Chemical Constituents and Diverse Pharmacological Effects of Panax notoginseng

Abstract

Panax notoginseng, a medicinal herb of high therapeutic value in traditional Asian medicine, is characterized by its
diverse array of chemical constituents and wide-ranging pharmacological activities. This review presents a comprehensive
and systematic summary of the major bioactive compound classes isolated from P. notoginseng, including saponins
(notably notoginsenosides and ginsenosides), flavonoids, polysaccharides, polyacetylenes, and various organic acids.
Among these, saponins are the most extensively studied, owing to their structural complexity and broad spectrum of biological functions. Reported pharmacological effects include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anticancer, antifibrotic, and metabolic regulatory properties. The review synthesizes data from in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as preclinical evidence, underscoring the therapeutic potential of these constituents. Recent advancements in extraction methods, purification of active ingredients, and the development of innovative pharmaceutical formulations are also discussed. Overall, this article provides an up-to-date and scientifically grounded perspective on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of P. notoginseng, and outlines key directions for future research focused on standardization, quality assurance, and clinical translation.