TCMIO

Dang Shen in Traditional Chinese Medicine

党参dǎng shēn

Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula), known in Chinese as 党参 is the root of Codonopsis pilosula (Campanulaceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal material with documented use in classical TCM texts.

This page presents its traditional TCM context, botanical identity, available evidence scope, and safety information — not as medical advice, but as an educational reference.

Traditional TCM ContextSafety information available

党参 (Codonopsis pilosula) - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Juan de Vojníkov at English Wikiversity..

Image details

License: Source: Sogou Baike (baike.sogou.com)

Attribution: Source: Sogou Baike — 党参

On this page

Key Facts

Material
Root
Botanical source
Codonopsis pilosula
Direct human evidence
No verified study currently linked

What Is Dang Shen?

Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula), known in Chinese as 党参 is the root of Codonopsis pilosula (Campanulaceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal material with documented use in classical TCM texts. In the traditional TCM framework, it is classified as neutral in nature and sweet in flavor.

Tonifies Middle Jiao Qi, strengthens the Spleen, nourishes Blood, generates Fluids. Gentler substitute for Ren Shen.[1]

Botanical description: Codonopsis pilosula is a perennial twining herb of the Campanulaceae family, growing 1–2 m in length. The medicinal part is the taproot, harvested in autumn after at least 2–3 years of growth. The dried root is cylindrical, slightly curved, yellowish-brown externally, with a sweet taste and mild odour. It is sometimes used as a more affordable substitute for ginseng in certain contexts.

Traditional TCM Context

Nature: NeutralFlavor: SweetMeridians: Lung, Spleen

Traditional functions: Tonifies Middle Jiao Qi, strengthens the Spleen, nourishes Blood, generates Fluids. Gentler substitute for Ren Shen.[1]

Traditional uses: Used for Spleen Qi Deficiency: fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, shortness of breath. Commonly used in Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang and Shen Ling Bai Zhu San variants.

Related TCM patterns

Spleen Qi Deficiency with Dampness脾虚湿盛Spleen Qi Deficiency脾气虚Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold脾胃虚寒

This description reflects traditional TCM theory and is not a modern medical diagnosis or treatment claim.

What Research Applies to Dang Shen?

Polysaccharides and codonolactone demonstrate immunomodulatory, gastroprotective, and adaptogenic effects. Clinical studies support use for chronic fatigue and digestive weakness.

No published research studies are currently linked to Dang Shen in this library.

Research information will be added as verified studies become available.

Safety Information

Safety Summary

What is known

Safety information should be considered in the context of the specific preparation, health conditions, and medicines being used. May cause mild bloating at high doses. Avoid in acute Excess patterns.

What remains uncertain

  • Herb-specific clinical safety data (adverse events, toxicity, long-term use) are not available for review.
  • Drug-herb interaction data specific to Dang Shen may be lacking; most published interaction studies use extracts or isolated compounds.

Who should seek professional guidance

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those taking prescription medications, people managing chronic conditions, and anyone considering herbal products for children should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Dang Shen or any herbal product.

Platform safety boundary

TCMIO provides educational information only — not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. We do not provide dosage guidance, administration instructions, or individualized treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal product.

Safety during pregnancy, lactation, and pediatric use has not been systematically evaluated for Dang Shen as a medicinal material. For urgent or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Sources Used on This Page(2)

  1. 1.

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 Edition), Volume I. Beijing: China Medical Science Press; 2020.

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020
    Bibliographic details

    Supports: Botanical Identity, Traditional TCM Context, Traditional Functions

    Reliability: High

    Source type: Government Source

  2. 2.

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, 2020 Edition, Volume I. Beijing: China Medical Science Press; 2020. Monograph: Codonopsis Radix (Dang Shen).

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020
    Bibliographic details

    Reliability: gold

    Last checked: July 2026

    Source type: pharmacopoeia

Prepared by: TCMIO Editorial TeamLast updated: July 2, 2026Editorial PolicySafety Policy

Medical Disclaimer: The information on TCMIO is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal products, starting any new treatment, or making changes to your existing healthcare regimen. Do not stop or modify any prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.

If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or visiting the nearest emergency department.