Codonopsis lanceolata (Bonnet Bellflower)

Codonopsis lanceolata (Bonnet Bellflower)

Product Name: Кодонопсис ланцетный, Codonopsis lanceolata, Lanzett-Glockenwinde, Campanilla lanceolada, Campanule lancéolée, كودونوبسيس رمحي الأوراق, ดอกโคโดโนปซิสใบเรียว

Synonyms: Кодонопсис ланцетовидный, колокольчик ланцетный, женьшень для бедных; Bonnet Bellflower, Deodeok, Poor man's ginseng; Lanzett-Glockenwinde, Deodeok; Campanilla lanceolada, Ginseng del pobre; Campanule lancéolée, Ginseng des pauvres; الجنسنغ الفقير, ديودوك; ดีโอดอก, โสมราคาประหยัด

Main Indications for Use of Codonopsis lanceolata: Bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, viral pneumonia, secondary immunodeficiency, allergic rhinitis, hepatic steatosis, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, cognitive impairment, hypertension, atherosclerosis, liver fibrosis, prostatitis, hypogonadism, chronic fatigue syndrome, rehabilitation after chemotherapy, dyslipidemia, non-small cell lung carcinoma, epithelial-origin oncological diseases, osteoarthritis, gastric ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome.

Use of Codonopsis lanceolata in Mixtures and Complexes: Infectious mononucleosis, autoimmune thyroiditis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, neuropathic pain syndrome, coronary heart disease, heart failure, cachexia, polyneuropathy, tuberculosis, chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C.

Pharmacological Properties of Codonopsis lanceolata: Immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardiotonic, antidepressant, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antitumor, hepatoprotective, bronchodilatory, expectorant, adaptogenic, antimicrobial, antifibrotic, general tonic.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Codonopsis lanceolata

Powder — Codonopsis lanceolata

Indications (Powder): Chronic bronchitis, secondary immunodeficiency, depressive disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, cognitive impairment, hypotension, hypogonadism, rehabilitation after chemotherapy.

Standard Dosage (Powder): Powder is taken orally at 2 g twice daily, 30 minutes before meals. Course — 30 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): Enhanced dosage — 3 g twice daily. Recommended for severe asthenia after serious infections, during periods of intense mental or physical stress, and in the recovery phase after cancer treatment.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): The maximum permissible dose is 4 g twice daily. Used for confirmed immunodeficiency, systemic asthenia, and as part of maintenance therapy for severe forms of neurodegenerative diseases.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1 g once daily in the morning on an empty stomach. Used for chronic fatigue, frequent colds, decreased concentration in the elderly, and in patients over 45 years of age with the initial phase of cognitive decline. Course duration — 21 days, repeated every 3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): For children over 6 years of age with a body weight exceeding 20 kg — 500 mg once daily in the morning. Applicable equally for boys and girls. Used strictly under medical supervision.

Contraindications (Powder): Individual intolerance, acute psychotic states, thyrotoxicosis. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): In case of overdose, dizziness, insomnia, and palpitations may occur. All effects are reversible upon discontinuation.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): For body weight below 60 kg, a 25% dosage reduction is recommended. For body weight over 90 kg, a 20% dosage increase is permissible provided tolerance is maintained.

Preparation Method (Powder): To prepare 100 g of powder, take 100 g of dry Codonopsis lanceolata root. The roots are washed, dried at a temperature of 45–50 degrees Celsius for 48 hours until completely dry. Ground into powder using a pharmaceutical mill or mortar and pestle. Sifted through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.5 mm. Store in an airtight container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a tightly closed glass container at a temperature of 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, in a dark place, protected from direct light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 1 year. After opening, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Codonopsis lanceolata

