A narrative review of Panax notoginseng: Unique saponins and their pharmacological activities

Panax notoginseng (PN) is a precious traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) whose medicinal parts are roots and rhizomes for the treatment of haemorrhage, blood-stasis, swelling and pain. It contains various compounds with saponins being the main active components for its therapeutic effects. A thorough analysis of the unique saponins present in aboveground and underground parts was performed by literature search and database screening. Compared with PN, other Panax genus like P. ginseng (PG), P. quinquefolium (PQ) and P. japonicus (PJ) have the similar chemical composition and pharmacologic effects but different applications based on the TCM theory. PG is renowned for its qi-tonifying properties, while PQ is known for its heat-clearing and fluid-nourishing effects. PJ can eliminate phlegm and relieve cough except for its stasis-dispelling and hemostatic properties like PN. PN, PG, and PQ feature damarane-type saponins, while PJ has a high content of oleic acid-type saponins. In this review, the saponins within the four species were classified and compared, and the unique saponins in PN were identified, such as notoginsenosides Ft1, B, Ab1-3, Fh1-9, etc., which may contribute to its special activities. And their pharmacological effects were also analyzed and summarized, suggesting that notoginsenoside Ft1 may be crucial for vascular homeostasis. However, the effect of unique saponins in PN on blood health should be well-clarified. This review highlights the importance of unique saponins in PN for its overall efficacy and hopes to make further exploration of their potential applications.