✵This article documents the herb Tangshen, including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, and its botanical sources as defined in classical herbal texts. The official sources comprise three plant species: (1) Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. (Dang Shen), (2) Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen (Su Hua Dang Shen), (3) Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. (Chuan Dang Shen). Additionally, three other species are also used medicinally: (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). The article provides a detailed introduction to the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environments of these six species, as well as the characteristics of the herb Tangshen, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Radix Codonopsis (Tangshen)
Pinyin Name: Dǎnɡ Shēn
English Name: Pilose Asiabell Root; Tangshen
Latin Name:Radix Codonopsis Properties and Flavor: Neutral; sweet
Brief Introduction:Radix Codonopsis is the dried root of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen, or Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. It is used to replenish Qi, promote fluid production, and nourish blood. It is indicated for: (1) deficiency of the middle-Qi accompanied by general debility, anorexia, lassitude, and loose stools; and (2) combined deficiency of Qi and Yin, manifesting as shortness of breath, pallor, dizziness, and palpitations. The herb is commonly known as Radix Codonopsis, Tangshen, or Dang Shen.
Botanical Source: Classical herbal texts define Pilose Asiabell Root (Dang Shen) as the root of the following plant species: (1) Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. (Dang Shen), (2) Codonopsis pilosula 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). These species belong to the genus Codonopsis Wall., family Campanulaceae (bellflower family), order Asterales (revised from Campanulales; modern taxonomy places Campanulaceae in Asterales). Official pharmacopoeial standards recognize only species (1)–(3) as primary sources; other authoritative herbal references include all six species. Descriptions of these six commonly used species follow:
Botanical Description: Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. is a perennial herb of the Campanulaceae family and genus Codonopsis. Synonyms include Campanumoea pilosula Franch. It is commonly known as Dang Shen. The root is long-cylindrical, 1–1.7 cm in diameter, with a swollen root head bearing numerous tubercular stem scars. The outer bark is milky yellow to pale grayish-brown, marked with longitudinal and transverse striations. Stems are twining, long, and highly branched; the lower portion is sparsely covered with white coarse hirsute hairs, while the upper portion is smooth or nearly glabrous (glabrescent). Leaves are opposite, alternate, or falsely verticillate; petioles measure 0.5–2.5 cm; leaf blades are ovate or broadly ovate, 1–7 cm long and 0.8–5.5 cm wide, with a blunt or acute apex and a truncate or shallowly cordate base; margins are entire or slightly undulate. The upper surface is green and strigose (covered with appressed coarse hairs); the lower surface is pinkish-green and sparsely pubescent.
Flowers are solitary; peduncles are slender. The calyx is green, 5-lobed, with oblong-lanceolate lobes 1–2 cm long and obtuse apices; it is smooth or slightly pubescent. The corolla is broadly campanulate, 2–2.5 cm in diameter, light yellowish-green with pale violet spots; the apex is 5-lobed, with triangular to broadly triangular, erect lobes. There are five stamens; filaments broaden below the midpoint. The ovary is inferior, 3-locular; the style is short; the stigma is trifid, very broad, and funnel-shaped.
Fruits are conical capsules with a persistent calyx. Seeds are small, ovoid, brown, and glossy. Flowering occurs from August to September; fruiting, from September to October.
Ecological Environment: Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. grows in mountainous shrublands and along forest margins.
Growth Characteristics: Codonopsis pilosula prefers a cool to cold climate and is intolerant of high temperatures. Seedlings require partial shade, whereas mature plants thrive in full sun. Cultivation is best carried out in deep, humus-rich, well-drained sandy loam soils. Heavy clay, low-lying waterlogged land, saline-alkali soils, and fields with continuous cropping history are unsuitable.
Characteristics of the Herb: The root is cylindrical, fusiform-cylindrical, or long-conical; rarely branched or branched below the middle portion; 15–45 cm long and 0.45–2.5 cm in diameter. The surface is sallow (grayish-yellow), taupe brown (grayish-brown), or reddish brown, with irregular longitudinal grooves and shrinkage marks, sparse elongated lenticels, and numerous annular wrinkles on the upper portion—especially dense near the root head. The root head bears many protuberant stem scars and bud scars, fused into a spherical or sub-spherical mass, giving rise to the colloquial name “Shi Zi Pan Tou” (lion’s mane head). Occasionally, blackish-brown gelatinous exudate (commonly termed “oil spots”) is visible at fractured surfaces—formed by coagulated latex.
