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Tienchi Ginseng (Panax pseudoginseng, var. notoginseng, var. japonicus)
Functions in liver disease: Antiviral, hepatoprotective, strong stimulant and tonic for the immune system. Directly active against hepatitis viruses. About Tienchi Ginseng In the literature, two species are considered to be Panax pseudoginseng: 1) Panax notoginseng or P. pseudoginseng var. notoginseng ("san qi") and 2) P. japonicus or P. pseudoginseng var. japonicus (and even more confusing, two subspecies: P. japonicus var. major or var. bipinnatifidus), which is also called "zhu-jie-shen." The species have been found to have nearly identical actions in scientific studies, although their traditional uses vary. Some practitioners consider them both to be "tienchi" ginseng, whereas others assert that only P. notoginseng should be called "tienchi." Research for both is included here under the name "tienchi." Tienchi ginseng is considered specific for the liver and stomach in Chinese medicine. Extensive research has been conducted on tienchi, and some strong responses have been reported in the treatment of hepatitis and immune functioning. One clinical trial used an 80 percent alcohol extract administered intravenously (1.2 g per person per day) to 40 patients with hepatitis who had had elevated alanine aminotransferase levels for 6 months and had not responded to other treatments. Daily dosing was given for up to 6 months depending on the patient; 31 of 40 patients eventually had normal liver function test results and no signs of hepatitis. Several other clinical studies used multicomponent herbal mixtures as hot decoctions (10.4 g per day) and found that triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL levels decreased dramatically, whereas HDL levels rose. (The mix was composed of Polygonum multiflorum, Polygonum cuspidatum, Alisma planago-aquatica, Rheum tanguticum, and Panax pseudoginseng). External application in clinical studies has shown a significant antipruritic action (anti-itching) and hair-stimulant effect. Of interest, one of the primary actions of strongly protective and regenerative liver herbs seems to be hair-growth or hair-stimulant action; one of the side effects of severe liver disease can be hair loss. In vitro studies of Tienchi ginseng in China and Japan have shown that tienchi has direct antiviral activity against HBV Tienchi has also been found in vitro to inhibit the Epstein-Barr virus. In vivo studies have reported antihepatotoxic activity against liver damage induced by CC14, galactosamine, and lipopolysaccharide; choleretic action; inhibition of lipid peroxide formation; and stimulation of superoxide dismutase. Tienchi inhibits glutamate pyruvate aminotransferase; stimulates protein synthesis (incorporation of (3H)thymidine into liver DNA and (3H)-leucine into both the liver and serum proteins was significantly improved in CC14-treated animals); has strong antihypercholesterolemic and antihypertriglyceridemic action; alleviates brain edemas; is strongly antiinflammatory; and is strongly cytotoxic and antitumor. Some of its strongest activity has been shown in vivo with regard to its effects on the heart and blood. It is strongly cardiotonic (preventing induced arrhythmias and myocardial damage) and enhances blood flow to and from the heart and brain. It has also been shown to be adaptogenic and an immunostimulant, with a pronounced radical scavenging effect; to inhibit platelet aggregation; and to stimulate gamma-interferon production. It was also found to consistently inhibit ulcers and to provide strong analgesic action. Preparation and Dosage As capsules, tincture, or tea. Capsules: 1-15 "00" capsules per day. Tincture: 1:5 in 70 percent alcohol, 25-75 drops per day (1-3 mL). In Chinese medicine, 1-2 g powder is used; for infusion or decoction (tea), 5-10 g is used. Contraindications and Side Effects None. Excerpted from Hepatitis C and the Liver by Stephen Harrod Buhner Copyright © 2000 Used with permission from Storey Publishing, LLC (www.story.com)
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