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THERAPIES & TRADITIONS · GUIDE

Codonopsis (Dang Shen) in Chinese Medicine

Codonopsis (Dang Shen) is a root traditionally used in place of ginseng in Chinese medicine; here is what a COPD trial review and other research found, and what is unknown.

Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.

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What it is

Codonopsis root, called Dang Shen in Chinese and Codonopsis Radix in pharmacopoeias, comes from several species. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia recognizes Codonopsis pilosula, its variety modesta, and Codonopsis tangshen. [1] It is also officially recognized as an edible Chinese herb. [1]

Traditional use

A 2025 review describes Dangshen as a classic "qi-tonifying" herb. [1] "Qi tonic" is a traditional category; see Qi, Yin and Yang, Five Phases and Meridians as Traditional Concepts. It is a different plant from ginseng; for ginseng itself see Ginseng (Ren Shen) in Chinese Medicine. The review traced its history through classic works such as the Compendium of Materia Medica. [1] Codonopsis is also found in formulas, so a label may list it among many herbs; see Chinese Herbal Medicine.

What research shows

Evidence label: promising but limited, for one use; otherwise preclinical and traditional use.

A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis pooled 48 randomized trials of Dang Shen formulae for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Compared with conventional drug treatment, formulae improved lung function (FEV1 by 0.22 L) and, combined with conventional treatment, increased six-minute walking distance by about 51 metres and reduced exacerbations. Quality of life was better than placebo. The authors found methodological flaws and concluded the evidence was inadequate to support routine use outside Chinese medicine practice, though it justified further research. [2] These were formulae, not Dang Shen alone.

Beyond this, our searches found mainly laboratory and animal work. The 2025 review reports that Codonopsis Radix and its constituents show immune, stomach-and-intestine protective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in pharmacology studies. [1] These are not proof of benefit in people. Proper evidence not found for energy, fatigue, immunity or appetite in healthy people; we searched PubMed for Codonopsis trials and found formula trials and a trial of a different species, Codonopsis lanceolata, which should not be treated as evidence for Dang Shen. [3]

Quality and substitution

Several Codonopsis species and ginseng-like roots are sold under similar names. The review notes that different markers distinguish sources of Codonopsis Radix, so identity matters. [1] General product-quality concerns are covered in Chinese Herbal Products: Quality, Contamination and Medicine Interactions.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dang Shen the same as ginseng?

No. It is a different plant, and Dangshen is described as a "qi-tonifying" herb in its own right. See Ginseng (Ren Shen) in Chinese Medicine. [1]

Does Codonopsis help COPD?

A meta-analysis of 48 trials of Dang Shen formulae reported improvements in lung function and walking distance, but the authors judged the evidence inadequate for routine use because of methodological flaws. [2]

Is Codonopsis safe?

In that review, side effects were low and similar to controls, but the trials were of limited quality. [2] Data for pregnancy and drug interactions were not found in our sources.

Can it replace my asthma or COPD inhaler?

No. Do not replace or stop prescribed medicines. Talk to your doctor.

Are all Codonopsis products the same?

No. Species, part used and preparation differ, and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia names specific species. [1]

More details: evidence, limits and cautions

The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.

Safety
In the COPD review, adverse events were low and not different between groups; 33 events were reported, including digestive upset, dry mouth and insomnia. [2] The 2025 review describes the metabolism of its main constituents as a relatively low burden on liver and kidneys, a laboratory-based statement. [1] The sources did not give pregnancy, breastfeeding, child or specific drug-interaction data. Treat those as unknown, and ask a clinician or pharmacist, especially if you take medicines for diabetes, blood pressure, or blood thinning. Do not stop a prescribed medicine for an herb. See How Interactions Work.
Who should ask first
Ask a doctor first if you have COPD or another long-term condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an upcoming operation, or take regular medicines. Breathlessness that worsens, chest pain or coughing blood needs medical care, not an herb.
References
  1. Codonopsis Radix: a comprehensive review for its ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and potential clinical applications. Phytomedicine 2025. PubMed 41275746. Read 2026-10-22.
  2. Dang shen [Codonopsis pilosula] herbal formulae for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res 2015. PubMed 25336444. Read 2026-10-22.
  3. Beneficial effects of Codonopsis lanceolata extract on systolic blood pressure levels in prehypertensive adults. Phytother Res 2020. PubMed 31833621. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.