Common Name: Dang Shen

General Information

Codonopsis pilosula is a herbaceous perennial climbing plant with a tuberous rootstock; it produces a cluster of branched stems from 1 - 2 metres long - the stems scrambling over the ground and twining into nearby vegetation for support[]..
The plant, especially the subspecies Codonopsis pilosula tangshen, is an important herb in Chinese Traditional Medicine. It is commonly harvested from the wild and also cultivated on a large scale for local use and trade.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

N.E. Asia - Mongolia, Russian Far East, China, Korea

Habitat

Forests, thickets, meadows or scrub at forest margins; at elevations from 900 - 3,900 metres[]. Dense shrubby thickets, the shade of trees at forest edges, streambanks etc[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	1.70 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a well-drained fertile light soil in full sun or semi shade[, ]. Plants only succeed in full sun if the soil remains moist during the growing season[]. Prefers a slightly acid soil[].
Although quite cold-hardy when dormant, the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[].
A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining and scrambling over other plants[].
The plant resents root disturbance and should be planted out into its permanent position as soon as possible[].
It is best grown on a high bank in order to give a good view of the flowers[].
Plants are very susceptible to the ravages of slugs. The young shoots in spring are particularly at risk, though older growth is also eaten[].

Edible Uses

Root - raw or cooked[, ].

Medicinal

Dang Shun is an important herb in Chinese medicine, it is a gentle tonic that increases energy levels and helps the body adapt to stress[]. The root contains saponins, triterpenes and steroids[], it is similar in action to ginseng (Panax species), but it is milder and has a shorter-lasting effect[, , , , , , ]. It is a sweet, warm, soothing herb that is taken as an energy tonic[]. It acts mainly on the spleen, lungs and stomach, raising secretion of body fluids and blood sugar levels, and stimulating the immune system[]. Research has shown that it increases haemoglobin and red blood cell levels and lowers the blood pressure. It also helps increase endurance to stress and promotes alertness[].

The root and the whole plant are adaptogen, appetizer, digestive, galactogogue, sialagogue, stomachic and tonic[, , , , , ]. It is taken internally in the treatment of low energy, poor appetite and digestion, anaemia, shallow breathing and debility after illness[, ]. It is often cooked with rice until it is glutinous and used as a tonic food[]. The dried root is decocted with other herbs and used to treat a wide range of ailments[].
The roots of plants at least three years old are harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried[].

Notes for Codonopsis tangshen:-
This species is an important herb in Chinese medicine, the root is widely used as a substitute for ginseng[, , ]. It is a sweet, warm, soothing herb that is taken as an energy tonic[]. It acts mainly on the spleen, lungs and stomach, raising secretion of body fluids and blood sugar levels, lowering the blood pressure and stimulating the immune system[]. The root and the whole plant are adaptogen, aphrodisiac and tonic[, , , , ]. It is taken internally in the treatment of low energy, poor appetite and digestion, anaemia, shallow breathing and debility after illness[]. It is often cooked with rice until it is glutinous as a tonic food[].
The roots of plants at least three years old are harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in spring to early summer in an ericaceous compost in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to dry out. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 6 weeks at 20°c[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer and protect them from slugs until the plants are well established[].
Division in spring, with care, since the plant resents root disturbance[]. We have found it best to take small divisions that are teased out from the sides of the main clump so as to cause the least possible disturbance to the plants and to avoid having to dig up the clump. These small divisions need to be potted up and placed in light shade in a greenhouse until they are rooting well. They can be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer if they are large enough, otherwise in the following spring[].