The herb’s texture is soft and smooth or firm and hard; the fracture surface is flat and smooth—some are corneous. The cortex is thick, yellowish-white, pale brown, or tan (chocolate brown), often fissured; a dark brown ring is present at the cortex–xylem junction. The xylem (wood portion) occupies approximately one-third to one-half of the root’s diameter and is faint yellow (pale yellow). The herb has a mild fragrance and tastes sweet, leaving no residue upon chewing.
(2) Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen (Su Hua Dang Shen)
Botanical Description: Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen is a perennial herb of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and genus Codonopsis. It is commonly known as Su Hua Dang Shen. The principal distinctions from Codonopsis pilosula include: the entire plant is glabrescent to nearly glabrous; and the calyx lobes are smaller—approximately 10 mm long.
Ecological Environment: Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen grows in mountain forests, shrublands, and along forest margins at altitudes of 1,500–3,200 m above sea level.
Characteristics of the Herb: Roots are slightly shorter—typically under 30 cm—and sparsely branched. The surface is taupe brown (grayish-brown); the periderm is coarse and rough, often constricted and twisted; annular ridges ("fringe patterns") are dense on the upper portion; and oil spots are abundant. The herb’s texture is firm yet flexible; the fracture surface is neither markedly smooth nor flat. A slight residue remains after chewing.
(3) Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. (Chuan Dang Shen)
Botanical Description: Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and the genus Codonopsis. It is commonly known as Chuan Dang Shen. The main difference between this variety and the previous two species is that the base of the cauline leaves on the lower part of the stem is cuneate (wedge-shaped) or blunter, and is only occasionally cordate; the calyx is adnate only to the lowest part of the ovary, and the ovary is nearly superior. Its flowering and fruiting periods are from July to October.
Ecological Environment: Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. grows on mountain forest edges and in shrublands at altitudes of 900–2,300 meters above sea level. Nowadays, it is cultivated and available in large quantities.
Characteristics of the Herb: The lower part of the root is sparsely branched. The surface is taupe brown (grayish-brown); the cork bark often peels off partially, and the ring grain (fringe pattern) is sparse in the upper part. The cortex of the fracture surface is hypertrophic and exhibits fewer fissures. The herb tastes slightly sweet and sour.
(4) Codonopsis tubulosa Kom. (Guan Hua Dang Shen)
Botanical Description: Codonopsis tubulosa Kom. is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and the genus Codonopsis. It is commonly known as Guan Hua Dang Shen. The main difference between this variety and the previous three species is that the stem is non-voluble, mostly climbing (scandent) or sprawling. Petioles are short, with a length not exceeding 5 mm. The calyx is adnate to the middle part of the ovary; the lobes are broadly ovate, 1.2 mm long and 8 mm wide—less than half the length of the corolla. The corolla is fistuliform (tubular); the filaments are piliferous, and the anthers are carinate (cariniform). Its flowering and fruiting periods are from July to October.
Ecological Environment: Codonopsis tubulosa Kom. grows in mountain shrublands and grasslands, on hillsides, and in forests.
Characteristics of the Herb: The root is unbranched or slightly branched in the lower part. The surface often shrivels into longitudinal grooves and bears sparse, elongated lenticels; the ring grain (fringe pattern) is sparse in the upper part. The root head bears a spherical Shī Zī Pán Tóu (lion’s coiled hair), and a brownish-black gelatinous substance (jelly) exudes from the broken root. The fracture surface is floury or sugary and corneous. The herb has a slight fragrance and tastes slightly sweet.
(5) Codonopsis subglobosa W.W. Smith (Qiu Hua Dang Shen)
Botanical Description: Codonopsis subglobosa W. W. Smith is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and the genus Codonopsis. It is commonly known as Qiu Hua Dang Shen. The main difference between this variety and the previous four species is that the leaves are smaller, with length and width not exceeding 3 cm. The calyx is adnate to the apical portion of the ovary, setiform (bristly), and the lobes are oval (egg-shaped) or rhomboid-ovate—curved, broad, obtuse, serrate, and bearing bristles. The corolla is spherically campanulate, yellow, and the apex is deep reddish-purple. Its flowering and fruiting periods are from July to October.
Ecological Environment: Codonopsis subglobosa W. W. Smith grows on gravelly mountain grass slopes or in shrublands along ditch sides, at altitudes of 2,500–3,500 meters above sea level.
