Research on Using Stems and Leaves of Panax notoginseng and Flowers of Panax notoginseng as New Food ingredients / 中国药学杂志

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the safety and feasibility of using stems and leaves of Panax notoginseng and flowers of Panax notoginseng as new food ingredients. METHODS: The edible history, nutrition and quality standards of Panax notoginseng's stems, leaves and flowers were summarized. Then toxicological test was conducted in mice to investigate the toxicity. RESULTS: The stems and leaves of Panax notoginseng and flowers of Panax notoginseng have a long edible history, rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acids and other nutrients. Pharmacological experiment results showed that they were safe and nontoxic, without obvious organ damages. CONCLUSION: It is of great value to use the stems, leaves and flowers of Panax notoginseng as new food ingredients under the recommended dosage. This study provides reference to the utilization of the non-medicinal parts of other Chinese herbal medicines.