Introduction of Dang Shen:Tangshen,Pilose Asiabell Root or Radix Codonopsis.
✵The article gives records of the herb Tangshen, its English name, Latin name, property and flavor, its herbal classic book defined botanical source three plant species, ①.Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.(Dang Shen), ②.Codonopsis pilosula (Frach.)Nannf.Var.modesta(Nannf.)L.T.Shen.(Su Hua Dang Shen), ③.Codonopsis tangshen Oliv.(Chuan Dang Shen), and other three usable plant species, ④.Codonopsis tubulosa Kom.(Guan Hua Dang Shen), ⑤.Codonopsis subglobosa W. W. Smith.(Qiu Hua Dang Shen), ⑥.Codonopsis canescens Nannf.(Hui Mao Dang Shen)., with a detailed introduction to the botanical features of these six plant species, the growth characteristics, and ecological environment of these six plant species, the features of the herb Tangshen, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guide.
Radix Codonopsis(Tangshen).
Pin Yin Name: Dǎnɡ Shēn.
English Name: Pilose Asiabell Root, Tangshen.
Latin Name: Radix Codonopsis.
Property and flavor: neutral in nature, tastes sweet.
Brief introduction: The herb Radix Codonopsis is the dried root of Codonopsis pilosula(Franch.)Nannf.,Codonopsis pilosula var.modesta(Nannf.)L.T.Shen or Codonopsis tangshen Oliv., used to replenish Qi, promote fluid production and nourish blood for treating (1).deficiency of the middle Qi with general debility, anorexia, lassitude, and loose stools, and (2).deficiency of both Qi and Yin, with shortness of breath, pallor, dizziness and palpitations. The herb is commonly known as Radix Codonopsis, Tangshen, Dǎnɡ Shēn.
Botanical source: Herbal classic book defined the herb Pilose Asiabell Root(Dang Shen) as the root from the plant species (1).Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.(Dang Shen), (2).Codonopsis pilosula (Frach.)Nannf.Var.modesta(Nannf.)L.T.Shen.(Su Hua Dang Shen), (3).Codonopsis tangshen Oliv.(Chuan Dang Shen), (4).Codonopsis tubulosa Kom.(Guan Hua Dang Shen), (5).Codonopsis subglobosa W. W. Smith.(Qiu Hua Dang Shen), (6).Codonopsis canescens Nannf.(Hui Mao Dang Shen). They are plant species of the Codonopsis Wall. genus, the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) of the Campanulales order. The official herbal classics defined the herb as the root of the 1,2,3 botanical species, other famous herbal classics defined the herb as root from the 6 species. These 6 commonly used species are introduced:
Botanical description: The Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and Codonopsis genus, it is commonly known as "Dang Shen", perennial grass root is long cylindrical, diameter is 1~1.7 cm, top carbonyl has a swollen root, with the majority of tumorous stem marks, skin is milky yellow to light gray-brown, with vertical and horizontal wrinkles. Stems are twisted, long and much-branched, lower part is sparsely white to coarsely bristly; upper part is smooth or suboptimal. Leaves are opposite, alternate or false whorled; petiole is 0.5~2.5 cm; leaf blade is ovate broadly ovoid, length is 1~7 cm, width is 0.8~5.5 cm, apex is obtuse or pointed, base is truncate or light heart-shaped, entire margin or slightly wave-like, green at the upper surface, coarsely coarse-hairy, pinkish green at backsurface, pubescent. Flowers are solitary, pedicel is fine; calyx is green, 5 lobes, oblong-lanceolate, 1~2 cm long, apex is obtuse, smooth or slightly hairy; corolla is broad-bellied, diameter is 2~2.5 cm, yellowish-green, pansy spots, apex is 5-lobed, lobes are triangular to broad triangles, upright; 5 stamens, filaments expand below middle; ovary is lower, 3-locular, style is short, 3 stigmas, very wide, funnel-shaped. Capsularfruit is conical, with persistent calyx. Seeds are small, oval, brown and shiny. Its flowering period is from August to September, fruiting from September to October.
