Tienchi (Panax notoginseng), also known as San Qi, is a finely ground preparation of the notoginseng root traditionally cultivated in China’s Yunnan province. The light-brown powder contains naturally occurring saponins (ginsenosides), flavonoids, and other plant metabolites that contribute to its antioxidant and circulatory-supportive properties.
The ginsenosides found in Panax notoginseng have been studied in animal models for their ability to help maintain normal inflammatory pathways and support healthy tissue function. These compounds exhibit natural antioxidant activity, helping neutralize free radicals generated during exercise and contributing to the maintenance of vascular integrity and oxygen delivery.
Certain ginsenosides have also been shown to support respiratory health. In preclinical models, these compounds helped maintain normal airway structure and function by moderating mucus production and supporting healthy inflammatory responses in lung tissues. While these findings come primarily from rodent studies, they help explain the plant’s traditional use for maintaining normal respiratory performance.
In horses, Tienchi is commonly used to help support normal circulatory and respiratory function during training and recovery. Its antioxidant constituents may aid normal post-exercise recovery by supporting microcirculation, maintaining vascular tone, and promoting healthy tissue perfusion under physical stress. Traditional Chinese practice characterizes Tienchi as a “blood-moving” herb, reflecting its historic use in supporting tissue resilience after exertion.
Equine-specific research on Panax notoginseng remains limited; however, available studies indicate good tolerability. In one investigation, horses supplemented with an extract of Panax notoginseng in combination with other herbal ingredients showed no adverse effects, suggesting this ingredient is safe for use at appropriate levels. More research is needed to fully define its benefits in equine athletes, but current evidence supports its role in maintaining normal vascular, respiratory, and recovery-related physiology.
References
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- Xue, K., et al. Panax notoginseng saponin R1 modulates TNF-α/NF-κB signaling and attenuates allergic airway inflammation in asthma. International Immunopharmacology. 2020.
- Zhou, R., et al. Clinical efficacy and safety of Panax notoginseng saponins in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with blood hypercoagulability: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytomedicine. 2024.
- Zhang, J., et al. Effects of panax notoginseng saponin on the pathological ultrastructure and serum IL-6 and IL-8 in pulmonary fibrosis in rabbits. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry. 2018.
- Wang, J., et al. The main bioactive compound of Panax notoginseng, notoginsenoside R1, alleviates pulmonary fibrosis via MBD2/SHIP and STAT3 pathway. Journal of Functional Foods. 2023.
- Shergis, J.L., et al. Therapeutic potential of Panax ginseng and ginsenosides in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2014.
- Chen, Y., et al. Anti‑inflammatory effects of Panax notoginseng saponins ameliorate acute lung injury induced by oleic acid and lipopolysaccharide in rats. Molecular Medicine Reports. 2014.
- Lot, Y., et al. Mechanisms of action of Panax notoginseng ethanolic extract for its vasodilatory effects and partial characterization of vasoactive compounds. Hypertension Research. 2019.
- Park, S., et al. Effect of Mixed Extract of Panax Notoginseng, Rehmanniae Radix and Acanthopanacis Cortex (AIF) on Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis. Biomolecules & Therapeutics. 2010.