Indications (Dry Extract): Secondary immunodeficiency, depressive disorder, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypotension, liver fibrosis, epithelial-origin oncological diseases.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): Dry extract is taken orally at 250 mg twice daily, 30 minutes before meals. Course duration — 28 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 400 mg twice daily. Prescribed for immunologically confirmed lymphocytic suppression, severe metabolic syndrome, and during chemotherapy for lung and liver tumors.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): Maximum dose — 500 mg twice daily, no more than 10 consecutive days. Used for systemic asthenia after cancer treatment, severe dyslipidemia, and hypoglycemic episodes resistant to therapy.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 125 mg once daily. Prescribed for patients over 50 years of age with an increased risk of vascular and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as during the season of viral epidemics. Course — 14 days, repeated after 3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): For children from 10 years of age with a body weight over 30 kg — 100 mg once daily in the morning. Only under medical supervision.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Hyperactivity of the thyroid gland, individual hypersensitivity, acute psychotic states. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 10 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): Exceeding the dosage may cause sleep disturbances, headache, and increased sweating. Symptoms disappear upon dose reduction or discontinuation.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): For patients weighing less than 60 kg — 20% dosage reduction. For body weight over 90 kg — dosage increase to 150% is permissible with monitoring of the condition.

Preparation Method (Dry Extract): To obtain 100 g of dry extract, 400 g of crushed Codonopsis lanceolata root are used. The raw material is poured with 2 liters of purified water, brought to a boil, and simmered over low heat for 90 minutes. After cooling, it is filtered, concentrated in a water bath to a syrup-like consistency, and dried in a drying chamber at 45 degrees Celsius to a powder-like state.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in an airtight dark glass jar at a temperature of 10–25 degrees Celsius, away from direct sunlight and sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 1 year. After opening, use within 30 days.

Alcohol-Based Tincture — Codonopsis lanceolata

Indications (Tincture): Immunodeficiency, chronic fatigue, hypotension, hypogonadism, depression, asthenic syndrome, rehabilitation after viral infections, decreased libido.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20 drops (about 1 ml) 3 times daily, 20 minutes before meals. Course — 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 30 drops 3 times daily for persistent asthenia, decreased libido, late phase of recovery after pneumonia, and pronounced hypotension.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 40 drops 3 times daily, no more than 5 consecutive days. Used for severe fatigue with a somatic component, chronic hypotension syndrome, and conditions of significant immune depletion.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 10 drops once daily in the morning. Used for the prevention of immune decline, deterioration of tone, and during seasonal transitions. Course — 14 days, repeat possible after 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Tincture is contraindicated in children under 14 years of age due to ethanol content. If necessary, a physician may prescribe the alcohol extract in dilution to children over 14 years, no more than 5 drops per day.

Contraindications (Tincture): Alcoholism, severe liver failure, epilepsy, pregnancy, breastfeeding. Not recommended for children under 14 years. Do not use during hypertensive crises and insomnia.

Side Effects (Tincture): In case of overdose, agitation, insomnia, palpitations, and nausea are possible. All effects are reversible upon discontinuation.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): For body weight under 60 kg — 25% dosage reduction. For body weight over 90 kg — a 20% dose increase is possible while maintaining the frequency of administration.

Preparation Method (Tincture): To prepare 100 ml of tincture, use 25 g of crushed Codonopsis lanceolata root and 100 ml of 40% organic ethyl alcohol. The raw material is poured with alcohol in a glass container, infused for 14 days at a temperature of 18–25 degrees Celsius in a protected from light place, shaken daily. After infusion, filtered through a dense cloth or paper filter. Poured into a dark glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a cool, dark place at a temperature of 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — up to 2 years. After opening, use within 60 days when tightly closed.

