Tienchi Ginseng

What it is

Tienchi Ginseng (三七, Sān Qī) is one of the most prized ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine. In Western phytochemistry, the plant is known as Panax notoginseng — the closest relative of common ginseng.

Tienchi Ginseng is cultivated primarily in Yunnan Province, China, at altitudes of 1,500–2,000 meters above sea level. These highland conditions — moderate humidity and cooler temperatures — produce roots with high concentrations of active compounds.

In classical Chinese medicine, Tienchi Ginseng has been used for millennia to stop bleeding and accelerate wound healing. In dentistry, this property is directly applicable to gingival bleeding.

How it works

The active compounds in Tienchi Ginseng are notoginsenosides (ginsenosides Rg1, Rb1, R1) — saponins with a broad spectrum of biological activity.

Hemostasis. Notoginsenosides enhance platelet aggregation and cause mild vasoconstriction in small vessels — without systemic effects on blood pressure. This is why gum bleeding stops locally, without affecting overall circulation.

Anti-inflammatory action. Notoginsenosides inhibit NF-κB — the central regulator of inflammatory response that drives alveolar bone destruction in periodontitis. Suppressing this pathway slows disease progression.

Efficacy

A 12-week controlled study: treatment with a notoginseng extract preparation reduced the bleeding on probing index (BOP) by 45% compared to the control group.

Note: the effect is cumulative. Significant changes were observed starting from weeks 6–8 of regular use.

Safety

Tienchi Ginseng is widely used in traditional medicine and has a long history of human use. Topical oral application is safe. Does not cause sensitization.

Worth noting: Tienchi Ginseng theoretically enhances anticoagulant effects when taken systemically — but this is not relevant for topical use in toothpaste or gum gel.

Role in QDRO formula

In v.pro, Tienchi Ginseng works alongside baicalin: baicalin reduces the inflammatory signal while notoginsenosides stop capillary bleeding. Two mechanisms with different targets deliver a synergistic effect in chronic gingivitis.