{"id":47661,"date":"2025-03-10T09:44:47","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T09:44:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=47661"},"modified":"2025-10-06T09:44:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T08:44:06","slug":"codonopsis","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/codonopsis\/","title":{"rendered":"Codonopsis"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":57775,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"18f90f7b-e262-4eb6-9b1f-89339bb36344","beyondwords_preview_token":"d08b7263-12f9-43e8-981a-0001be371414","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[694,685,693,701,696,702],"sustainability":[1575],"sense":[18,27],"western_action":[988,989,992,993,994,999,1003,1005,1006,1012,1015,1020,1022],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1523,1381,1507,1522,1511,1494],"region":[1898],"class_list":["post-47661","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-endocrine-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-stages-of-life","sustainability-amber-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","sense-sweet","western_action-adaptogen","western_action-alterative","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-aphrodisiac","western_action-carminatives","western_action-demulcent","western_action-depurative","western_action-galactagogue","western_action-immunomodulant","western_action-stimulant","western_action-trophorestorative","energetics_action-lung","energetics_action-neutral","energetics_action-neutral-temperature-chinese","energetics_action-spleen","energetics_action-sweet-taste-chinese","energetics_action-sweet","region-traditional-chinese-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250310","herb_author":1235,"banner_text":"Codonopsis is a traditional Chinese adaptogenic herb","latin_name":"Codonopsis pilosula<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"Dang shen","family_name":"Campanulaceae","herb_summary":"Codonopsis has an incredible variety of medicinal applications with health benefits for almost every physiological system in the body \u2014 digestive, endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems.","key_benefits":"","how_does_it_feel":"Codonopsis has a sweet, nutty nutritive flavour. In China, it is used as a food as well as a medicine. After the sweet taste lingers on the tongue the subtle bitter notes come through.<\/span>","hdif_image_1":47681,"hdif_image_2":57777,"hdif_image_3":57776,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/y-U3Dhgkit0","sense":[18,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_47681\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Codonopsis Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nCodonopsis has long been thought of as a deeply nutritive medicine and food in China. It is a herb that raises vital energy or qi<\/i>\u2019. This means that it deeply nourishes and supports systemic health. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is used as an anti-ageing medicine that can increase longevity and vitality. It is sometimes referred to as a gentler option to ginseng<\/a> (Panax ginseng<\/i>).\r\n\r\nCodonopsis is known as a blood tonic in TCM as it nourishes and regenerates the blood, making it excellent for people of all ages. It is also a fantastic herb for those who are in the convalescent stages of illness.\r\n\r\nCodonopsis has powerful immunological effects which are best applied for those who are chronically run down, or suffering from fatigue, rather than for use during acute viral illness (for which it is not recommended). It is packed with energy-rich polysaccharides, which are known to have many benefits in the immune system and also in cellular regeneration (1,2).\r\n\r\nCodonopsis is an adaptogen, a herb that increase the body\u2019s resilience to stress. Adaptogens protect the body from the negative effects of excess stress hormones and provide support during times of stress.\r\n\r\nCodonopsis regulates the hormonal systems associated with the stress response. It also supports digestive health as a prebiotic, as it effectively nourishes the gastrointestinal biota. Codonopsis may be used in the short term for fatigue and burn out symptoms following periods of heightened stress and tension (3,4,5).","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_57774\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"593\"]\"Codonopsis Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nCodonopsis is one of the most renowned and widely used traditional Chinese tonic medicines. From a TCM perspective, codonopsis tonifies the Spleen and Lung channels. With this combined action the vital force or qi is replenished.\r\n\r\nEnergetically, codonopsis is sweet, cooling and damp. It is also a deeply nourishing blood tonic, helping to stimulate blood flow and treat Blood deficiency. It is understood to increase secretions or moisten and soothe dry and inflamed tissues. This is particularly true to its effects in the lungs and throughout the digestive system (6).\r\n\r\nTCM has its own unique philosophy and understanding of bodily systems and herbal qualities that has been built up over thousands of years of observation, much of which is now being explored through scientific methods (3,6).\r\n\r\nCodonopsis is sweet, neutral, and enters the Spleen and Lung meridians. It is used in cases of qi<\/i> deficiency where the vital energy is low on a systemic level. Symptoms of qi<\/i> deficiency include fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness, low energy and low motivation. In qi<\/i> deficiency the pulse may be weak and the tongue pale or swollen. The skin is often pale and there is a deep coldness in the body. Qi<\/i> deficiency is seen especially in chronic illness.\r\n\r\nA large dose of codonopsis is often used as an effective substitute for Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng<\/i>) for qi<\/i> deficiency. Ginseng has a number of sustainability issues as well as being an expensive choice, therefore codonopsis is a more desirable alternative.","tradtional_uses":"Codonopsis has an extensive history of medicinal use in China, dating back to the Qing dynasty. It has long been used to strengthen the spleen and tonify the lung meridians, as well as nourish the blood and increase secretions in cases of\u00a0 dry, inflamed tissues (1).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_47686\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Codonopsis Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Endocrine system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nCodonopsis is a primary adaptogen. It is a diverse medicine with many different applications, as it helps to regulate endocrine, nervous system, immune, digestive, and cardiovascular function (4). Adaptogens are defined as medicines that enhance the \u2018state of nonspecific resistance\u2019 in stress. This effect is due to their effect on a number of neuroendocrine\u2013immune processes.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe stress protective activity of adaptogens is associated with regulation of homeostasis via several mechanisms linked with the hypothalamic\u2013pituitary\u2013adrenal axis as well as the regulation of key mediators of the stress response (7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe high levels of polysaccharides in codonopsis play an important role in codonopsis\u2019 effects on the endocrine and immune systems (4).<\/span>\r\n

