Discussions

Panax notoginseng, closely related to ginseng, is rich in a variety of ginsenosides, such as Rb1, Rd, Re, Rg1, Rg2, and Rh1. Distinctively, notoginseng also contains unique saponins, including notoginsenosides R1, Rt, R2, R3, R4, and R6. Additionally, it is endowed with other unique active compounds that contribute to its exceptional medicinal properties.

Notoginsenoside R1
Notoginsenoside R1 (NR1) is a prominent bioactive compound found in the roots of Panax notoginseng. Renowned for its cardiovascular benefits, NR1 exhibits a range of other therapeutic properties, including neuroprotective, antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and immune-stimulatory activities. In vitro, NR1 can counteract endotoxin-induced activation of endothelial cells, while in vivo, it enhances survival in mice subjected to endotoxin-induced lethality. Additionally, NR1 inhibits TNF-α-induced overexpression of PAI-1 through the ERK1/2 and PI3K/PKB signaling pathways. It also mitigates amyloid-β-induced neuronal damage by reducing reactive oxygen species and modulating MAPK activation.

Notoginsenoside R2
Notoginsenoside R2, a recently isolated saponin from Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen, has attracted considerable attention for its notable neuroprotective properties. Despite its low natural abundance in the plant, notoginsenoside R2 has shown significant protective effects against oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). These neuroprotective effects are largely attributed to the activation of the P90RSK and Nrf2 pathways, which are mediated through the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling cascade. This intricate mechanism highlights the potential of notoginsenoside R2 in developing effective neuroprotective therapies.

Dencichine
Dencichine, a compound derived from the roots of the Panax notoginseng plant, serves as both a hemostatic and neurotoxic agent. Its hemostatic properties are linked to its ability to modulate various components of the coagulation system, promote platelet aggregation, and influence the fibrinolytic system. In addition to its hemostatic effects, dencichine has demonstrated renoprotective benefits, particularly in the context of diabetic nephropathy. It effectively slows the progression of this condition, likely due to the down-regulation of the TGF-β/Smad pathway and the restoration of balance between the deposition and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins.