Notoginsenoside R1 (Panax notoginseng Unique PPT Saponin · Haemostasis · Cardioprotective)

Compound	Notoginsenoside R1
Chemical class	Terpenoid — Triterpene Saponin (Dammarane PPT-type; unique to Panax notoginseng)
CAS	80418-24-2
Primary source	Panax notoginseng (sanqi / tienchi ginseng, dried root)
Key applications	Haemostasis; cardioprotective; anti-thrombotic; neuroprotective; anti-ageing
Claim strength	Moderate
Typical form	P. notoginseng extract standardised to notoginsenosides; co-delivered with Rg1, Rb1, Re in sanqi preparations
Buy from Herbuno	Request availability and bulk pricing →

Name origin: From Panax notoginseng (the botanical source) + “ginsenoside” + “R1” (chromatographic designation, distinguishing it from the Rg1 and Rb1 ginsenosides shared with P. ginseng). Notoginsenoside R1 (NR1) is a PPT-type dammarane triterpene saponin unique to Panax notoginseng — it does not occur in Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) or P. quinquefolius (American ginseng). This chemical exclusivity makes NR1 the definitive chemical marker for P. notoginseng — its presence distinguishes tienchi preparations from Asian and American ginseng extracts. Structurally, NR1 has a xylose sugar unit at C-6 (replacing glucose) — the xylose substitution distinguishes it from Rg1 and imparts different receptor interaction and pharmacokinetic properties. Traditional TCM significance: Panax notoginseng (San Qi, Tian Qi, tienchi ginseng) is the most important botanical in Chinese trauma and haemostasis medicine — used for over 1,000 years to stop bleeding, reduce bruising, and promote tissue healing after injury. The famous Yunnan Baiyao preparation (the most widely used Chinese traditional medicine globally, with annual sales exceeding USD 1 billion) is primarily based on P. notoginseng. NR1 is a key active alongside Rg1 and Rb1 in tienchi preparations. Commercial source: Panax notoginseng extract from Herbuno is currently awaited — contact for availability.

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Evidence for Notoginsenoside R1 Applications

Haemostasis and anti-bruising: NR1 simultaneously promotes haemostasis (stopping active bleeding, by activating platelet aggregation via thromboxane A2) and reduces thrombosis (by inhibiting fibrin clot consolidation via prostacyclin pathway). This bidirectional haemostatic modulation — promoting physiological clot formation while preventing pathological thrombosis — is the key pharmacological property explaining tienchi’s traditional use for trauma. Yunnan Baiyao clinical evidence (topical and oral) supports haemostasis acceleration in traumatic bleeding, epistaxis, and post-surgical bleeding. Claim strength: Moderate (traditional; clinical via Yunnan Baiyao; NR1-specific preclinical).

Cardioprotective and anti-ischaemic: NR1 protects cardiomyocytes from hypoxia-reoxygenation injury via PI3K/Akt/SIRT1 signalling, reduces infarct size in coronary ligation models, and is anti-fibrotic in cardiac remodelling. Multiple Chinese cardiovascular RCTs with tienchi extract show benefit in coronary artery disease and heart failure. Claim strength: Moderate.

Anti-ageing — SIRT1 activation: NR1 activates SIRT1 (sirtuin-1, the NAD+-dependent deacetylase associated with caloric restriction mimicry and longevity signalling). This NR1-SIRT1 connection places notoginsenoside R1 in the mechanistic neighbourhood of resveratrol and astragaloside IV for anti-ageing research interest. Claim strength: Emerging.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Notoginsenoside R1

What is Yunnan Baiyao and what does notoginsenoside R1 contribute?
Yunnan Baiyao (云南白茷, “Yunnan white medicine”) is a Chinese traditional medicine patent preparation produced by Yunnan Baiyao Group since 1902 — the world’s highest-grossing single traditional Chinese medicine product. It contains Panax notoginseng as the primary ingredient alongside other herbs. Its primary clinical use is topical and oral haemostasis — used by the Chinese military, hospitals, and in veterinary medicine for bleeding control. A 2013 US study found Yunnan Baiyao shortened bleeding time in healthy dogs by approximately 50% and has been adopted by some US veterinary practices. A secret “baoli” (protective pill) is included in each Yunnan Baiyao package for emergency use — its composition has not been formally disclosed. NR1 contributes to the haemostatic, anti-bruising, and cardioprotective pharmacology of Yunnan Baiyao.

How does Panax notoginseng differ pharmacologically from Panax ginseng?
Both contain Rg1 and Rb1 ginsenosides (different ratios) but P. notoginseng additionally contains notoginsenoside R1 as a unique marker. The primary clinical emphasis differs: P. ginseng is primarily adaptogenic (anti-stress, anti-fatigue, cognitive support); P. notoginseng is primarily haemostatic and cardiovascular (anti-thrombotic, anti-ischaemic, haemostasis promoter). The bidirectional haemostatic activity of tienchi (promoting physiological clotting while preventing pathological thrombosis) has no equivalent in P. ginseng. The two should not be interchanged in formulation contexts targeting different applications.

Can tienchi/notoginsenoside R1 interact with blood-thinning medications?
The bidirectional haemostatic properties of tienchi create complex drug interaction potential: the haemostasis-promoting effect could partially offset warfarin’s anticoagulant effect (reducing INR); alternatively, its anti-thrombotic component could potentiate anticoagulant risk in some contexts. Case reports of both increased and decreased INR with tienchi-warfarin combinations exist — the interaction direction may depend on the dose and individual pharmacogenetic factors. Standard advisory: avoid tienchi preparations with warfarin without INR monitoring and prescriber guidance.

Is Panax notoginseng related to Tienchi ginseng and sanqi?
Yes — all three names refer to the same plant: Panax notoginseng. San Qi (三七, three-seven, referring to the three stems and seven leaves of the plant), Tian Qi (天七, heaven’s seven), tienchi ginseng, and notoginseng are all names for this single species. It is less well-known in Western markets than Asian ginseng (P. ginseng) but is arguably more important in contemporary Chinese clinical medicine for its cardiovascular and haemostatic applications.

Related compounds: Ginsenoside Rg1, Ginsenoside Rb1, Astragaloside IV, Escin

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Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.

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