Home Ingredients Codonopsis pilosula (Dang Shen / Poor Man's Ginseng)
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Codonopsis pilosula (Dang Shen / Poor Man's Ginseng)

Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. — Codonaceae (formerly Campanulaceae)
Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
7 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Traditional Chinese 'Dang Shen' or 'poor man's ginseng' — Codonaceae family (formerly Campanulaceae). Used over 2,000 years in TCM as a gentler tonic alternative to Panax ginseng. TCM indications: tonifying spleen and lung qi, dyspnea, cough, asthma, bronchitis, poor immune function, stress, fatigue, adrenal fatigue, and chemotherapy/radiation side effects. An ingredient in classical 'Change of Season Soup.' Active compounds: tangshenosides, syringin (eleutheroside B), polysaccharides, codonopsine, triterpenes, and polyacetylenes.

Studied Dose Decoction 9-15 g/day root; oncology adjunct oral liquid.
Active Compound Tangshenosides (steroidal glycosides), syringin/eleutheroside B, polysaccharides, codonopsine, triterpenes, polyacetylenes.

Benefits

Chronic fatigue 8-week pilot RCT (Frontiers in Pharmacology 2021)

A pilot RCT found supplementation improved fatigue scores in adults with chronic fatigue syndrome (P<0.05). Pilot scale; foundational Western evidence for the TCM fatigue/qi-tonifying indication.

Supported by Trial 1

Oncology adjuvant chemotherapy

A double-blind RCT evaluated adjuvant chemotherapy plus Codonopsis pilosula Nannf oral liquid (an approved listed Chinese product) versus placebo for pancreatic carcinoma after radical surgery. Integrative oncology evidence in development.

Supported by Trial 2

COPD herbal formulae meta-analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis of COPD herbal formulae included Codonopsis as a constituent of multiple TCM COPD formulae — combination-context evidence rather than isolated Codonopsis efficacy.

Supported by Trial 3

Antifatigue + antihypoxia polysaccharides

Polysaccharides and oligosaccharides show antifatigue and antihypoxia activities in mice. Mechanism evidence supporting the traditional fatigue and respiratory indications.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 3

Gastric ulcer protective

Gastric ulcer protective effects in rats. Mechanistic basis for the TCM 'spleen-tonifying' digestive indications.

Supported by Trial 3

Active constituents — tangshenosides, syringin, polysaccharides

Tangshenosides are steroidal glycosides; tangshenoside I is structurally similar to ginsenosides (the classic Panax ginseng bioactives). Syringin (eleutheroside B) is a phenylpropanoid with immunomodulatory and antifatigue effects, shared with Eleutherococcus (Siberian ginseng). Polysaccharides drive much of the antifatigue and immunomodulatory activity. The compound profile structurally bridges Panax ginseng and Eleutherococcus adaptogen mechanisms.

Supported by Trial 3

Honest framing — 'poor man's ginseng' less stimulating

Distinguishing positioning: similar tonifying benefits to Panax ginseng but less stimulating and less expensive, with better extended-use tolerability for those who find Panax too stimulating. Most clinical evidence is in TCM combination formulas (Change of Season Soup, Si Jun Zi Tang, etc.) rather than isolated Codonopsis.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

HPA axis modulation (saponins)

Saponins (tangshenosides) modulate the HPA axis via glucocorticoid receptor pathways — adaptogen mechanism shared broadly with Panax and Eleutherococcus.

2

Polysaccharide + oligosaccharide antifatigue

Polysaccharides and oligosaccharides show direct antifatigue and antihypoxia activity. Mechanism for the chronic fatigue and respiratory indications.

3

Cytokine balance immunomodulation

Multi-component cytokine balance modulation — supports the TCM immune-tonic positioning.

4

Gastric mucosa cytoprotection

Gastric mucosa cytoprotective mechanism. Biochemical basis for the TCM 'spleen-tonifying' digestive indications.

5

Phenolic anti-inflammatory + antioxidant

Phenolic acid compounds provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity — broad supporting mechanism.

6

Codonopsine vasodilation (animal models)

Codonopsine alkaloid shows mild hypotensive vasodilation in animal models. Mild cardiovascular mechanism; clinical translation has not been demonstrated.

Clinical trials

1
Frontiers in — Chronic Fatigue 8-Week Pilot Clinical Trial (60 adults)

2021 Frontiers in Pharmacology pilot clinical trial.

60 adults with chronic fatigue syndrome (P<0

2021 Frontiers in Pharmacology pilot clinical trial. 8-week supplementation improved fatigue scores in 60 adults with chronic fatigue syndrome (P<0.05). Pilot scale; foundational Western evidence for the TCM fatigue indication.

