The difference between raw Panax notoginseng and cooked Panax notoginseng: primary and secondary content structure

Although raw Panax notoginseng and cooked Panax notoginseng both belong to the rhizome of Araliaceae plant Panax notoginseng, due to different processing methods, there are significant differences in their nature, flavor, efficacy and applicable groups. Raw Panax notoginseng refers to dry rhizomes that have not been treated with high temperature and are slightly cool in nature.Promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis, stops bleeding and relieves painIt is mainly used for traumatic bleeding and bruises. When cooked Panax notoginseng is steamed or fried, its medicinal properties are turned to warm.Replenish blood, replenish qi, strengthen bodyKnown for its strengths, it is suitable for people with physical weakness and anemia. There are also differences in ingredients between the two: raw Panax notoginseng contains more saponin active ingredients (such as Panax notoginseng saponin R1, ginsenoside Rb1), while cooked Panax notoginseng contains some saponins converted into secondary products due to heating, and the tonic effect is more prominent. The following will provide a detailed analysis of the processing technology, efficacy differences, applicable scenarios and product types.

Differences in processing technology and taste

Raw Panax notoginseng has only undergone basic processing such as cleaning and drying, retaining its natural medicinal properties, with a sweet and slightly bitter taste and a cooler nature; cooked Panax notoginseng is steamed, boiled or fried (traditional methods) to gelatinize the starch, warm up the medicinal properties, and taste sweet. Modern research shows that heating will cause the degradation of some saponins (such as protopanaxatriol type) in raw Panax notoginseng and generate secondary saponins (such as ginsenosides Rh1 and Rk3), thereby enhancing the blood-tonifying effect. For example, Yunnan Baiyao Group produces“raw panax notoginseng powder”Powdered directly into medicine, and“Cooked Panax notoginseng powder”It needs to be steamed and processed, and the difference in process between the two directly leads to the difference in efficacy.

Comparison of core functions and applicable groups

Born with panax notoginseng"Stops bleeding without leaving blood stasis"Its characteristics make it a commonly used drug in surgery, suitable for acute bleeding (such as hemoptysis, epistaxis) or blood stasis, swelling and pain. The Ming Dynasty's "Compendium of Materia Medica" records that it "stops bleeding, disperses blood and relieves pain"; cooked Panax notoginseng is similar to a tonic, improving anemia, postpartum weakness and other chronic diseases by promoting hematopoietic function. The "Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine" states that it "enriches blood and treats deficiency and strain." In clinical practice, raw Panax notoginseng is mostly used for auxiliary treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (such as thrombosis prevention), while cooked Panax notoginseng is used for postoperative recovery or those with low immunity. Note: Pregnant women, menstruating women and those with yin deficiency and excessive fire should use Shengsanqi with caution.

Product types and market applications

The raw Panax notoginseng products on the market are mainly powder and slices, such as"Wenshan Panax notoginseng" raw Panax notoginseng slices; Cooked Panax notoginseng is commonly found in capsules, oral liquids and other deeply processed products, such as"Zhongke cooked Panax notoginseng capsule". Some companies have launched "double-effect" combinations, such as Kunyao Group's"Xue Sai Tong Soft Capsule"(Contains Panax notoginseng extract) and"Qixuekang Oral Liquid"(Contains cooked Panax notoginseng). Consumers need to choose according to their needs: raw Panax notoginseng for emergency trauma, and cooked Panax notoginseng for long-term care. The following table lists some representative products:

Summary and scientific selection suggestions

The essence of the difference between raw Panax notoginseng and cooked Panax notoginseng is that "the attack and supplement are different". The former focuses on syndrome (blood stasis, bleeding), while the latter focuses on deficiency syndrome (blood deficiency, Qi deficiency). Modern research has confirmed (quoted from the 2020 edition of the "Chinese Pharmacopoeia") that the total saponin content of raw Panax notoginseng is about 8%-12%, and that of cooked Panax notoginseng is about 20%-30% due to heating, but the blood-tonifying ingredients increase. It is recommended to use it under the guidance of a doctor. For example, raw Panax notoginseng powder should be used for external application in the early stage of trauma, and patients with anemia should take cooked Panax notoginseng preparations. Note: Liver function needs to be monitored when both are taken long-term. There is a mixed bag of products on the market, so you should be carefulWenshan Panax notoginseng geographical indicationand GMP certified enterprises.

Citing sources
1. "Compendium of Materia Medica" Li Shizhen (Ming Dynasty)
2. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition·National Pharmacopoeia Commission
3. Product descriptions on the official websites of Yunnan Baiyao Group and Kunyao Group
4. "Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine"·Shanghai Science and Technology Press