San Qi Powder (Panax notoginseng powder)

San Qi Powder (Panax notoginseng powder) is not typically consumed for macronutrient value but rather for its dense bioactive compound profile. Per typical serving (1–3 g): Macronutrients (per 100 g dry powder, approximate): Protein: 4–8 g; Carbohydrates: 55–70 g (primarily starch and polysaccharides); Fat: 1–2 g; Dietary Fiber: 15–25 g; Calories: ~250–310 kcal. Key Bioactive Compounds: Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS, also called notoginsenosides) constitute 8–12% of dry weight, with major individual saponins including: Notoginsenoside R1 (~0.8–1.5%), Ginsenoside Rg1 (~2.0–3.5%), Ginsenoside Rb1 (~2.5–4.0%), Ginsenoside Re (~0.5–1.2%), Ginsenoside Rd (~0.3–0.8%). Flavonoids: Quercetin and kaempferol glycosides (~0.5–1.0% total flavonoids). Polysaccharides: Sanqi polysaccharides (SQPS) ~5–10%, exhibiting immunomodulatory activity. Dencichine (β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid): ~0.5–1.0%, responsible for hemostatic (blood-clotting) properties. Minerals (per 100 g): Iron: 5–10 mg; Calcium: 50–80 mg; Potassium: 200–350 mg; Magnesium: 30–60 mg; Zinc: 1–3 mg; Manganese: 2–5 mg; Phosphorus: 100–180 mg. Vitamins: Trace amounts of B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B6); Vitamin E (tocopherols): ~1–3 mg/100 g. Amino acids: Contains all essential amino acids in small quantities; notably rich in arginine and glutamic acid. Volatile oils: ~0.1–0.2%, including β-elemene and α-guaiene, contributing mild anti-inflammatory effects. Phytosterols: β-sitosterol and stigmasterol (~0.1–0.3%), supporting cholesterol modulation. 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 bacteria into compound K (a more bioactive metabolite). Notoginsenoside R1 bioavailability is estimated at ~5–8%. Co-administration with warm water or mild heat processing may enhance saponin extraction and absorption. Polysaccharide fractions show improved absorption when taken on an empty stomach. Dencichine is relatively well absorbed orally. The flavonoid glycosides require deglycosylation by gut flora for optimal absorption. Fat-soluble components (phytosterols, vitamin E) benefit from co-ingestion with dietary fats.