Ecological Environment: The Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., grows in mountain bushes and forest margins. Geographical distribution: This species is mainly distributed in northwest areas, also in southwest areas and other areas of China.
Growth characteristics: The Codonopsis pilosula prefers a cold and cool climate, avoid high temperature. In the seedling stage the shrub prefers shade, the adult plant likes sunshine. It is advisable to cultivate in sandy loam with a deep soil layer, good drainage, and rich humus. It is not suitable to choose clay, low-lying, saline-alkali soil, and continuous cropping ground for planting.
Characters of herbs: The root is slightly cylindrical, spindle-shaped cylindrical or oblong cone-shaped, with few branches or is branched below the middle part, with a length of 15~45 cm and a diameter of 0.45~2.5 cm. The surface is grayish-yellow, grayish-brown, or reddish-brown, with irregular longitudinal grooves and shrinkage, sparse transverse lenticels, there are multiple annular wrinkles on the upper part, especially dense at the part close to the root head; The root head has many protruding stem marks and bud marks, which are integrated into a spherical shape, so it is commonly called "the lion's coiled hair". Sometimes, there is a black-brown gelatinous substance can be seen at the broken root, which is condensed by milk spilling over (commonly known as oil spot). The texture of the herb is soft smooth or hard and firm, the fracture surface is flat, some are keratinous, the cortex is thick, yellow-white, light brown or brown, with cracks, and there is a deep brown ring at the junction part with the wood part, the wood part accounts for about 1/3~1/2 of the root diameter and is light yellow. The herb has a slight fragrance, it tastes sweet and has no residue after chewing. The herb of better grade has thick and big roots, the texture of the herb is soft and broad, strong aroma and sweet taste, and has no residue after chewing.
Botanical description: The Codonopsis pilosula (Frach.)Nannf.Var.modesta(Nannf.)L.T.Shen., is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and Codonopsis genus, it is commonly known as "Su Hua Dang Shen", the main difference between this variant and Codonopsis pilosula is: the whole plant is all nearly smooth and glabrous; calyx lobes are smaller, about 10 mm.
Ecological Environment: The Codonopsis pilosula (Frach.)Nannf.Var.modesta(Nannf.)L.T.Shen., grows in the mountain forest, forest edge, and shrub, at the area of an altitude 1,500-3,200 meters above sea level. Geographical distribution: This species is mainly distributed in the northwest areas of China, it is also distributed in the southwest area.
Characters of herbs: The roots are slightly shorter, the length is less than 30 cm, and the branches are few. The surface is gray-brown, the cork is coarse and rough, mostly are twisted, and the ring pattern is dense at the upper part; with many oil spots. The texture of the herb is flexible and tough, the fracture surface is not very smooth and flat. There is the residue after chewing. The herb of better grade has thick and big roots, the texture of the herb is soft and broad, strong aroma and sweet taste, and has no residue after chewing.
(3).Codonopsis tangshen Oliv.(Chuan Dang Shen).
Botanical description: The Codonopsis tangshen Oliv., is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and Codonopsis genus, it is commonly known as "Chuan Dang Shen", the main difference between this variant and the previous 2 species is: the lower base of the wedge-shaped or more blunt leaves, only occasional heart-shaped; calyx only close to the lowest part of the ovary, ovary and ovary almost square all-on. Its flowering and fruiting period is from July to October.
Ecological Environment: The Codonopsis tangshen Oliv., grows in mountain forest shrubs at an altitude of 900-2,300 meters above sea level, nowadays it is cultivated and available in large quantity. Geographical distribution: This species is mainly distributed in the southwest, the middle reaches area of the Yangtze River, and other areas of China.
Characters of herbs: There are few branches in the lower part of the root. The surface is grayish-brown, the cork bark often falls off partially, and the ring pattern is sparse at the upper part. The cortex of the fracture surface is thick with few cracks. The herb tastes slightly sweet, sour.
(4).Codonopsis tubulosa Kom.(Guan Hua Dang Shen).