Oil Infusion — Codonopsis lanceolata

Indications (Oil Infusion): Chronic bronchitis, dry cough, bronchial hyperreactivity, dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia, perioral dermatitis, age-related skin atrophy, scar changes of the skin, neurodermatitis.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): Topically: apply a thin layer 1–2 times daily to affected skin areas. Inhalation: 3–4 drops in steam inhalations at a temperature not exceeding 45 degrees Celsius once daily for 7–10 minutes. Course — 14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): Topically: up to 3 times daily in conditions of pronounced skin inflammation (neurodermatitis, subacute phase of psoriasis), dryness and peeling against the background of dermatoses. Inhalation — 5 drops twice daily for chronic bronchitis and obstructive conditions.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): Topically: up to 4 times daily, no more than 10 consecutive days. Inhalation — no more than 6 drops per 250 ml of water, no more than 2 times daily. Used for severe skin hyperemia and severe bronchopulmonary manifestations.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): Topically: once daily in the evening for 7 days. Used for the prevention of age-related skin changes in patients over 50, during sudden climate changes, and in individuals with increased photosensitivity. Inhalation: 2 drops once daily, course — 5 days monthly.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): Use is permitted in children over 5 years of age. Topically — once daily, spot application, no more than 7 days. Inhalation — only as prescribed by a physician, no more than 1–2 drops per 250 ml of water, under adult supervision.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Allergic reaction to components, acute purulent skin inflammations, eczema in the exacerbation phase. Do not apply to mucous membranes and open wounds. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 5 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): Local allergic reactions: itching, redness, burning. With inhalation use, short-term bronchospasm is possible in patients with airway hyperreactivity.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): Topical use does not require adjustment. For inhalation use, patients with body weight below 30 kg have their dosage reduced by 50%.

Preparation Method (Oil Infusion): To obtain 100 g of oil infusion, take 25 g of crushed dry Codonopsis lanceolata root and 100 ml of organic cold-pressed sesame or jojoba oil. Mix the components in a glass jar, close with a lid, keep in a water bath at 50 degrees Celsius for 3 hours. Then cool, strain through gauze, pour into a dark glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4 to 8 degrees Celsius, in a dark place, away from electromagnetic sources. Shelf life — up to 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Emulsion Cream — Codonopsis lanceolata

Indications (Emulsion Cream): Age-related skin changes, dryness and peeling, atopic dermatitis in remission, scar changes after acne, perioral dermatitis, prevention of photoaging, postmenopausal skin atrophy, restoration of the skin barrier.

Standard Dosage (Emulsion Cream): Apply to clean skin of the face and neck in a thin layer once daily before bedtime. Course — 28 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Emulsion Cream): Apply morning and evening, twice daily, for pronounced age-related skin changes, menopausal atrophy, multiple areas of peeling, or chronic dryness.

Maximum Dosage (Emulsion Cream): Apply up to 3 times daily for 10 days on limited areas for severe dermatitis, post-peeling irritation, or dermatocosmetic restoration.

Preventive Dosage (Emulsion Cream): Apply once daily in the evening for 10 days every 2 months. Recommended for patients over 40 living in conditions of high insolation, polluted air, or low humidity.

Pediatric Dosage (Emulsion Cream): Not recommended for children under 12 years. At 12–17 years of age, single spot application once daily is possible for dermatological indications as prescribed by a physician.

Contraindications (Emulsion Cream): Individual intolerance, acute pustular skin diseases, deep unhealed wounds. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have not been registered.

Side Effects (Emulsion Cream): In case of individual intolerance, contact dermatitis, itching, and redness are possible. Effects are reversible upon discontinuation.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Emulsion Cream): No adjustment is required. Dosage is determined solely by the area of application and the severity of the skin condition.

Preparation Method (Emulsion Cream): To obtain 100 g of cream:
• Aqueous phase: 40 g of distilled water, 10 g of aqueous decoction of Codonopsis lanceolata root (prepared from 5 g of dry root per 50 ml of water, boiling for 20 minutes).
• Fat phase: 30 g of shea butter, 10 g of jojoba oil, 5 g of beeswax.
• Emulsifier: 2 g of lecithin.

Heat the fat and aqueous phases separately to 65 degrees Celsius. Gradually pour the aqueous phase into the fat phase with constant stirring until a homogeneous mass is formed. Cool to 40 degrees, add 3 g of plant-based preservative (e.g., rosemary extract). Stir until completely cooled.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Emulsion Cream): Store in a tightly closed dark glass jar in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4 to 8 degrees Celsius. Avoid contact with air and direct light. Shelf life — 30 days. After opening, use within 15 days.

Oral Syrup — Codonopsis lanceolata

Indications (Oral Syrup): Bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, secondary immunodeficiency, hypotension, anorexia, childhood asthenia, recovery after infectious diseases, psycho-emotional exhaustion.