Characteristics of the Herb: The root is large and hypertrophic, 20–43 cm long and 1–3 cm in diameter. The surface bears withered longitudinal grooves, often contorted; dense ring grains (fringe pattern) occur in the upper part and attenuate (taper) upward from the middle toward the root head—a feature traditionally termed “earthworm root head.” The rhizome bears numerous small stem scars or bud scars. The fracture surface is corneous, with a dark brown ring at the junction between the cortex and xylem (wood part); the xylem accounts for about half the root diameter, and radially arranged fine fissures appear on the fracture surface. The herb has a distinctive, smelly odor.
(6) Codonopsis canescens Nannf. (Hui Mao Dang Shen)
Botanical Description: Codonopsis canescens Nannf. is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and the genus Codonopsis. It is commonly known as Hui Mao Dang Shen. The main difference between this variety and the previous five species is that the stem length is 25–85 cm; branches are numerous and nearly ligneous. The plant is densely covered with white hairs, giving it a grayish appearance. Leaves are alternate on the main stem and subopposite on lateral branches; leaf blades are small, up to 1.5 cm × 1 cm. The calyx is densely covered with white, long hirsute trichomes; the corolla length is usually no more than 2 cm. Its flowering and fruiting periods are from July to October.
Ecological Environment: Codonopsis canescens Nannf. grows on mountain grass slopes, rocky beaches, or sunny, drought-prone sites, at altitudes of 3,000–3,400 meters above sea level.
Characteristics of the Herb: The lower part of some roots is bifurcated. The fracture surface is slightly floury, and needle-crystal bright spots are visible. The herb has a distinctive odor.
Pharmacological Actions: (1) Enhancement of the reticuloendothelial system; (2) Antifatigue effects; (3) Effects on the cardiovascular system; (4) Blood-enriching (hematopoietic) effects; (5) Antibacterial effects: Some experiments have demonstrated that the herb exhibits varying degrees of inhibition against Neisseria meningitidis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and Escherichia coli; however, other studies report that it may accelerate the growth of halophilic bacteria and Escherichia coli.
Medicinal Efficacy: Benefits the spleen and nourishes the lung; invigorates the middle energizer; tonifies Qi; nourishes blood and generates body fluids. It is indicated for: Spleen- and lung-Qi deficiency; Spleen- and stomach-Qi deficiency with fatigue and poor appetite (lassitude, reduced food intake); General physical weakness and lack of strength (asthenia, lassitude); Poor appetite and loose stools; Deficiency-type cough and panting; Lung-Qi deficiency manifesting as asthma or chronic cough; Qi- and blood-deficiency syndromes; Limb weakness; Sallow or sallow-yellow complexion (pallor with dull yellowish hue); Palpitations and shortness of breath; Shortness of breath and Spontaneous sweating; Body fluid deficiency with thirst; Wasting-thirst syndrome with internal heat (consumptive thirst, yin-deficiency fire); Persistent diarrhea; Rectal prolapse; Other syndromes attributable to Qi and blood deficiency.
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 qián (≈9–15 grams); higher doses up to 1–2 liǎng (≈30–60 grams); also prepared as ointments or pills/powders; (3) Internally: Water decoction, 6–15 grams; or prepared as ointments or pills/powders. Raw herb is preferred for generating body fluids and nourishing blood; fried herb is preferred for strengthening the spleen and benefiting the lung.
Contraindications, Precautions, and Adverse Reactions: Radix Codonopsis should not be combined with Black False Hellebore (Veratrum nigrum).
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References:
1. Introduction of Dang Shen: Pilose Asiabell Root
✵This article documents the herb Tangshen, including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, and its botanical sources as defined in classical herbal texts. The official sources comprise three plant species: (1) Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. (Dang Shen), (2) Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen (Su Hua Dang Shen), (3) Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. (Chuan Dang Shen). Additionally, three other species are also used medicinally: (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). The article provides a detailed introduction to the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environments of these six species, as well as the characteristics of the herb Tangshen, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Dǎnɡ Shēn
Botanical Source: Classical herbal texts define Pilose Asiabell Root (Dang Shen) as the root of the following plant species: (1) Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. (Dang Shen), (2) Codonopsis pilosula 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). These species belong to the genus Codonopsis Wall., family Campanulaceae (bellflower family), order Asterales (revised from Campanulales; modern taxonomy places Campanulaceae in Asterales). Official pharmacopoeial standards recognize only species (1)–(3) as primary sources; other authoritative herbal references include all six species. Descriptions of these six commonly used species follow:
Botanical Description: Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. is a perennial herb of the Campanulaceae family and genus Codonopsis. Synonyms include Campanumoea pilosula Franch. It is commonly known as Dang Shen. The root is long-cylindrical, 1–1.7 cm in diameter, with a swollen root head bearing numerous tubercular stem scars. The outer bark is milky yellow to pale grayish-brown, marked with longitudinal and transverse striations. Stems are twining, long, and highly branched; the lower portion is sparsely covered with white coarse hirsute hairs, while the upper portion is smooth or nearly glabrous (glabrescent). Leaves are opposite, alternate, or falsely verticillate; petioles measure 0.5–2.5 cm; leaf blades are ovate or broadly ovate, 1–7 cm long and 0.8–5.5 cm wide, with a blunt or acute apex and a truncate or shallowly cordate base; margins are entire or slightly undulate. The upper surface is green and strigose (covered with appressed coarse hairs); the lower surface is pinkish-green and sparsely pubescent.