Botanical description: The Codonopsis tubulosa Kom., is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and Codonopsis genus, it is commonly known as "Guan Hua Dang Shen", the main difference between this variant and the previous 3 species is: the stem is not winding, more climbing or vine-like. Petiole is short, long 5 mm below. Calyx is adnate to the round of ovary, lobes are broadly ovate, 1.2 mm long, 8 mm wide, less than half corolla; corolla tube; filaments coat, anthers keel. Its flowering and fruiting period is from July to October.
Ecological Environment: The Codonopsis tubulosa Kom., grows in mountain, hillside, forest. Geographical distribution: This species is mainly distributed in the southwest area of China.
Characters of herbs: The root is branched or slightly branched in the lower part. The surface shrinks into longitudinal grooves, with sparse transverse long lenticels, the ring patterns are sparse on the upper part; The root head has a ball-shaped lion's coiled hair, and there are brown-black colloid overflows from the broken part. The fracture surface is powdery or sugar-like keratinous. The herb has a slight fragrance, it tastes slightly sweet.
(5).Codonopsis subglobosa W. W. Smith.(Qiu Hua Dang Shen).
Botanical description: The Codonopsis subglobosa W. W. Smith., is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and Codonopsis genus, it is commonly known as "Qiu Hua Dang Shen", the main difference between this variant and the previous 4 species is: smaller leaves, length, and width are 3 cm, below. Calyx adnate to ovary terminal, glabrous, lobes ovoid or rhombic-ovate, lobes curved wide and obtuse, serrate and bristle; corolla is spherical bell, yellow, and apex with purplish red. Its flowering and fruiting period is from July to October.
Ecological Environment: The Codonopsis subglobosa W. W. Smith., grows in the mountain grassland, gravel, or ditch scrub at the elevation of 2,500~3,500 meters above sea level. Geographical distribution: This species is mainly distributed in the southwest area of China.
Characters of herbs: The root is big and hypertrophic, 20~43 cm long and 1~3 cm in diameter. There are longitudinal grooves with shrinkage on the surface, which are often twisted, there are dense ring lines on the upper part, which taper from the middle to the root head, it is commonly known as "snake earthworm root head"; the rhizome has many tiny stem marks or bud marks, the wood part is 1/2 of the diameter, there are tiny fissures arranged radially on the fracture surface. The herb has a peculiar smelly odor.
(6).Codonopsis canescens Nannf.(Hui Mao Dang Shen).
Botanical description: The Codonopsis canescens Nannf., is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and Codonopsis genus, it is commonly known as "Hui Mao Dang Shen", the main difference between this variant and the previous 5 species is: stem length is 25~85 cm. Branches are nearly woody. Plant is covered with dense white hair, rod plant is gray. Leaves are alternate on the main stem, on the lateral branches of the opposite, smaller leaves, length, and width is up to 1.5 cm × 1 cm below. Calyx outside is densely white hirsute; corolla length is usually no more than 2 cm. Its flowering and fruiting period is from July to October.
Ecological Environment: The Codonopsis canescens Nannf., grows in the mountain grass slope, beaches, and more rocks, or sunny dry place at the altitude of 3,000-3,400 meters above sea level. Geographical distribution: This species is mainly distributed in the west-south area and other areas of China.
Characters of herbs: There are branches in the lower part of some roots. The fracture surface is slightly powdery, and there are the needle-like bright spot can be seen. The herb has a peculiar odor.
Pharmacological actions: The Radix Codonopsis can enhance the reticuloendothelial system, replenish blood, affect the function of the adrenal cortex, antifatigue, affect cyclic adenosine phosphate, resist high temperature, affect the cardiovascular system, regulate the gastrointestinal tract, promote blood coagulation, increase blood sugar, and promote cellular immunity. Some experiments have proved that the herb has different degrees of inhibition on the meningococcus, diphtheria bacillus, Escherichia coli, but some other experiment reports the herb can accelerate the growth of halophilic bacteria, Escherichia coli.
