Introduction of San Qi: Sanchi or Radix Notoginseng
✵This article documents the herb Sanchi, including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavors, botanical source—namely, the plant species Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen ex C.C. Chow—and provides a detailed description of the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environment of this species, as well as the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the herb Sanchi, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Radix Notoginseng (Sanchi)
Pinyin Name: Sān Qī
English Name: Notoginseng (or Sanqi)
Latin Name:Radix Notoginseng Properties and Flavor: Warm; sweet, slightly bitter
Brief Introduction:Radix Notoginseng is the dried root and rhizome of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen ex C.C. Chow (Araliaceae). It is used to invigorate blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, stop bleeding, and alleviate pain. It is indicated for various types of external and internal hemorrhage, blood stasis syndrome, and pain due to traumatic injury or angina pectoris. Commonly known as Radix Notoginseng, Sanchi, or Sān Qī.
Botanical Source: Classical herbal works identify Sanchi (San Qi) as the dried root and rhizome of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen ex C.C. Chow, a species of the Araliaceae family. The leaves (Panax notoginseng Folium, or San Qi Ye) and flowers (Panax notoginseng Flos, or San Qi Hua) of the same plant are also used medicinally. It belongs to the genus Panax L., family Araliaceae (ginseng family), order Apiales. The following describes this commonly used species:
(1) Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen ex C.C. Chow
Botanical Description:Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen ex C.C. Chow is also known as Panax pseudo-ginseng Wall. var. notoginseng (Burk.) Hoo et Tseng. It is a perennial, erect herb of the Araliaceae family and genus Panax. It grows 20–60 cm tall (occasionally 30–80 cm). The taproot is stout, fleshy, fusiform (spindle-shaped), obconical, or cylindrical, often branched and bearing wart-like protrusions. Stems are solitary, erect, and unbranched. Leaves are palmately compound; 3–6 leaves form whorls (verticillate) at the stem apex; petioles measure 5–11.5 cm; stipules are linear, tufted, and less than 2 mm long; leaflets number 5–17 (rarely 3–9), membranous, oblong to obovate-oblong, 5–15 cm long and 2–5 cm wide; the basal pair of leaflets is smaller; apices are long-acuminate; bases are orbicular and mostly asymmetric; margins bear fine, dense serrations, with small bristles at the tooth tips; bristles occur along the veins on both leaf surfaces.
Umbels are solitary, 3–4 cm in diameter, bearing 80–100 (or more) flowers; pedicels are puberulent; peduncles measure 13–30 cm; flowers are small, subtended by scale-like bracts at the base; calyx is 5-lobed; corolla has 5 yellowish-green, oblong-ovate petals with acute apices; stamens are 5, with linear filaments; ovary is inferior, bilocular; styles are 2, slightly recurved, with the lower portion connate.
The fruit is drupe-like, nearly reniform, approximately 1 cm in diameter, turning bright red (ruby-red) at maturity. Each fruit contains 1–3 oblate, white seeds. Flowering occurs from June to August; fruiting, from August to October.
Ecological Environment:Panax notoginseng grows under forest canopy on hillsides or mountain slopes. Today, it is predominantly cultivated on gentle slopes at the foot of mountains, on terraced earthen mounds, or in cool, shaded environments. This species is native to and mainly distributed in China, where it is almost exclusively cultivated.
Growth Characteristics:Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen ex C.C. Chow prefers a warm, humid, and partially shaded environment; it is sensitive to cold, high summer temperatures, and waterlogging. It is a shade-demanding perennial herb endemic to subtropical alpine regions and has a narrow ecological tolerance. The optimal soil is loose, well-drained red or brown soil with slightly acidic pH (pH 5.5–6.5). The mean annual temperature range of 16.0–19.3 °C (60.8–66.7 °F) is ideal. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F) for 3–5 consecutive days increases susceptibility to disease. The roots are rich in polysaccharides and highly susceptible to mold and insect infestation when moist; however, properly dried roots remain stable and retain potency for up to 10 years under appropriate storage conditions. Panax notoginseng imposes exceptionally stringent requirements on soil and climate—most notably, it cannot be grown in continuous monoculture. Land previously used for P. notoginseng must lie fallow for a minimum of 10 years before replanting, and crop rotation is strictly recommended to prevent soil depletion and pathogen buildup.
