Codonopsis
Codonopsis pilosula
Dang shen, a Chinese tonic root used alongside or in place of ginseng for about 1,000 years to strengthen the spleen, stomach and lungs. Research is in the lab and in animals.
What is Codonopsis?
- Plant family
- Campanulaceae, the bellflower family
- Parts used
- The long, slightly sweet roots
- Where it grows
- China, from Tibet and Sichuan to northeastern China
- Genus
- Codonopsis
- Species
- pilosula
Also called
Codonopsis Radix, Codonopsis Root
Traditional names
Dang Shen, Dangshen
Traditionally used for
- Tonic (traditional)
- Digestion (traditional)
- Lungs (traditional)
- Anaemia (in formulas)
Traditionally described as
- Protected the stomach lining (in animal studies)
Health topics
Where Codonopsis appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Fatigue
A traditional Chinese tonic, often used in place of ginseng. Not tested on its own in trials.
- Indigestion
Traditionally used to strengthen the stomach and spleen. Not tested on its own in trials.
Traditions that use it
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Called dang shen; a tonic used alongside or in place of ginseng for about 1,000 years, to strengthen the spleen, stomach and lungs.
Safety
Toxicity testing
Reports indicate it has almost no toxic side effects. Because its sources are complex, poor-quality substitutes are sometimes sold.[1]
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Dang shen is a common tonic in Chinese medicine and has been used alongside ginseng for about 1,000 years. Its name was first recorded in the Qing Dynasty. Classical texts say it:
- Strengthens the stomach and spleen
- Benefits the lungs and "lung qi"
- Moistens the lungs and relieves thirst
One 1920 text describes its effects as not far from those of ginseng.[1]
Today it's usually combined with other Chinese medicines, mainly for anaemia, low blood pressure, digestive problems and altitude sickness. It's also used in health foods, teas, drinks, biscuits and cosmetics.[1]
Laboratory & animal research
Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.
In lab and animal studies, codonopsis protected nerves and the stomach lining, helped heal ulcers, affected the immune system, helped make blood cells, protected the heart and acted as an antioxidant. These haven't been confirmed in people.[1]
In short
Poor-quality substitutes are sometimes sold.
Sources
- [1] A review of the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, analysis method and quality control, processing methods, pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of codonopsis radix · DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1162036Peer-reviewed study
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.