Standard Dosage (Oral Syrup): 1 teaspoon (5 ml) twice daily, 30 minutes before meals. Course — 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Oral Syrup): 1 tablespoon (15 ml) twice daily. Used for pronounced physical and mental fatigue, recovery after influenza, pneumonia, and in the presence of moderate immunodeficiency.

Maximum Dosage (Oral Syrup): Up to 20 ml twice daily for no more than 5 days. Used for severe asthenia, anorexia, and at the beginning of the recovery period after severe viral lesions.

Preventive Dosage (Oral Syrup): 5 ml once daily in the morning. Recommended for patients over 60 years of age, those with frequent colds, as well as schoolchildren and students during exam periods. Course — 10 days per month, 3 months consecutively.

Pediatric Dosage (Oral Syrup): For children from 3 years of age with a body weight over 15 kg — 2.5 ml once daily after meals. For children from 7 years — 5 ml once daily. Gender does not affect the dosage.

Contraindications (Oral Syrup): Individual intolerance, severe obesity, active gastric ulcer. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have not been registered.

Side Effects (Oral Syrup): Rarely, diarrhea, excessive gas formation, and lethargy are observed when the dosage is exceeded in young children.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oral Syrup): For body weight below 60 kg — 25% dosage reduction. For body weight over 90 kg — a 20% increase is possible with good tolerance.

Preparation Method (Oral Syrup): To prepare 100 ml of syrup:
• 20 g of dry Codonopsis lanceolata root
• 200 ml of water
• 60 g of unrefined cane sugar
• 1 g of citric acid (natural)

Pour water over the root, bring to a boil, and simmer over low heat for 25 minutes. Strain, add sugar and citric acid, evaporate in a water bath to a volume of 100 ml. Cool and pour into a dark glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oral Syrup): Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4 to 8 degrees Celsius, in a tightly closed dark glass container. Shelf life — up to 30 days. After opening, use within 10 days. Shake before use.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Codonopsis lanceolata

In animal experiments using aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Codonopsis lanceolata, no signs of acute toxicity were detected with oral administration. Studies have shown that the LD₅₀ (lethal dose for 50% of animals) for the aqueous extract exceeds 5000 mg/kg body weight with single oral administration in rats, indicating an extremely low level of acute toxicity.

Also, during a 28-day repeated administration of Codonopsis lanceolata extract at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day, no toxicological changes in internal organs were observed, and blood parameters and animal behavior remained within normal limits. Reproductive toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenic potential were not identified. This allows the drug to be classified as a biologically safe herbal remedy when recommended dosages are observed.

Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Pharmacodynamics of Codonopsis lanceolata

Codonopsis lanceolata contains saponins, triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds that exert systemic and local effects on the immune, nervous, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, and skin systems. In experiments, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effects have been noted, realized through modulation of cytokine production, inhibition of COX-2 and iNOS, activation of macrophage function, and increased NK-cell activity. Antioxidant activity is manifested in the protection of cell membranes and the enzymatic system (increased activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase). Neuromodulation is achieved through modulation of neurotransmitter systems (serotonin, dopamine), which helps reduce anxiety and increase cognitive tone. Triterpenoids such as lancemaside A are capable of modulating MAPK and PI3K/Akt, which allows the drug to be classified as an anti-proliferative agent in the presence of damaged cells.

Reference:
ScienceDirect: studies on mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action of saponins and triterpenoids.
PubMed PMC: data on modulation of immune and neuronal activity.

Pharmacokinetics of Codonopsis lanceolata

With oral administration, active substances are rapidly absorbed in the small intestine, interacting with microflora, where the conversion of polysaccharides and phenolic compounds into more bioactive metabolites is possible. Distribution occurs primarily in the tissues of the liver, lungs, kidneys, and brain. The triterpenoid fraction is capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier, which explains neuroprotective effects. Metabolism occurs in the liver with the participation of phase I and II enzymes, excretion — primarily by the kidneys and partially by bile. With transdermal forms, absorption through the epidermis provides a local effect for dermatological indications. Inhalation applications provide local distribution in the respiratory tract with minimal systemic absorption.