2
NCT05613465 — Pancreatic Carcinoma Adjuvant Chemo Double-Blind Clinical Trial

NCT05613465 Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital double-blind clinical trial.

Clinical population described in trial publication.

NCT05613465 Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital double-blind clinical trial. Adjuvant chemotherapy plus Codonopsis pilosula Nannf oral liquid (approved listed Chinese product) vs placebo for pancreatic carcinoma post radical surgery (gemcitabine + albumin-paclitaxel first-line per NCCN). Integrative oncology evidence in development.

3
COPD Dang Shen Herbal Formulae Evidence Synthesis

Clinical evidence on Codonopsis pilosula (Dang Shen / Poor Man's Ginseng) for the indications and outcomes described.

Clinical population described in trial publication.

Singh B et al. 2015 (Phytother Res 29:167-186). COPD herbal formulae evidence review and pooled analysis. Codonopsis included as constituent of multiple TCM COPD formulae — combination-context evidence.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated; >2000 year TCM use record.
Mild GI upset (rare).
Pregnancy/lactation: TCM record but limited Western data; consult physician.
Long-term safety: extensive TCM clinical use.
Allergic reactions in Campanulaceae/Codonaceae sensitive individuals.
Less stimulating than Panax ginseng — distinguishing tolerability advantage.

Important Drug interactions

Antihypertensives: theoretical additive effect (codonopsine vasodilation per animal models).
Immunosuppressants: theoretical caution due to cytokine modulation.
Most medications: no documented interactions.
Other adaptogens: compatible (often combined in TCM formulas).
Anticoagulants: no documented interactions.

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Frequently asked questions about Codonopsis pilosula (Dang Shen / Poor Man's Ginseng)

What is Codonopsis pilosula (dang shen) used for?

Codonopsis pilosula, known as dang shen, is a Chinese tonic herb often used as a gentler, more affordable alternative to ginseng for energy, digestion, and immune support. It is a common qi tonic in Chinese medicine.

What is dang shen good for?

It is traditionally used to support energy and stamina, digestive function and appetite, and immune health, and as a building tonic during recovery. It is milder than Panax ginseng and suitable for longer use.

How much Codonopsis pilosula should I take?

It is typically used within traditional formulas or as a decoction or extract; follow product or practitioner guidance. The dried root is also simmered in soups.

Is Codonopsis pilosula safe?

It is generally considered safe and gentle, with a long traditional record. As with any tonic herb, those with medical conditions or on medication should check with a knowledgeable practitioner or doctor.

What is Codonopsis pilosula?

Traditional Chinese 'Dang Shen' or 'poor man's ginseng' — Codonaceae family (formerly Campanulaceae). Used over 2,000 years in TCM as a gentler tonic alternative to Panax ginseng.

What is Codonopsis pilosula used for?

Codonopsis pilosula is researched primarily for Energy, Stress & Anxiety, and Immune Support. A pilot RCT found supplementation improved fatigue scores in adults with chronic fatigue syndrome (P<0.05). Pilot scale; foundational Western evidence for the TCM fatigue/qi-tonifying indication.

What is the recommended dosage of Codonopsis pilosula?

The clinically studied dose is Decoction 9-15 g/day root; oncology adjunct oral liquid. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Codonopsis pilosula safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Codonopsis pilosula is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated; >2000 year TCM use record. Mild GI upset (rare). It may also interact with some medications. Codonopsis pilosula is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Codonopsis pilosula interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Antihypertensives: theoretical additive effect (codonopsine vasodilation per animal models). Immunosuppressants: theoretical caution due to cytokine modulation. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Codonopsis pilosula?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Codonopsis pilosula as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 2 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(2 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Pan M, Zhang X, Huang S, Liu M, Song S, Ma J, et al. Preparation, structural characteristics and immune regulatory effects of Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharides: a review. Frontiers in Immunology. 2025;16:1641928. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1641928.PubMedUsed to support: A study of the structure and immune-regulating activity of Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharides, supporting its traditional tonic and immune use.
  2. Wang D, Liu Y, Zhao W The Adjuvant Effects on Vaccine and the Immunomodulatory Mechanisms of Polysaccharides From Traditional Chinese Medicine. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences. 2021;8:655570. doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.655570.PubMedUsed to support: A review of the immunomodulatory and adjuvant effects of Codonopsis pilosula, supporting its immune-support positioning.