# Notoginsenoside R1

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/notoginsenoside-r1
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** NGR1, Ginsenoside R1 from Panax notoginseng, Tienchi Ginsenoside R1, Sanchi Ginsenoside R1, Notoginseng Saponin R1, Panax notoginseng Ginsenoside R1, 20(S)-Ginsenoside R1

## Overview

Notoginsenoside R1 is a steroidal saponin isolated from Panax notoginseng that exerts [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s primarily by modulating ROCK1 expression, ERK1/2 signaling, and PI3K/PKB pathways. Its multi-target mechanism makes it a subject of active preclinical research for [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), cardiac protection, and neurological applications.

## Health Benefits

• [Cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) protection through inhibition of ROCK1 expression and enhancement of [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) ATP synthase δ-subunits (animal studies only)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects via inhibition of TNF-α-induced PAI-1 overexpression through ERK1/2 and PI3K/PKB signaling pathways (in vitro evidence)
• [Neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) properties by attenuating amyloid-β-induced neuronal damage and inhibiting ROS production (cell culture studies)
• Antiapoptotic effects in cardiomyocytes under oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation conditions (in vitro evidence)
• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and immune-stimulatory properties with endotoxin-protective effects (animal model evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Notoginsenoside R1 inhibits Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) expression while upregulating [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) ATP synthase δ-subunits, improving cellular energy efficiency in cardiac tissue. It also suppresses TNF-α-induced plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) overexpression by blocking ERK1/2 and PI3K/PKB phosphorylation cascades, reducing pro-thrombotic and pro-[inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling. Additionally, it modulates NF-κB activation and [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways, contributing to its observed [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s in cell culture models.

## Clinical Summary

The current body of evidence for notoginsenoside R1 is limited almost entirely to in vitro cell studies and rodent animal models, with no robust randomized controlled trials in humans published to date. Animal studies using doses typically ranging from 10–100 mg/kg have demonstrated reductions in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, decreased [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine levels, and improved neurological outcomes after stroke models. In vitro data from human endothelial and neuronal cell lines show statistically significant reductions in PAI-1 expression and [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers at concentrations of 1–50 μM. Until well-designed human clinical trials are completed, efficacy claims remain preliminary and should be interpreted with caution.

## Nutritional Profile

Notoginsenoside R1 is a saponin glycoside (molecular formula C47H80O18, MW ~932.12 Da) uniquely found in Panax notoginseng root, comprising approximately 0.3–0.9% of the dried root by weight. It is not a macronutrient or micronutrient source but rather a bioactive phytochemical characterized by a dammarane-type tetracyclic triterpenoid aglycone backbone with two sugar moieties (glucose and xylose) attached at C-20. It contains no appreciable protein, fiber, fat, or conventional vitamins or minerals in isolated form. Bioavailability is notably limited by poor oral absorption due to its high molecular weight and hydrophilic glycoside structure; studies suggest intestinal bacterial deglycosylation partially converts it to more absorbable aglycone forms. Plasma Cmax following oral dosing in rodent models ranges approximately 50–200 ng/mL at doses of 10–50 mg/kg, with a reported half-life of roughly 2–4 hours. [Intestinal permeability](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) is low (Papp ~1–3 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s in Caco-2 models), and co-administration with P-glycoprotein inhibitors has been shown to modestly enhance absorption.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for human use are provided in the available research. While NGR1 is described as a major active component in traditional Chinese medicine preparations like Naodesheng injection, specific dosing recommendations are not detailed. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

No formal human safety or toxicology trials specific to isolated notoginsenoside R1 have been published, making a definitive side effect profile impossible to establish at this time. Because notoginsenoside R1 inhibits PI3K/PKB and ERK1/2 pathways, it may theoretically potentiate or interfere with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin and antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel, as Panax notoginseng preparations have established antiplatelet activity. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid supplementation given the complete absence of safety data in these populations. Individuals on [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) medications or immunosuppressants should consult a physician before use due to potential additive or antagonistic pharmacodynamic interactions.

## Scientific Research

The available research consists primarily of in vitro cell culture studies and in vivo animal models demonstrating NGR1's effects on ischemia-reperfusion injury, with no human clinical trials or RCTs provided in the research dossier. The literature references multiple complex mechanisms of action but lacks human trial data with PMIDs or clinical outcomes.

## Historical & Cultural Context

NGR1 is a major active ingredient in Panax notoginseng (Tienchi ginseng), which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, particularly for [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health), hemostasis, and trauma-related injuries. The compound is recognized for its cardiovascular activity as a key bioactive component in traditional formulations.