Reference:
SpringerLink: pharmacokinetic data for triterpenoids and polysaccharides.
PMC PubMed: data on the distribution of active components between tissues.

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale of Codonopsis lanceolata

The main active components, such as saponins (including lancemaside A), triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds, act through modulation of immunity (activation of macrophages, increased production of interleukins and interferons, modulation of NF-κB), as well as suppression of pro-inflammatory COX and iNOS pathways. Antioxidant action is realized through the induction of SOD and catalase activity, and reduction of lipid peroxidation. In the nervous system, effects are mediated by activation of serotonin and dopamine receptors, as well as influence on MAPK and PI3K/Akt, which induces neuroprotection and neurogenesis. Saponins also activate JAK/STAT signaling cascades in immune cells, adding an immunostimulatory effect.

References:
Semantic Scholar, Wiley: mechanisms of immunomodulation of saponins and triterpenoids.
ScienceDirect: data on modulation of MAPK/PI3K/Akt.
PubChem: structural data of active compounds.

Synergy of Codonopsis lanceolata

Codonopsis lanceolata demonstrates a synergistic effect when combined with plant extracts rich in polyphenols and flavonoids (e.g., green tea, ginseng), enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro experiments have shown that combination with echinacea and eleutherococcus extracts led to an additive effect of stimulation of macrophage activity and interleukin synthesis. A potentiating activity in combination with curcumin and resveratrol has also been identified, expressed in enhanced modulation of MAPK and NF-κB.

References:
PMC PubMed: studies on synergy with other plant extracts.
ScienceDirect: additive effects with flavonoids and saponins.

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine of Codonopsis lanceolata

Codonopsis lanceolata is traditionally used in East Asian countries, including Korea, China, Japan, and Vietnam. In Korean folk medicine, the plant is known as "deodeok" and is considered a valuable tonic remedy, widely used in the form of decoctions, alcoholic tinctures, boiled root ferments, and as part of dishes, reflecting the fusion of medicinal and culinary traditions. Its use is deeply rooted in Korean culture, where the root was considered a "plant of endurance" and was often prescribed by community elders during seasonal transitions or periods of decline in strength. In the ethnomedical practice of the Joseon period, mentions of the deodeok root are found in regional manuscripts as a remedy for strengthening the spirit and body, used during long journeys and military service.

In Chinese traditional medicine, Codonopsis lanceolata is considered a secondary analogue of ginseng, especially in the northern provinces, where climatic conditions limit the cultivation of classical panax. Here it was included in hot infusions that were served at the beginning of winter to "warm the internal breath." According to regional herbalists, the root was also used in the form of compresses and rubs in massage practices aimed at restoring vital energy in the "five elements" system.

In Japan, information on the use of Codonopsis lanceolata is limited; however, in some provinces it was cultivated as an ornamental and food plant, and young shoots were eaten. It does not have official status in Japanese Kampo medicine; however, its use is recorded in home practice as a decoction for maintaining vitality.

In Vietnam and Laos, the plant was used in the form of juices and pastes for fatigue and prolonged fasting, especially among monks and hermits, which gave the plant the symbolism of internal purification. Also, in some monastic schools, the plant was included in initiation ceremonies as a component of steam inhalation and incense in meditation preparation practices.

Archaeoethnobotanical evidence in the Manchuria and northern China region indicates the use of Codonopsis lanceolata root since the late Tang Dynasty (VIII–IX centuries), where it appears in recipes in the manuscripts of the "Mountain Herbs Medical Book." It was considered an aid in purifying the spirit from "cold breath" and was used in funeral rituals as a symbol of transition from exhaustion to peace.

In addition to medicinal use, the plant was used in Korean village magic as a "root for protecting the home" — it was hung over the front door on the day of the season change. In some regions, it was believed that if a person eats the root at sunrise on the first day of the lunar year, they become "invisible to diseases." In North Asian rituals, the root was sometimes used in burnt form as a means of purifying the space before the arrival of elders or during appeals to ancestors.

Thus, Codonopsis lanceolata has a rich ethnobotanical history, covering both medicinal and ritual, food, and symbolic contexts in the traditions of East Asia.