Codonopsis pilosula

Codonopsis pilosula, also known as “Dang Shen” or “poor man's ginseng”, is a perennial climbing plant from the family of the bellflowers (Campanulaceae). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it has been valued for centuries as a strengthening tonic. The root of Codonopsis is used as a milder substitute for the expensive Panax Ginseng, as it produces similar but gentler effects. It is considered supportive and restorative, especially in phases of exhaustion, weakness, or convalescence. The plant grows mainly in China, Korea, and Mongolia, where it is an integral part of herbal formulas for strengthening Qi (life energy). It is used both on its own and in combination with other medicinal herbs.

What health benefits does Codonopsis pilosula offer?

Within traditional Chinese medicine, the plant is credited with a whole range of different effects. Studies reflect this variety of effects, with the results of the studies pointing to a whole series of different effects. As always, these results should be viewed critically, as they are not readily transferable. Furthermore, more research is necessary in order to

  • Energy & vitality: In TCM, Dang Shen is regarded as a tonic for strengthening Qi, the life energy. It is used for fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and exhaustion.
  • Strengthening the lungs and spleen: In TCM, Codonopsis is said to harmonize the function of the lungs and spleen, which can have a positive effect on the immune system and digestion.
  • Gentle immunomodulator: Studies suggest immunomodulating effects, particularly through the activation of macrophages and natural killer cells (1,2,3).
  • Anti-inflammatory effect: Various investigations suggest that the plant's constituents could alleviate inflammation (1,3,4).
  • Anticarcinogenic effect: Investigations link the plant's active compounds to a positive effect on various types of cancer (5,6,7)
  • Effect against muscle atrophy: In studies, active compounds in the plant showed potential for a protective mechanism against muscle atrophy (1,8,9).
  • Neurological effect: Studies suggest that it can improve blood flow to the brain and reduce neurodegeneration, which could be beneficial for people with chronic cerebral ischemia or Alzheimer's disease (1).

How does Codonopsis pilosula work in the body?

The medicinal effect is based on a variety of bioactive constituents. Chief among these are polysaccharides, ginsenosides, alkaloids, and flavonoids, but also other complex active compounds (1).

Are there any side effects or risks?

  • Well tolerated: Codonopsis is considered gentle and is generally well tolerated.
  • Not for use during an acute infection with fever: In TCM, it is not recommended during the acute phase of febrile illnesses.
  • Caution with autoimmune diseases: Due to its immunostimulating effect, a doctor should be consulted in cases of autoimmune diseases.

Conclusion

Codonopsis pilosula is a well-established tonic of TCM and a mild alternative to classic Ginseng. There it is used to strengthen the body, mind, and immune system – especially in cases of exhaustion, chronic weakness, and during convalescence. Studies likewise point to various positive effects, even though more research is needed before definitive statements can be made. Its gentle yet effective spectrum of activity could make it a valuable medicinal plant for modern lifestyles.

Sources:

  1. Guo, H., Lou, Y., Hou, X., Han, Q., Guo, Y., Li, Z., Guan, X., Liu, H., & Zhang, C. (2024). A systematic review of the mechanism of action and potential medicinal value of codonopsis pilosula in diseases. Frontiers in pharmacology, 15, 1415147. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1415147
  2. Zou Y.-F., Zhang Y.-Y., Fu Y.-P., Inngjerdingen K. T., Paulsen B. S., Feng B., et al. (2019). A polysaccharide isolated from codonopsis pilosula with immunomodulation effects both in vitro and in vivo . Molecules 24, 3632. 10.3390/molecules24203632
  3. Choi S.-H., Kim S.-Y., Kim K.-M., Mony T. J., Bae H. J., Kim M. S., et al. (2023). Fermented sprouts of codonopsis lanceolata suppress LPS-induced inflammatory responses by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway in RAW 264.7 macrophages and CD1 mice. Pharmaceutics 15, 1793. 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071793
  4. Wang, Y.-J., Zhong, X.-Y., Wang, X.-H., Zhong, Y.-H., Liu, L., Liu, F.-Y., et al. (2022). Activity of Codonopsis canescens against rheumatoid arthritis based on TLRs/MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways and its mechanism. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi, 47, 6164–6174. https://doi.org/10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20220727.401
  5. Cao, Y., Dai, F., Li, Y., Jia, L., Luan, Y., & Zhao, Y. (2019). The research on the mechanism of Tsoong inhibiting for colon cancer. Saudi journal of biological sciences, 26(3), 605–613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2018.11.007
  6. Liu, Z., Sun, Y., Zhen, H., & Nie, C. (2022). Network Pharmacology Integrated with Transcriptomics Deciphered the Potential Mechanism of Codonopsis pilosula against Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2022, 1340194. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1340194
  7. He, R., Ma, R., Jin, Z., Zhu, Y., Yang, F., Hu, F., & Dai, J. (2022). Proteomics and Metabolomics Unveil Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. Ameliorates Gastric Precancerous Lesions via Regulating Energy Metabolism. Frontiers in pharmacology, 13, 933096. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.933096
  8. Kim, T. Y., Park, K. T., & Choung, S. Y. (2022). Codonopsis lanceolata and its active component Tangshenoside I ameliorate skeletal muscle atrophy via regulating the PI3K/Akt and SIRT1/PGC-1α pathways. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 100, 154058. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154058
  9. Han, M. J., & Choung, S. Y. (2022). Codonopsis lanceolata ameliorates sarcopenic obesity via recovering PI3K/Akt pathway and lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle. Phytomedicine: international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 96, 153877. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153877