San Qi (Panax notoginseng)

San Qi (Panax notoginseng) is not typically consumed as a macronutrient source but is valued for its dense bioactive compound profile. Key constituents include: Saponins (Notoginsenosides/Ginsenosides): Total saponin content ranges from 8–12% of dried root weight, with major compounds being notoginsenoside R1 (~1.0–1.8%), ginsenoside Rg1 (~2.0–3.5%), ginsenoside Rb1 (~2.5–4.5%), ginsenoside Re (~0.5–1.2%), and ginsenoside Rd (~0.5–1.0%). These dammarane-type triterpene saponins are the primary bioactive agents responsible for hemostatic, cardiovascular, and anti-inflammatory effects. Flavonoids: Quercetin and kaempferol glycosides present at approximately 0.5–1.5% of dried weight, contributing to antioxidant capacity. Polysaccharides: Sanqi polysaccharides (SQPS) comprise roughly 5–10% of dried root, with immunomodulatory and hypoglycemic activities. Dencichine (β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid): Present at approximately 0.5–1.0% of dried root; a non-protein amino acid primarily responsible for hemostatic (blood-clotting) activity. Phytosterols: β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and daucosterol at trace-to-moderate levels (~0.1–0.3%). Volatile oils: Including sesquiterpenes and polyacetylenes such as panaxynol and panaxydol at trace amounts (~0.05–0.2%), contributing to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. Minerals: Contains iron (~5–15 mg/100g), calcium (~50–120 mg/100g), manganese, zinc, and trace amounts of selenium and chromium. Amino acids: Contains approximately 7–10% total protein by dry weight, including essential amino acids such as leucine, lysine, and valine, though it is not consumed in quantities meaningful for protein nutrition. Vitamins: Trace amounts of B-group vitamins and vitamin E. Bioavailability notes: Oral bioavailability of ginsenoside Rg1 is relatively low (~2–5%) due to extensive first-pass metabolism and gut microbiota-mediated hydrolysis. Ginsenoside Rb1 has similarly low oral bioavailability (~1–4%) but is converted by intestinal flora to more bioavailable metabolites such as compound K (20-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol). Notoginsenoside R1 has moderate absorption (~5–8%). Dencichine is relatively well absorbed orally. Processing methods (steaming to create 'shu sanqi') alter ginsenoside ratios, converting protopanaxatriol-type saponins into protopanaxadiol-type metabolites, which can shift pharmacological profile and bioavailability. Co-administration with lipid-based carriers or phospholipid complexes has been shown to enhance saponin absorption by 2–3 fold.