Description:
Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) by Integrity Health Naturals is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine prepared from the dried root of Codonopsis pilosula, commonly known as Dang Shen, Codonopsis Root, Codonopsis Radix, or Poor Man’s Ginseng. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dang Shen is traditionally valued for its Qi-tonifying, strengthening, and nourishing properties, particularly its traditional affinity for the Spleen and Lung. It is traditionally used to tonify Qi, strengthen the Spleen and Lung, nourish Blood, and support the generation of body fluids. Modern research has investigated the phytochemistry and potential immunomodulatory, antioxidant, gastrointestinal, metabolic, neuroprotective, and other biological activities of Codonopsis species and their polysaccharides.
Dang Shen is traditionally used to tonify Qi and strengthen the Spleen, particularly for symptoms associated with Spleen Qi deficiency such as poor appetite, loose stools, weakness, fatigue, and reduced digestive function.
Dang Shen is also traditionally used to tonify Lung Qi and support respiratory function. In TCM, it may be selected for weakness, shortness of breath, tiredness, and other symptoms associated with Lung Qi deficiency. It is also traditionally used to nourish Blood and generate body fluids, particularly in traditional deficiency patterns.
Benefits:
- Traditional Chinese herbal medicine prepared from Dang Shen (Codonopsis Root)
- Traditionally used to tonify Qi
- Traditionally used to strengthen the Spleen
- Traditionally used to tonify Lung Qi
- Traditionally used to support healthy digestive function
- Traditionally used for poor appetite associated with Spleen Qi deficiency
- Traditionally used for loose stools associated with Spleen deficiency
- Traditionally used to support energy and strength associated with Qi deficiency
- Traditionally used to support healthy respiratory function
- Traditionally used for weakness and shortness of breath associated with traditional Lung Qi deficiency patterns
- Traditionally used to nourish Blood
- Traditionally used to generate body fluids
- Traditionally used to support healthy fluid balance
- Traditionally used to strengthen the body according to traditional TCM deficiency patterns
- Traditionally used as a gentler Qi-tonifying herb in traditional herbal formulas
Other Names:
Dang Shen, Dang Shen (党参), Dang Shen Gen (党参根), Codonopsis pilosula, Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., Codonopsis Root, Codonopsis Radix, Radix Codonopsis, Codonopsis Root Radix, Poor Man’s Ginseng, and Chinese Codonopsis.
Indian names: डांग शेन (Dang Shen), कोडोनोप्सिस पिलोसुला (Codonopsis pilosula), कोडोनोप्सिस रूट (Codonopsis Root).
Persian name: ریشه کدنپسیس (Codonopsis Root), دانگ شن (Dang Shen), ریشه دانگ شن، کدنپسیس چینی.
Traditional Uses:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dang Shen is traditionally used to tonify Qi, strengthen the Spleen and Lung, nourish Blood, and generate body fluids. It is traditionally selected according to an individual’s TCM pattern and constitution. Traditional applications particularly focus on fatigue, weakness, poor appetite, loose stools, reduced digestive function, shortness of breath, and other symptoms associated with Spleen or Lung Qi deficiency. Codonopsis Radix is recognized in TCM literature as a classic Qi-tonifying herb.
Side Effects:
Dang Shen is generally well tolerated when used appropriately as a traditional herbal preparation. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, nausea, or changes in bowel habits.
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if unwanted symptoms occur.
Precautions:
Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are taking prescription medications or other natural health products, or if you have a medical condition.
Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you have a serious or major medical condition.
Individuals taking medications that affect blood sugar, blood pressure, immune function, or blood clotting should consult a healthcare practitioner before using concentrated Dang Shen preparations.
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen or if new symptoms develop.
Interactions:
Consult a healthcare practitioner before using Dang Shen with prescription medications or other natural health products, as potential interactions may occur. Laboratory and pharmacological research suggests that Codonopsis constituents can have biological effects, but clinical interaction data for whole-herb Dang Shen preparations remain limited.
Dosing:
Use according to the product label or as directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. Traditional Chinese Medicine references commonly describe Dang Shen in the approximate range of 9–30 g when used as a decoction, although the appropriate amount depends on the preparation, formula, individual constitution, and clinical circumstances.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children.
Preparation:
If using dried Dang Shen root, prepare according to the directions provided by your Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner or product instructions. Traditionally, the dried root may be prepared as a decoction or used as part of a TCM herbal formula. It may also be sliced, powdered, or prepared in other traditional forms.
Scientific Support:
Codonopsis pilosula has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is also regarded as a medicinal and edible plant. Research has identified numerous constituents in Codonopsis, including polysaccharides, polyacetylenes, polyenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, steroids, coumarins, organic acids, and other compounds.
Modern research has investigated Codonopsis and its polysaccharides for potential immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, metabolic, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, and other biological activities. Recent reviews specifically describe polysaccharides as important bioactive constituents of Codonopsis pilosula.
Current evidence includes laboratory, animal, pharmacological, and review research, while human clinical evidence remains limited for many specific health applications. These findings do not establish Dang Shen as a treatment or cure for any specific disease.
References & Scientific Support:
Health Canada – Licensed Natural Health Product Database (LNHPD). Health Canada provides regulatory information for natural health products and Traditional Chinese Medicine ingredients. Health Canada records include Codonopsis pilosula as a medicinal ingredient in licensed products. Product-specific licensing information should be verified according to the exact formulation, dosage form, and medicinal ingredients. View Health Canada reference.
PubMed – Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Codonopsis: A review. This review examines the traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and toxicology of Codonopsis species, including their traditional use for strengthening the Spleen and tonifying the Lung. View research.
PubMed – Codonopsis Radix: A comprehensive review for its ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and potential clinical applications. This recent review focuses specifically on Codonopsis Radix (Dang Shen), including its traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological research, pharmacokinetics, and safety. View research.
