Ginseng Plus Notoginseng Extract
Also known as: Ginseng Plus Notoginseng Extract, Ginseng and Notoginseng Extract, Sanqi Ginseng Extract, Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng Extract
Overview
Ginseng Plus Notoginseng Extract is a herbal supplement derived from the roots of Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng, both revered members of the Araliaceae family native to East Asia. This combined extract is traditionally and increasingly used for its broad spectrum of health benefits, particularly in cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, and enhancing physical endurance. Its pharmacological effects are primarily attributed to a rich profile of ginsenosides, which are triterpenoid saponins. The supplement is recognized for its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Research into this combined extract is at a moderate to advanced stage, with both preclinical and clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials, supporting its efficacy and safety. It is available in various forms, typically as standardized extracts to ensure consistent levels of bioactive compounds.
Benefits
Ginseng Plus Notoginseng Extract offers several evidence-based benefits. It demonstrates significant cardiovascular protection, as shown in animal models where it improved survival rates post-myocardial infarction (from 45.4% to 70–77%), reduced fibrotic scar size, and prevented adverse cardiac remodeling. Neuroprotective effects have been observed in rat ischemic stroke models, where it reduced brain infarct volume, oxidative stress, and inflammation by enhancing pro-survival pathways. For exercise endurance, a randomized controlled trial (n=29) found that 1350 mg/day of P. notoginseng extract for 30 days significantly increased exercise time to exhaustion by approximately 23% in healthy adults. Secondary benefits include enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, such as increased glutathione peroxidase, and anti-inflammatory effects via the downregulation of iNOS, COX-2, and NF-κB pathways. The cardiovascular and neuroprotective benefits are particularly strong in animal models, while the exercise endurance improvement is clinically relevant in healthy adults. Benefits typically manifest within 2 weeks to 30 days of consistent use.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Ginseng Plus Notoginseng Extract are mediated primarily by its ginsenoside content, which interacts with various biological pathways. It activates AMPK and CaMKII pathways, promoting autophagy in cardiomyocytes, which is crucial for cardiac health. In the nervous system, it upregulates pro-survival signaling pathways, including IGF-1, phosphorylated Akt, and mTOR, contributing to neuroprotection against ischemic damage. The extract also exhibits potent antioxidant effects by increasing the activity of enzymes like glutathione peroxidase and reducing lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties stem from the inhibition of key inflammatory mediators such as iNOS, COX-2, and the NF-κB transcription factor. These mechanisms collectively contribute to its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems. Ginsenosides have variable bioavailability, with some requiring metabolism by gut microbiota to become active, and oral administration has shown efficacy.
Side effects
Ginseng Plus Notoginseng Extract is generally considered well-tolerated in clinical trials, with no major adverse events consistently reported. Common side effects are not well-documented in the available research, and data are insufficient to determine precise incidence rates for uncommon or rare side effects. High-quality randomized controlled trials have not reported serious adverse events. However, caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions. Due to its effects on blood flow and clotting pathways, there is a theoretical risk of interaction with anticoagulants (blood thinners) and antiplatelet drugs, although clinical evidence for these interactions is limited. Therefore, individuals on such medications or those with bleeding disorders should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use. Data on its safety in special populations, such as pregnant or lactating women, children, or individuals with severe comorbidities, are limited, and its use in these groups is not recommended without medical supervision.
Dosage
Based on current research, an effective oral dosage for Ginseng Plus Notoginseng Extract, particularly for exercise endurance benefits, is 1350 mg per day of P. notoginseng extract. Animal studies have utilized doses ranging from 40–100 mg/kg (intraperitoneal or oral), which translates to higher human equivalent doses. The optimal dosage range for combined extracts is not fully established, but doses up to 1350 mg/day have appeared safe in human randomized controlled trials. The maximum safe dose has not been clearly defined. For endurance effects, daily oral dosing for at least 30 days is recommended. For cardiovascular benefits, effects have been observed in animal models within two weeks. It is advisable to use standardized extracts containing quantified ginsenosides to ensure consistency and efficacy. Bioavailability may be influenced by co-administration with food or specific formulations designed to improve solubility, though no specific cofactors are required.
FAQs
Is Ginseng Plus Notoginseng Extract safe for long-term use?
Current evidence supports good short-term safety (up to 30 days or more), but comprehensive long-term safety data are still limited. Consult a healthcare professional for extended use.
Can it improve exercise performance in healthy individuals?
Yes, a randomized controlled trial demonstrated significant improvement in exercise endurance after 30 days of supplementation with P. notoginseng extract.
Does it have cardiovascular protective effects?
Strong preclinical evidence suggests cardioprotective effects, including improved survival post-heart attack and reduced cardiac remodeling. Human data are promising but limited.
Are there any known drug interactions?
Potential interactions with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs exist due to effects on blood clotting. Always consult your healthcare provider if you are on medication.
How quickly do effects appear?
Exercise endurance benefits may be noticed after about one month of consistent use. Cardiovascular benefits have been observed in animal models within two weeks.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11242943/ – This preclinical review and animal study investigated Panax notoginseng extract's effects post-myocardial infarction and in ischemic stroke models. It found significant improvements in survival rates, reduced fibrotic scar size, and neuroprotective benefits by enhancing pro-survival pathways and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. The study provides high-quality preclinical evidence for cardiovascular and neuroprotective properties.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8950061/ – This randomized controlled trial (n=29 healthy adults) evaluated the effect of Panax notoginseng extract on exercise endurance. It demonstrated a significant increase in time to exhaustion after 30 days of supplementation compared to placebo. This study provides moderate quality clinical evidence supporting the extract's ability to enhance exercise performance in healthy individuals.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.01031/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized findings from various studies on Panax ginseng and notoginseng extracts. It concluded that these extracts significantly increased antioxidant enzyme levels, such as glutathione peroxidase, and showed improvements in glucose metabolism. While acknowledging some heterogeneity and small sample sizes, it provides moderate quality evidence for antioxidant effects.
