Codonopsis pilosula (Dang Shen) is a gentle yet powerful adaptogenic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, renowned for strengthening qi, supporting immune function, and enhancing vitality through its rich polysaccharides and saponins.
Alternative Names: Codonopsis pilosula, Dang Shen, Poor Man’s Ginseng, Bellflower Root, Bonnet Bellflower, Party Root, Radix Codonopsis, Codonopsis Root, Bastard Ginseng, False Ginseng, Codonopsis tangshen, Himalayan Ginseng
Categories: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Adaptogenic Herb, Immune Modulator, Qi Tonic
Primary Longevity Benefits
- Immune system strengthening and modulation
- Energy and vitality enhancement
- Stress adaptation and resilience
- Digestive health and nutrient absorption
- Respiratory system support
- Anti-fatigue and endurance improvement
Secondary Benefits
- Blood sugar regulation support
- Cardiovascular health protection
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Antioxidant protection
- Cognitive function support
- Mood stabilization
- Sleep quality improvement
- Appetite stimulation
- Recovery and healing enhancement
- Longevity and anti-aging effects
Mechanism of Action
Primary Mechanisms
| Mechanism | Description | Pathway | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immune System Modulation and Enhancement | Codonopsis polysaccharides modulate immune cell activity, enhancing both innate and adaptive immunity | Polysaccharide recognition → immune cell activation → cytokine production → enhanced immune response | Increased immune cell activity, Enhanced pathogen resistance, Balanced immune response |
| HPA Axis Regulation and Stress Adaptation | Saponins and polysaccharides help regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis for stress resilience | HPA axis modulation → cortisol regulation → improved stress response → enhanced adaptation | Reduced stress impact, Improved energy levels, Enhanced resilience |
| Digestive Function Enhancement and Qi Strengthening | Traditional qi-tonifying effects through improved digestive function and nutrient absorption | Digestive enhancement → improved nutrient absorption → increased energy production → qi strengthening | Better digestion, Increased energy, Enhanced vitality |
| Antioxidant Protection and Cellular Health | Multiple antioxidant compounds protect cells from oxidative stress and support longevity | Free radical scavenging → reduced oxidative damage → cellular protection → anti-aging effects | Cellular protection, Reduced aging, Enhanced longevity |
Bioactive Compounds
| Compound | Concentration | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Codonopsis Polysaccharides (CPS) | 8-15% in dried root | Primary immunomodulatory and adaptogenic compounds |
| Codonopsis Saponins | 2-6% in dried root | Adaptogenic and qi-tonifying effects |
| Phenolic Compounds | 3-8% in dried root | Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects |
Optimal Dosage
Disclaimer: The following dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking medications.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Dosages
Dried Root
- 9-30 grams per day
- 15-20 grams per day
- Decoction (simmered for 30-45 minutes)
- Divided into 2-3 doses daily
Concentrated Extract
- 2-6 grams per day
- 3-4 grams per day
- 5:1 or 10:1 concentration ratio
Modern Standardized Dosages
Polysaccharide Standardized
- 500-2000 mg per day
- 1000-1500 mg per day
- Minimum 30% polysaccharides
Capsule Form
- 1000-3000 mg per day
- 1500-2000 mg per day
Dosage By Condition
Immune Support
- 15-20 grams dried herb or 1000-1500 mg extract
- 2-12 weeks
Fatigue And Energy
- 20-30 grams dried herb or 1500-2000 mg extract
- 4-12 weeks
Digestive Support
- 9-15 grams dried herb or 500-1000 mg extract
- 2-8 weeks
Bioavailability
Overview
Codonopsis compounds have good bioavailability, particularly polysaccharides which are well-absorbed through the intestinal tract.
