to stop haemorrhaging or blood loss. Traditional Chinese medicine regards this herb as a very safe anti-haemorrhagic agent because it can stop bleeding without causing "congealed" blood. Some studies have verified this herb as effective in shortening coagulation time, reducing the effects of shock from severe blood loss while somehow preventing platelets from clumping.

2. Tian San Qi ginseng has been used to relieve the symptoms of nosebleed, trauma, capillary fragility and bleeding associated with idiopathic thrombocytopaenia (ITP). This herb is also traditionally prescribed for excessive menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia.

3. Panax notoginseng also has been investigated as a possible treatment for cardiovascular disorders and has been shown to relieve the symptoms of angina pectoris and also reduces high blood pressure. It may also lower serum cholesterol levels. In other research it was shown to increase cerebral circulation in rats and rabbits and improve memory in mice.

- Panax notoginseng may interact with anti-hypertensive drugs, particularly of the calcium channel blocking class.
- Panax notoginseng has been shown experimentally to affect platelet function. This may cause it to interact with blood thinning medications such as aspirin and other NSAIDs
- People on anticoagulant medications should use Panax notoginseng only under the supervision of their health care practitioner.