Codonopsis

Related Terms

Bastard ginseng, bellflower, bonnet bellflower, Campanulaceae (family), chuan dang, codonoposide, condonoposide 1c, Codonopsis eupolyphaga, Codonopsis lanceolata, Codonopsis modesta, Codonopsis nervosa var., Codonopsis ovata Benth., Codonopsis philosula, Codonopsis pilosula, Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. var. volubilis, Codonopsis pilosula modesta, Codonopsis pilosular, Codonopsis silvestris, Codonopsis tangshen, Codonopsis tubulosa, dangshen, friedelin, poor man's ginseng, radix codonopsis, radix Codonopsis pilosula, alpha-spinasterol, tang shen, tang-shen, tangshenoside, tangshenoside I, taraxerol.

Background

Codonopsis is a small perennial native to Asia, which is especially abundant in the Shanxi and Szechuan provinces of China. Codonopsis has been used in China for over 2,000 years as a tonic for the lungs and spleen, and to strengthen and nourish the blood and balance metabolic function.
Historically, codonopsis is thought to have properties similar to ginseng. The Chinese name for codonopsis, dangshen, indicated that it was ginseng from the Shandang region; shen is the key term to describe ginseng or a ginseng-like herb. Like ginseng, codonopsis is referred to as an adaptogen, a substance that non-specifically enhances and regulates the body's ability to withstand stress. Adaptogens increase the body's general performance in ways that help the whole body resist disease. Codonopsis is thought to benefit the entire body by boosting strength, increasing stamina and alertness, rejuvenating the body, strengthening the immune system, aiding recovery from chronic illness, reducing stress, and stimulating the appetite.
At this time, there is insufficient high quality evidence in humans to support the use of codonopsis for any indication.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older):
There is no proven safe or effective dose for adults. Traditionally, 3-9 grams of codonopsis decoction has been used; some conditions may require dosages up to 30 grams per day.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Although not well studied in humans, Codonopsis pilosula may reduce gastric acid-pepsin secretion. Caution is advised in patients taking antacid medications due to possible additive effects.
In humans, codonopsis has been observed to inhibit platelet aggregation. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that may also increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavis?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Codonopsis has exhibited anti-fertility activity in rats. Caution is advised when taking codonopsis with any fertility medications.
Traditionally, codonopsis is used to promote digestion and cleanse the intestinal tract. Caution is advised in patients taking laxatives due to possible additive effects.
Codonopsis pilosula extract may inhibit gastrointestinal movement. Thus, caution is advised when taking codonopsis with any agents taken by mouth, because the effect of the agents may be altered.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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