Medicinal efficacy: Benefit spleen and nourish the lung, invigorate the middle energizer, benefit Qi, nourish blood and generate body fluid. It is indicated for Qi deficiency of spleen and lung, weakness and deficiency of spleen and stomach, fatigue and poor appetite(lassitude, less food intake), weakness of body and lack strength (physical weakness, lassitude, lack strength), poor appetite and loose stool, cough and panting of deficiency, lung deficiency and asthma cough, deficiency of Qi and blood, weakness of limbs, yellowish complexion (looks dull and yellowish), palpitation and short breath, shortness of breath and spontaneous sweating, body fluid deficiency and thirst, wasting thirst and endogenous heat (consumptive thirst, internal heat), poor appetite, thirst, persistent diarrhea, prolapse of anus, syndromes due to deficiency of Qi and blood, etc.
Administration of Radix Codonopsis (Dǎnɡ Shēn):
Reference:
Administration Guide of Radix Codonopsis (Dǎnɡ Shēn)
TCM Books:
①.Internally:9~30 grams; ②.Internally:water decoction,3~5 qian (about 9~15 grams), big dosage up to 1~2 liang (about 30~60 grams);prepare ointment or prepare to pill, powder; ③.Internally:water decoction,6~15 grams;or prepare ointment or prepare to pill, powder. Better use raw herb for generate body fluid and nourish blood, better use fried herb for replenish spleen and benefit lung.
Contraindications,Precautions and Adverse Reactions:the herb Radix Codonopsis should not be combined with Black False Hellebore.
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References:
1.Introduction of Dang Shen:Tangshen,Pilose Asiabell Root or Radix Codonopsis.
✵The article gives records of the herb Tangshen, its English name, Latin name, property and flavor, its herbal classic book defined botanical source three plant species, ①.Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.(Dang Shen), ②.Codonopsis pilosula (Frach.)Nannf.Var.modesta(Nannf.)L.T.Shen.(Su Hua Dang Shen), ③.Codonopsis tangshen Oliv.(Chuan Dang Shen), and other three usable plant species, ④.Codonopsis tubulosa Kom.(Guan Hua Dang Shen), ⑤.Codonopsis subglobosa W. W. Smith.(Qiu Hua Dang Shen), ⑥.Codonopsis canescens Nannf.(Hui Mao Dang Shen)., with a detailed introduction to the botanical features of these six plant species, the growth characteristics, and ecological environment of these six plant species, the features of the herb Tangshen, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guide.
Pin Yin Name: Dǎnɡ Shēn.
Botanical source: Herbal classic book defined the herb Pilose Asiabell Root(Dang Shen) as the root from the plant species (1).Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.(Dang Shen), (2).Codonopsis pilosula (Frach.)Nannf.Var.modesta(Nannf.)L.T.Shen.(Su Hua Dang Shen), (3).Codonopsis tangshen Oliv.(Chuan Dang Shen), (4).Codonopsis tubulosa Kom.(Guan Hua Dang Shen), (5).Codonopsis subglobosa W. W. Smith.(Qiu Hua Dang Shen), (6).Codonopsis canescens Nannf.(Hui Mao Dang Shen). They are plant species of the Codonopsis Wall. genus, the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) of the Campanulales order. The official herbal classics defined the herb as the root of the 1,2,3 botanical species, other famous herbal classics defined the herb as root from the 6 species. These 6 commonly used species are introduced:
Botanical description: The Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and Codonopsis genus, it is commonly known as "Dang Shen", perennial grass root is long cylindrical, diameter is 1~1.7 cm, top carbonyl has a swollen root, with the majority of tumorous stem marks, skin is milky yellow to light gray-brown, with vertical and horizontal wrinkles. Stems are twisted, long and much-branched, lower part is sparsely white to coarsely bristly; upper part is smooth or suboptimal. Leaves are opposite, alternate or false whorled; petiole is 0.5~2.5 cm; leaf blade is ovate broadly ovoid, length is 1~7 cm, width is 0.8~5.5 cm, apex is obtuse or pointed, base is truncate or light heart-shaped, entire margin or slightly wave-like, green at the upper surface, coarsely coarse-hairy, pinkish green at backsurface, pubescent. Flowers are solitary, pedicel is fine; calyx is green, 5 lobes, oblong-lanceolate, 1~2 cm long, apex is obtuse, smooth or slightly hairy; corolla is broad-bellied, diameter is 2~2.5 cm, yellowish-green, pansy spots, apex is 5-lobed, lobes are triangular to broad triangles, upright; 5 stamens, filaments expand below middle; ovary is lower, 3-locular, style is short, 3 stigmas, very wide, funnel-shaped. Capsularfruit is conical, with persistent calyx. Seeds are small, oval, brown and shiny. Its flowering period is from August to September, fruiting from September to October.
