European ginseng extract 20:1 | Codonopsis pilosula

European ginseng extract 20:1 | Codonopsis pilosula

Properties: Codonopsis pilosula, also known as Dang Shen, is an incredibly interesting plant that comes from East Asia. Although less known in Europe, it is one of the most popular herbs in China. Its fame is owed not only to its unusually attractive appearance. The extract of codonopsis has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Natural medicine experts have discovered a wide range of its healthy properties and thus eagerly apply it as a remedy to many ailments. Modern Western research is only beginning to keep up with this ancient knowledge, but the preliminary results confirm the observation of Asian healers. Codonopsis indeed shows adaptogenic effects and has a huge potential in neuroregulation. 

First of all, Dang Shen improves the physical performance of the organism. Its consumption increases the level of glycogen – a complex polysaccharide that fuels the functioning of the muscles. Moreover, codonopsis supports muscle regeneration. Therefore, even the most demanding training routine can be completed with better efficiency. Secondly, the extract of this herb has a positive impact on our digestive system. As the Asian herbalists noticed, it improves metabolism, regulates the functioning of intestines, and additionally protects the stomach lining from damage. On top of that, it helps the liver to cleanse the organism of toxins, including free radicals, and thus has hepatoprotective effects keeping this organ in good condition. Since it also stimulates natural defence mechanisms of the organism, it has been proven to be an excellent support to the immune system. Noteworthy, Dang Shen also lowers blood pressure and normalizes glucose level in the blood. Hence, it would be fair to say that it has a multidirectional, beneficial influence on the entire organism. But that’s not all!

Codonopsis pilosula has one more important property that positively affects our health. Namely, it supports and protects the nervous system as it stimulates the development of the myelin sheath that surrounds axons that carry nerve impulses. It has also been proven that Dang Shen upregulates the activity of acetylcholine in the brain. These effects lead to noticeable improvement of our cognitive performance, especially within the processes such as learning and memory. Thus, it is clear that codonopsis has the ability to affect both the body and the mind. No wonder why it is often compared to ginseng, as these plants have similar properties and are widely used in naturopathy. Although traditionally codonopsis has been considered “a plant for the poor”, its effects are indeed very rich!

Occurrence: Codonopsis pilosula is a perennial plant from the Campanulaceae family. Its twisting shoots grow up to 2 m in length. The leaves are arranged alternately on the side branches and diagonally on the smaller branches. They are ball-shaped, grow up to 7 cm and are usually covered with yellow hair. The typical flowering period of this plant occurs from June to August. The flowers are single, green-yellow with a purple-brown bell-shaped crown. They have 2 cm in length and diameter and appear at the ends of the branches. Fruits resemble bags and contain seeds. The roots, on the other hand, look like carrots – their shape is elongated and cylindrical. They are the precious raw herbal material that has been used in traditional Eastern medicine for millennia. Codonopsis is native to Eastern Asia, particularly China and Korea. It grows on the river banks and in the forests, braiding smaller trees and shrubs. This plant can be easily cultivated and looks pretty, thus can be often spotted in gardens.

Biochemistry: The root of codonopsis contains multiple biologically active compounds, such as: triterpene esters, codonotubulosin A and B, codonopsin, codonospinin, pyrrolidine alkaloids, polyenes, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, lignans, coumarins, sesquiterpene glycosides, hesperidin, alpha-spinasterol, n-hexyl-beta-sophoroside, hydroxymethylfurfural, perlolyrin, taraxerol, squalene, beta-sitosterol, polysaccharides, organic acids, vitamin B3 and vitamin E.

Fun fact: In terms of natural medicine applications, codonopsis is very similar to ginseng (Panax ginseng). However, it is much easier in cultivation and thus cheaper. Therefore, in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many years it has been treated as a more affordable ginseng equivalent and even called “the ginseng of the poor”.