Common Name: San Qi

General Information

Panax notooginseng is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a fleshy, tuberous rhizome; it produces a cluster of one or more unbranched, straight stems around 20 - 60cm tall with 3 - 6 leaves in a whorl at the summit of the stem
A very popular medicinal herb in eastern Asia, where it is one of the species that is commonly used as a form of ginseng. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use and trade, and is often also cultivated for medicinal use, especially in Japan, Korea and China[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southern and eastern China

Habitat

Forests and shrubberies, at elevations from 2,100 - 4,300 metres in Central Nepal in the Himalayas[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of shady places in rich, moist but generally well-drained woodland soils[].
The roots of all the various Panax species are used medicinally. They are considered to be most effective if harvested when around 6 - 7 years old[].

Edible Uses

The roots are chewed, used as a flavouring in liqueurs or made into a tea[].

Medicinal

The roots of all the various species in the genus Panax are known to be rich sources of a range of medicinally active compounds, especially saponins. All of the species, especially those in eastern Asia, are highly valued for their medicinal virtues. The best-known species in the genus (Panax ginseng) has a history of medicinal use going back many centuries. The other species are also valued in their own right, as well as often also being used and labelled as ginseng.

San Qi is a fairly recent newcomer to Chinese herbalism, the first recorded usage dating from the sixteenth century. Nevertheless, it has attained an importance as a tonic medicine that supports the function of the adrenal glands, in particular the production of corticosteroids and male sex hormones[]. It also helps to improve blood flow through the coronary arteries, thus finding use as a treatment for arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure and angina[].
The roots are said to be analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, astringent, cardiotonic, discutient, diuretic, haemostatic, hypoglycaemic, styptic, tonic and vulnerary[, ]. They are used in the treatment of contused wounds, soft tissue injuries and all kinds of bleeding, both internal and external, like haematuria, nose bleeds, haematemesis, uterine bleeding etc. They are also used in the treatment of coronary heart disease and angina pectoris[, ]. The roots can be applied externally as a poultice in order to help speed the healing of wounds and bruises[].
The root is harvested before flowering or after the seed has ripened. It is usually dried for later use[].

There is much confusion in literature over this plant and P. pseudo-ginseng. It is probable that the two can be used interchangeably but this has still to be confirmed. The following are the uses attributed to P. pseudo-ginseng:-

The roots and the flowers are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, cardiotonic, diuretic, haemostatic and hypoglycaemic[, ]. The root is used internally in the treatment of coronary heart disease and angina[]. The roots are also used both internally and externally in the treatment of nosebleeds, haemorrhages from the lungs, digestive tract and uterus, and injuries[]. The roots are harvested in the autumn, preferably from plants 6 - 7 years old, and can be used fresh or dried[].
The flowers are used to treat vertigo and dizziness[].

Other Uses

An extract of the bark is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].
An extract of the leaves and stems is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an astringent[].
An extract of the roots is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a humectant[].
The powdered root is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].

Propagation

Seed - sow in a shady position in a cold frame preferably as soon as it is ripe, otherwise as soon as the seed is obtained. It can be very slow and erratic to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse or frame for at least their first winter. Make sure the pots are deep enough to accommodate the roots. Plant out into their permanent positions in late summer.
Division in spring.