Ecological Environment: The Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., grows in mountain bushes and forest margins. Geographical distribution: This species is mainly distributed in northwest areas, also in southwest areas and other areas of China.
Characters of herbs: The root is slightly cylindrical, spindle-shaped cylindrical or oblong cone-shaped, with few branches or is branched below the middle part, with a length of 15~45 cm and a diameter of 0.45~2.5 cm. The surface is grayish-yellow, grayish-brown, or reddish-brown, with irregular longitudinal grooves and shrinkage, sparse transverse lenticels, there are multiple annular wrinkles on the upper part, especially dense at the part close to the root head; The root head has many protruding stem marks and bud marks, which are integrated into a spherical shape, so it is commonly called "the lion's coiled hair". Sometimes, there is a black-brown gelatinous substance can be seen at the broken root, which is condensed by milk spilling over (commonly known as oil spot). The texture of the herb is soft smooth or hard and firm, the fracture surface is flat, some are keratinous, the cortex is thick, yellow-white, light brown or brown, with cracks, and there is a deep brown ring at the junction part with the wood part, the wood part accounts for about 1/3~1/2 of the root diameter and is light yellow. The herb has a slight fragrance, it tastes sweet and has no residue after chewing. The herb of better grade has thick and big roots, the texture of the herb is soft and broad, strong aroma and sweet taste, and has no residue after chewing.
Botanical description: The Codonopsis pilosula (Frach.)Nannf.Var.modesta(Nannf.)L.T.Shen., is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and Codonopsis genus, it is commonly known as "Su Hua Dang Shen", the main difference between this variant and Codonopsis pilosula is: the whole plant is all nearly smooth and glabrous; calyx lobes are smaller, about 10 mm.
Botanical description: The Codonopsis tangshen Oliv., is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and Codonopsis genus, it is commonly known as "Chuan Dang Shen", the main difference between this variant and the previous 2 species is: the lower base of the wedge-shaped or more blunt leaves, only occasional heart-shaped; calyx only close to the lowest part of the ovary, ovary and ovary almost square all-on. Its flowering and fruiting period is from July to October.
Botanical description: The Codonopsis tubulosa Kom., is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and Codonopsis genus, it is commonly known as "Guan Hua Dang Shen", the main difference between this variant and the previous 3 species is: the stem is not winding, more climbing or vine-like. Petiole is short, long 5 mm below. Calyx is adnate to the round of ovary, lobes are broadly ovate, 1.2 mm long, 8 mm wide, less than half corolla; corolla tube; filaments coat, anthers keel. Its flowering and fruiting period is from July to October.
Botanical description: The Codonopsis subglobosa W. W. Smith., is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and Codonopsis genus, it is commonly known as "Qiu Hua Dang Shen", the main difference between this variant and the previous 4 species is: smaller leaves, length, and width are 3 cm, below. Calyx adnate to ovary terminal, glabrous, lobes ovoid or rhombic-ovate, lobes curved wide and obtuse, serrate and bristle; corolla is spherical bell, yellow, and apex with purplish red. Its flowering and fruiting period is from July to October.
Botanical description: The Codonopsis canescens Nannf., is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and Codonopsis genus, it is commonly known as "Hui Mao Dang Shen", the main difference between this variant and the previous 5 species is: stem length is 25~85 cm. Branches are nearly woody. Plant is covered with dense white hair, rod plant is gray. Leaves are alternate on the main stem, on the lateral branches of the opposite, smaller leaves, length, and width is up to 1.5 cm × 1 cm below. Calyx outside is densely white hirsute; corolla length is usually no more than 2 cm. Its flowering and fruiting period is from July to October.
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