Absorption Characteristics
Polysaccharide Bioavailability: 60-80% oral bioavailability
Saponin Bioavailability: 30-50% oral bioavailability
Peak Plasma Time: 2-4 hours after oral administration
Factors Affecting Bioavailability
| Factor | Impact | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation Method | Traditional decoctions have excellent bioavailability | Long simmering releases polysaccharides effectively |
| Food Intake | Food enhances absorption | Taking with meals improves compound absorption |
Safety Profile
Overall Safety
Codonopsis is considered very safe with an excellent safety profile, often described as one of the gentlest tonics in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (traditional caution, though generally considered safe)
- Acute infections with high fever
- Severe hypertension (monitor blood pressure)
Potential Side Effects
- [“Mild digestive upset (rare)”,”Slight increase in appetite”]
- [“Mild headache”,”Slight blood pressure changes”]
Special Populations
- {“safety”:”GENERALLY SAFE”,”traditional_view”:”Used traditionally but with caution”,”recommendation”:”Consult healthcare provider”}
- {“safety”:”VERY SAFE”,”considerations”:”Particularly beneficial for elderly populations”,”recommendations”:[“Excellent for age-related fatigue”,”Supports immune function”]}
- {“safety”:”GENERALLY SAFE”,”considerations”:”Traditional use in children for digestive and immune support”}
Regulatory Status
Overview
Codonopsis is widely accepted as a safe traditional herbal medicine and dietary supplement globally.
United States
Fda Status: Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
Classification: Dietary supplement
International Standards
Pharmacopoeia Status
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia
- Korean Pharmacopoeia
Synergistic Compounds
Traditional Combinations
| Herb | Synergy | Traditional Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus (Huang Qi) | Enhanced immune function and qi tonification | Codonopsis 15g : Astragalus 15g |
| Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) | Superior digestive support and spleen strengthening | Codonopsis 15g : Atractylodes 9g |
Modern Synergies
| Compound | Synergy | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Enhanced immune support | Codonopsis 1500mg + Vitamin C 500mg |
Antagonistic Compounds
Overview
Codonopsis has very few antagonistic interactions due to its gentle nature.
Lifestyle Antagonists
| Factor | Mechanism | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Stress | May overwhelm adaptogenic capacity | Address stress management alongside supplementation |
| Poor Diet | May limit digestive benefits | Maintain healthy diet for optimal benefits |
Cost Efficiency
Overview
Codonopsis offers excellent cost efficiency as a gentle, safe adaptogen and immune supporter.
Current Market Pricing
Raw Dried Root
- $0.30-0.80 (15g daily dose)
- $9-24
Standardized Extract
- $0.80-2.00 (1500mg daily dose)
- $24-60
Value Proposition
Primary Benefits
- Gentle, safe adaptogen
- Excellent for all ages
- Multiple health benefits
Cost Advantages
- Very affordable
- Excellent safety profile
- Traditional validation
Stability Information
Overview
Codonopsis compounds are generally stable when properly stored.
Active Compound Stability
Polysaccharides
- 3-4 years
Storage Recommendations
Optimal Conditions: Cool, dry place, Protected from light, Airtight containers
Shelf Life: 3-4 years under proper conditions
Sourcing
Botanical Sources
| Species | Quality | Distribution | Harvest Part |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codonopsis pilosula | Primary medicinal species | Northern China, Korea, Mongolia | Roots |
Geographic Sources
| Primary Regions | Quality Factors | Harvest Season |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Autumn after 2-3 years growth |
Quality Indicators
- Pale yellow color
- Sweet taste
- Thick, fleshy roots
- Polysaccharide content (minimum 8%)
- Saponin content
Scientific Evidence
Overview
Codonopsis has substantial scientific evidence supporting its immune-modulating, adaptogenic, and health-promoting effects.
Immune Modulation Evidence
Evidence Level: Strong
Key Studies:
| Study Type | Findings | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical trials | Enhanced immune function and reduced infection rates | High quality randomized controlled trials |
| Animal studies | Improved immune cell activity and cytokine production | Well-designed studies with consistent results |
Adaptogenic Evidence
Evidence Level: Strong
Key Studies:
| Study Type | Findings | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Stress response studies | Improved stress tolerance and reduced fatigue | Multiple well-controlled studies |
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.