The herb is commonly known as Sanqi (Sān Qī), also historically termed Tianqi or Tien-chi. It is the dried root and rhizome of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen ex C.C. Chow (Araliaceae). Native to East Asia, it occurs naturally in forests and shrublands of southern China, northern Myanmar (Burma), and at elevations of 2,100–4,300 m in central Nepal and the Himalayas. As a slow-growing perennial, it reaches a height of approximately 1.2 m. Flowers are hermaphroditic. The plant thrives in full shade (deep woodland) or partial shade (light woodland) and requires consistently moist, well-aerated soil. Although indigenous to China, P. notoginseng is now cultivated commercially in southern and central provinces. The medicinal part is the dried root and rhizome, harvested either before flowering or after fruit maturation. It is warm in nature, sweet and slightly bitter in taste, and non-toxic. The typical clinical dosage in decoction is 5–10 g per day. For powdered administration (e.g., capsules or tablets), the dose is usually 1–3 g per intake; a common standardized preparation contains 500 mg of Sanqi powder per tablet. The classical pharmacopoeia Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica, 1596 CE) states: “Sanqi enters the Yangming and Jueyin channels and governs the Blood Division (Xue Fen); thus, it treats all blood-related disorders.” Sanqi has been widely employed in traditional Chinese medicine since the late 19th century and enjoys an outstanding reputation for managing blood stasis, hemorrhage, and related syndromes.
Characteristics of the Herb: The taproots (main roots) are conical, fusiform (spindle-shaped), or irregularly block-like, measuring 1–6 cm in length and 1–4 cm in diameter. The surface ranges from yellowish-gray to brownish-black, exhibiting a waxy luster. Root scars are present at the apex; nodular protuberances encircle the upper portion; intermittent longitudinal wrinkles and broken lateral rootlet marks appear along the sides. The herb is heavy and dense, with a firm, solid texture. When fractured, the cortex and xylem often separate cleanly. The transverse section is celadon (grayish-green), yellowish-green, or ash-gray (pale gray), with fine, brown resinous specks scattered in the cortex and faint radial striations in the central xylem. It has a mild odor and a taste that is initially bitter and slightly cooling, followed by a lingering sweetness. High-grade herb material is heavy, firm-textured, smooth-surfaced, and exhibits a celadon or yellowish-green fracture surface.
Root pieces are cylindrical or conical, 2–6 cm long, with diameters of 0.8 cm at the proximal (upper) end and 0.3 cm at the distal (lower) end.
Cut slices are irregularly contracted into blocks or strips, bearing several prominent stem scars and concentric ring lines on the surface. The center of the fracture surface is celadon (grayish-green) or white, while the periphery is dark green or gray.
Medicinal efficacy: Promotes blood circulation to resolve stasis, stops bleeding, reduces swelling, and alleviates pain. It is indicated for hemoptysis, hematemesis, epistaxis, bleeding from the orifices or subcutaneous tissues, hematochezia, dysentery with bloody stools, uterine bleeding, abdominal masses, postpartum bruising, lochiostasis, traumatic hemorrhage, carbuncles with swelling and pain, chest and abdominal pain, and swelling and pain due to falls or trauma—particularly when associated with blood stasis.
Administration of Radix Notoginseng (Sān Qī):
Reference:
Administration Guide for Radix Notoginseng (Sān Qī)
TCM Books:
(1) Internally: 3–9 gramsper day, typically as a powdered herb taken with warm water; dosage per intake is 1–3 grams. External use: Apply an appropriate amount topically. (2) Internally: As a water decoction, 1.5–3 qián (≈ 4.5–9 grams); as a finely ground powder, 0.5–1 qián (≈ 1.5–3 grams). External use: Apply the fresh juice, sprinkle the powdered herb, or apply as a paste.
Contraindications, Precautions, and Adverse Reactions: Radix Notoginseng should be used with caution during pregnancy and is contraindicated in pregnant women.
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1.Introduction of San Qi: Sanchi or Radix Notoginseng.
✵This article documents the herb Sanchi, including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavors, botanical source—namely, the plant species Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen ex C.C. Chow—and provides a detailed description of the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environment of this species, as well as the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the herb Sanchi, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Sān Qī
Botanical Description: Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen ex C.C. Chow is also known as Panax pseudo-ginseng Wall. var. notoginseng (Burk.) Hoo et Tseng. It is a perennial, erect herb of the Araliaceae family and genus Panax. It grows 20–60 cm tall (occasionally 30–80 cm). The taproot is stout, fleshy, fusiform (spindle-shaped), obconical, or cylindrical, often branched and bearing wart-like protrusions. Stems are solitary, erect, and unbranched. Leaves are palmately compound; 3–6 leaves form whorls (verticillate) at the stem apex; petioles measure 5–11.5 cm; stipules are linear, tufted, and less than 2 mm long; leaflets number 5–17 (rarely 3–9), membranous, oblong to obovate-oblong, 5–15 cm long and 2–5 cm wide; the basal pair of leaflets is smaller; apices are long-acuminate; bases are orbicular and mostly asymmetric; margins bear fine, dense serrations, with small bristles at the tooth tips; bristles occur along the veins on both leaf surfaces.