Ecological Environment: Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. grows in mountainous shrublands and along forest margins.
Characteristics of the Herb: The root is cylindrical, fusiform-cylindrical, or long-conical; rarely branched or branched below the middle portion; 15–45 cm long and 0.45–2.5 cm in diameter. The surface is sallow (grayish-yellow), taupe brown (grayish-brown), or reddish brown, with irregular longitudinal grooves and shrinkage marks, sparse elongated lenticels, and numerous annular wrinkles on the upper portion—especially dense near the root head. The root head bears many protuberant stem scars and bud scars, fused into a spherical or sub-spherical mass, giving rise to the colloquial name “Shi Zi Pan Tou” (lion’s mane head). Occasionally, blackish-brown gelatinous exudate (commonly termed “oil spots”) is visible at fractured surfaces—formed by coagulated latex.
The herb’s texture is soft and smooth or firm and hard; the fracture surface is flat and smooth—some are corneous. The cortex is thick, yellowish-white, pale brown, or tan (chocolate brown), often fissured; a dark brown ring is present at the cortex–xylem junction. The xylem (wood portion) occupies approximately one-third to one-half of the root’s diameter and is faint yellow (pale yellow). The herb has a mild fragrance and tastes sweet, leaving no residue upon chewing.
Botanical Description: Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen is a perennial herb of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and genus Codonopsis. It is commonly known as Su Hua Dang Shen. The principal distinctions from Codonopsis pilosula include: the entire plant is glabrescent to nearly glabrous; and the calyx lobes are smaller—approximately 10 mm long.
Botanical Description: Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and the genus Codonopsis. It is commonly known as Chuan Dang Shen. The main difference between this variety and the previous two species is that the base of the cauline leaves on the lower part of the stem is cuneate (wedge-shaped) or blunter, and is only occasionally cordate; the calyx is adnate only to the lowest part of the ovary, and the ovary is nearly superior. Its flowering and fruiting periods are from July to October.
Botanical Description: Codonopsis tubulosa Kom. is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and the genus Codonopsis. It is commonly known as Guan Hua Dang Shen. The main difference between this variety and the previous three species is that the stem is non-voluble, mostly climbing (scandent) or sprawling. Petioles are short, with a length not exceeding 5 mm. The calyx is adnate to the middle part of the ovary; the lobes are broadly ovate, 1.2 mm long and 8 mm wide—less than half the length of the corolla. The corolla is fistuliform (tubular); the filaments are piliferous, and the anthers are carinate (cariniform). Its flowering and fruiting periods are from July to October.
Botanical Description: Codonopsis subglobosa W. W. Smith is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and the genus Codonopsis. It is commonly known as Qiu Hua Dang Shen. The main difference between this variety and the previous four species is that the leaves are smaller, with length and width not exceeding 3 cm. The calyx is adnate to the apical portion of the ovary, setiform (bristly), and the lobes are oval (egg-shaped) or rhomboid-ovate—curved, broad, obtuse, serrate, and bearing bristles. The corolla is spherically campanulate, yellow, and the apex is deep reddish-purple. Its flowering and fruiting periods are from July to October.
Botanical Description: Codonopsis canescens Nannf. is a plant of the Campanulaceae family (bellflower family) and the genus Codonopsis. It is commonly known as Hui Mao Dang Shen. The main difference between this variety and the previous five species is that the stem length is 25–85 cm; branches are numerous and nearly ligneous. The plant is densely covered with white hairs, giving it a grayish appearance. Leaves are alternate on the main stem and subopposite on lateral branches; leaf blades are small, up to 1.5 cm × 1 cm. The calyx is densely covered with white, long hirsute trichomes; the corolla length is usually no more than 2 cm. Its flowering and fruiting periods are from July to October.
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