Nervous system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nCodonopsis has been shown to enhance neuronal regeneration in neurodegenerative diseases. A herbalist may also use it as part of an approach for nerve damage and other nervous system disorders (8).<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nCodonopsis has been found to effectively support gut health. These effects have been linked to three inulin-type fructans found in codonopsis. These have been shown to stimulate the growth of <\/span>Bifidobacterium longum<\/span><\/i>, a probiotic bacteria. The fructans are also believed to be responsible for codonopsis\u2019 antiulcerogenic activity, through the modulation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (8).<\/span>\r\n

Metabolism<\/span><\/h3>\r\nCodonopsis has a high number of antioxidant compounds, which can mitigate damage from oxidative stress. This makes it an excellent medicine for general cellular health. Antioxidants also aid in the protection and strengthening of the immune system.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs well as supporting systemic health, codonopsis also improves lipid metabolism and reduces blood sugar levels. Codonopsis\u2019 hypoglycemic action is believed to be a result of its polysaccharides and likely the synergistic effect of its other active compounds (4).<\/span>\r\n

Immune system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nCodonopsis has a number of different effects on the immune system as a result of its polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are well understood to exert immune moderating actions.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nCodonopsis may be used in combination with other immune moderating herbs and cancer specific interventions as an adjuvant and also as an antimetastatic. Research has confirmed that codonopsis helps to restore immunity postoperatively in patients after chemotherapy (9).<\/span>\r\n

Respiratory system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThere is also some support for codonopsis being beneficial for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (4). Herbalists may use codonopsis to improve the condition of the lung tissues, particularly in cases of dryness and inflammation.<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_47685\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Codonopsis Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nA number of studies have been carried out to investigate the medicinal effects of codonopsis and its medicinal compounds. A review of studies which evaluated a number of studies, scientific journals and reports confirmed that codonopsis exhibits extensive pharmacological activity, including immune modulation, hematopoiesis improvement, cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, gastrointestinal function regulation, endocrine function regulation, cytotoxic, antibacterial, anti-aging and antioxidation effects (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nFurther to this impressive review a number of in vitro studies have been included below to help gain more understanding of the mechanism of action for codonopsis\u2019 pharmacological effects.<\/span>\r\n

Respiratory system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to assess the efficacy and safety of codonopsis for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nA total of 48 randomised controlled trials were included, to evaluate lung function, forced expiratory volume and quality of life. This was compared with conventional pharmacotherapy and with placebo. The codonopsis group was observed to have experienced significant improvements in all clinical signs and symptoms. Codonopsis also increased the distance walked in six\u2009minutes and reduced both frequency and occurrence of COPD exacerbations (11).<\/span>\r\n

Immune system<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0A study evaluated the proliferative and migratory effects of codonopsis on Schwann cells (a type of cell surrounding the neurons). Various molecular signalling pathways were examined including\u00a0 survival signaling, IGFs-IGFIR-Akt-Bcl2 and proliferative signaling, cell cycle factors and MAPK pathways; and migrate and anti-scar signaling, FGF-2-uPA-MMPs. Different doses of codonopsis were used (20 \u03bcg\/ml, 40 \u03bcg\/ml, 60 \u03bcg\/ml, 80 \u03bcg\/ml, and 100 \u03bcg\/ml) and a dose-dependant effect was observed on proliferation. It was also found to stimulate protein expressions of IGF-I pathway regulators, cell cycle controlling proteins and excites the MAPK signaling pathway regulators ERK and P38. These results show that codonopsis, when combined with biomedical treatment, is effective in enhancing neuronal regeneration (12).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nA study was carried out to investigate the actions of codonopsis on treating the condition of Spleen deficiency in TCM. The study used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomics, and found that the polysaccharides in codonopsis improved organ indexes, D-xylose absorption, gastrointestinal hormone levels, and goblet cell counts. Codonopsis was also found to enrich the beneficial <\/span>Lactobacillus<\/span><\/i> bacteria whilst reducing the harmful bacteria <\/span>Enterococcus<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Shigella<\/span><\/i> in the gut. It was also found to regulate metabolic pathways by altering chemicals, including amino acids and fatty acids (13).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nAn in vitro study was carried out to investigate the effects of three inulin-type fructans isolated from the roots of codonopsis. The prebiotic activity of these compounds was evaluated by detecting growth stimulation on <\/span>Bifidobacterium longum<\/span><\/i>. <\/span>B. longum<\/span><\/i> is a healthy bacteria found in the gut which has been shown to reduce the symptoms of colitis and relieve chronic inflammation. This study clearly demonstrated that the three fructans at a concentration of 2.0 g\/L exhibited significant growth stimulation on <\/span>Bifidobacterium longum<\/span><\/i> in a time-dependent manner. The data indicated that inulin-type fructans in Codonopsis have positive potential as probiotic agents (13).<\/span>","did_you_know":"","additional_information_right":{"illustration":214380},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Codonopsis produces twining stems up to 2 m (6.6 ft) long. Branches are lateral with alternately arranged leaves and small branchlets with oppositely arranged leaves. The ovate leaves are covered with short hairs and grow up to 7.3 cm (3 in) long. They produce singular flowers at the branch tips. The bell-shaped flower is about 2 cm long and wide and is yellow-green with purple spots inside. The fruit capsule can be up to 2.4 cm long (1).<\/span>","common_names":"