Umbels are solitary, 3–4 cm in diameter, bearing 80–100 (or more) flowers; pedicels are puberulent; peduncles measure 13–30 cm; flowers are small, subtended by scale-like bracts at the base; calyx is 5-lobed; corolla has 5 yellowish-green, oblong-ovate petals with acute apices; stamens are 5, with linear filaments; ovary is inferior, bilocular; styles are 2, slightly recurved, with the lower portion connate.
Ecological Environment: Panax notoginseng grows under forest canopy on hillsides or mountain slopes. Today, it is predominantly cultivated on gentle slopes at the foot of mountains, on terraced earthen mounds, or in cool, shaded environments. This species is native to and mainly distributed in China, where it is almost exclusively cultivated.
Growth Characteristics: Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen ex C.C. Chow prefers a warm, humid, and partially shaded environment; it is sensitive to cold, high summer temperatures, and waterlogging. It is a shade-demanding perennial herb endemic to subtropical alpine regions and has a narrow ecological tolerance. The optimal soil is loose, well-drained red or brown soil with slightly acidic pH (pH 5.5–6.5). The mean annual temperature range of 16.0–19.3 °C (60.8–66.7 °F) is ideal. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F) for 3–5 consecutive days increases susceptibility to disease. The roots are rich in polysaccharides and highly susceptible to mold and insect infestation when moist; however, properly dried roots remain stable and retain potency for up to 10 years under appropriate storage conditions. Panax notoginseng imposes exceptionally stringent requirements on soil and climate—most notably, it cannot be grown in continuous monoculture. Land previously used for P. notoginseng must lie fallow for a minimum of 10 years before replanting, and crop rotation is strictly recommended to prevent soil depletion and pathogen buildup.
The herb is commonly known as Sanqi (Sān Qī), also historically termed Tianqi or Tien-chi. It is the dried root and rhizome of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen ex C.C. Chow (Araliaceae). Native to East Asia, it occurs naturally in forests and shrublands of southern China, northern Myanmar (Burma), and at elevations of 2,100–4,300 m in central Nepal and the Himalayas. As a slow-growing perennial, it reaches a height of approximately 1.2 m. Flowers are hermaphroditic. The plant thrives in full shade (deep woodland) or partial shade (light woodland) and requires consistently moist, well-aerated soil. Although indigenous to China, P. notoginseng is now cultivated commercially in southern and central provinces. The medicinal part is the dried root and rhizome, harvested either before flowering or after fruit maturation. It is warm in nature, sweet and slightly bitter in taste, and non-toxic. The typical clinical dosage in decoction is 5–10 g per day. For powdered administration (e.g., capsules or tablets), the dose is usually 1–3 g per intake; a common standardized preparation contains 500 mg of Sanqi powder per tablet. The classical pharmacopoeia Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica, 1596 CE) states: “Sanqi enters the Yangming and Jueyin channels and governs the Blood Division (Xue Fen); thus, it treats all blood-related disorders.” Sanqi has been widely employed in traditional Chinese medicine since the late 19th century and enjoys an outstanding reputation for managing blood stasis, hemorrhage, and related syndromes.
Characteristics of the Herb: The taproots (main roots) are conical, fusiform (spindle-shaped), or irregularly block-like, measuring 1–6 cm in length and 1–4 cm in diameter. The surface ranges from yellowish-gray to brownish-black, exhibiting a waxy luster. Root scars are present at the apex; nodular protuberances encircle the upper portion; intermittent longitudinal wrinkles and broken lateral rootlet marks appear along the sides. The herb is heavy and dense, with a firm, solid texture. When fractured, the cortex and xylem often separate cleanly. The transverse section is celadon (grayish-green), yellowish-green, or ash-gray (pale gray), with fine, brown resinous specks scattered in the cortex and faint radial striations in the central xylem. It has a mild odor and a taste that is initially bitter and slightly cooling, followed by a lingering sweetness. High-grade herb material is heavy, firm-textured, smooth-surfaced, and exhibits a celadon or yellowish-green fracture surface.
Pharmacological Actions: (1) Hemostatic effect; (2) Anticoagulant effect.
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