## Synergistic Combinations

Notoginsenoside R1 pairs strongly with Ginsenoside Rg1 and Ginsenoside Rb1 (co-occurring saponins in Panax notoginseng), as these three compounds collectively act on overlapping [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) pathways — Rg1 enhances eNOS-mediated vasodilation while R1 suppresses ROCK1, producing additive anti-thrombotic and vascular-relaxing effects. Pairing with Astragaloside IV (from Astragalus membranaceus) creates complementary neuroprotection, as Astragaloside IV activates the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway while R1 suppresses ROS production through [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) mechanisms, together providing broader [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) coverage than either alone. Additionally, co-administration with Piperine (from Piper nigrum, ~5–20 mg dose) is a practical bioavailability enhancer, as piperine inhibits P-glycoprotein efflux and CYP3A4-mediated first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), which has been demonstrated to increase plasma concentrations of structurally similar large saponin glycosides by 30–60% in rodent pharmacokinetic studies.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is notoginsenoside R1 and what plant does it come from?

Notoginsenoside R1 is a unique steroidal saponin glycoside found almost exclusively in Panax notoginseng, a plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hemorrhage control and cardiovascular support. It is structurally distinct from ginsenosides found in Panax ginseng, containing a specific sugar moiety at the C-3 and C-6 positions of its aglycone backbone that contributes to its unique biological activity.

### How does notoginsenoside R1 protect the heart?

In rodent models of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, notoginsenoside R1 protects cardiac tissue by inhibiting ROCK1 expression, which reduces cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and by enhancing mitochondrial ATP synthase δ-subunit activity to restore cellular energy production. These combined actions help preserve cardiac function following oxygen deprivation, though these findings have not yet been replicated in human clinical trials.

### Does notoginsenoside R1 have anti-inflammatory properties?

Yes, preclinical research demonstrates that notoginsenoside R1 suppresses inflammation by blocking TNF-α-induced overexpression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) through inhibition of ERK1/2 and PI3K/PKB phosphorylation in endothelial cells. It also appears to downregulate NF-κB-dependent cytokine production, including IL-6 and IL-1β, at concentrations of approximately 10–50 μM in cell culture experiments.

### Can notoginsenoside R1 interact with blood thinners like warfarin?

A clinically significant interaction is plausible because notoginsenoside R1 inhibits PAI-1 and has demonstrated antiplatelet-like effects in preclinical models, which could additively increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants such as warfarin, heparin, or antiplatelet drugs like clopidogrel. No formal pharmacokinetic drug interaction studies in humans exist, so caution and medical supervision are strongly advised for anyone on these medications.

### Is notoginsenoside R1 the same as ginsenoside Rg1?

No, notoginsenoside R1 and ginsenoside Rg1 are distinct but structurally related dammarane-type saponins. Notoginsenoside R1 is unique to Panax notoginseng and carries an additional glucose unit attached at C-6, while ginsenoside Rg1 is found in multiple Panax species and has a different glycosylation pattern, resulting in measurably different receptor binding affinities and pharmacological profiles in preclinical studies.

### What does clinical research show about notoginsenoside R1's effects on brain health?

Current research demonstrates that notoginsenoside R1 exhibits neuroprotective properties by reducing amyloid-β-induced neuronal damage and suppressing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in laboratory studies. However, most evidence comes from in vitro and animal models, with limited human clinical trials available to confirm these effects in living subjects. More research is needed to establish effective dosages and real-world efficacy for cognitive or neurodegenerative conditions in humans.

### Is notoginsenoside R1 safe to take with common blood pressure medications?

While notoginsenoside R1 has not been extensively studied for interactions with antihypertensive medications, caution is warranted because it may have additive blood pressure-lowering effects based on its cardiovascular mechanisms. Individuals taking ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers should consult their healthcare provider before supplementing with notoginsenoside R1 to avoid hypotension. Always inform your doctor about any herbal supplements you plan to take alongside prescription medications.

### Who is most likely to benefit from notoginsenoside R1 supplementation?

Individuals with cardiovascular concerns, elevated inflammatory markers, or age-related cognitive decline may theoretically benefit based on the ingredient's mechanisms, though human clinical evidence remains limited. Athletes or those with high oxidative stress might also be candidates due to its ROS-suppressing properties, though such applications lack robust human studies. Currently, the strongest evidence supports use in those with existing heart health concerns, but supplementation decisions should be made with a healthcare provider given the limited clinical trial data.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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