Home Ingredients Codonopsis lanceolata (Deodeok / Korean Bonnet Bellflower)
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Codonopsis lanceolata (Deodeok / Korean Bonnet Bellflower)

Codonopsis lanceolata — Campanulaceae perennial herb
Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
7 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Korean Deodeok (더덕) / Sasam (沙蔘, 'sand ginseng') - a Campanulaceae perennial herb. Distinct from Codonopsis pilosula (Chinese Dang Shen) - same genus but different species, different active compounds, and different traditional indications. Korean and Chinese TCM use for bronchitis, asthma, cough, tuberculosis, dyspepsia, and psychoneurosis. Most clinical evidence is at the protocol stage or in mouse models.

Studied Dose TCM 9-15 g/day root decoction; sarcopenia RCT 750 mg/day water-extract tablet.
Active Compound Tangshenoside I, lobetyolin, deodeokaloid (indole alkaloid), polyacetylenes, phenylpropanoids, triterpenoids, polysaccharides.

Benefits

Sarcopenia 12-week RCT protocol (Kyung Hee)

A Kyung Hee University RCT protocol randomized 104 adults with reduced muscle strength to a C. lanceolata water-extract tablet vs placebo for sarcopenia. Note: this is a protocol publication - outcome data publication awaited.

Supported by Trial 1

Cognitive enhancement in mice

Fermented C. lanceolata (300, 500, 800 mg/kg) ameliorated scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment in mice. Mechanistic findings: inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE, the same target as donepezil), increased BDNF and CREB expression. Preclinical mouse evidence supporting a cognitive-support rationale; human translation pending.

Supported by Trial 2

Anti-obesity in diet-induced obese mice

Anti-obesity activity in diet-induced obese mice. Preclinical evidence; human metabolic translation not established.

Supported by Trial 3

Marker compound standardization

Quantitative analysis of tangshenoside I and lobetyolin marker compounds. Tangshenoside I is structurally similar to dangshenoside I in C. pilosula (shared genus chemistry); lobetyolin is a distinguishing polyacetylene marker. Standardization framework supporting quality control for clinical preparations.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 1

Deodeokaloid antimicrobial discovery (, 2024)

Discovery of deodeokaloid, a newly characterized indole alkaloid N-glycoside in C. lanceolata. Reported H. pylori activity, NO modulation, and antioxidant effects. Recent compound characterization expanding the bioactive profile.

Supported by Trial 3

Traditional pulmonary use

Korean and Chinese TCM use for bronchitis, asthma, cough, and tuberculosis — the 'sand ginseng' (沙蔘 sasam) tradition emphasizes lung-focused applications. Distinct from C. pilosula (Dang Shen) which is spleen-focused in TCM theory. Limited modern clinical evidence specifically for pulmonary indications.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Korean culinary integration

Deodeok is consumed as food in Korea: deodeok-gui (gochujang-marinated grilled vegetarian main dish), jeon (pan-fried), kimchi, fusion salads, and deodeok-ju (traditional alcohol). Extensive dietary use record supports the favorable safety profile.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Acetylcholinesterase inhibition (cognitive)

A mouse study found fermented C. lanceolata inhibited acetylcholinesterase, the same enzyme target as donepezil (an Alzheimer's medication). It preserves acetylcholine in synapses and supports memory and attention. The preclinical effect is modest, not comparable to pharmaceutical AChE inhibitors.

2

BDNF and CREB neurotrophic upregulation

Increased BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and CREB expression, neurotrophic mechanisms supporting memory consolidation and synaptic plasticity. This is a mouse model finding.

3

Lobetyolin polyacetylene bioactivity

Lobetyolin is the polyacetylene marker compound distinguishing C. lanceolata from C. pilosula (which contains codonopsine). Polyacetylenes have documented anti-inflammatory and other bioactivities — the chemistry basis for the species-level distinction.

4

Anti-obesity phenolic compound profile

HPLC-DAD characterized phenolic compounds with anti-obesity activity in C57BL/6 mice. The multi-compound phenolic profile contributes to the metabolic-effect rationale.

5

Pulmonary anti-inflammatory (TCM lung-focused)

TCM tradition positions C. lanceolata as 'lung-focused' for bronchitis, asthma, and cough. Modern mechanistic work on the pulmonary anti-inflammatory pathway specifically is limited — the traditional indication has not been confirmed in modern clinical trials.

6

Deodeokaloid + indole alkaloid antimicrobial

A 2024 deodeokaloid discovery characterized an indole alkaloid N-glycoside with H. pylori activity and antioxidant effects. Recent compound characterization adding an antimicrobial dimension to the bioactive profile.

Clinical trials

1
Sarcopenia 12-Week Clinical Trial Protocol Kyung Hee

Clinical evidence on Codonopsis lanceolata (Deodeok / Korean Bonnet Bellflower) for the indications and outcomes described.

104 adults

Park S et al. 2022 (Medicine 101:e30773). Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital at Gangdong clinical trial protocol for sarcopenia. 104 adults with reduced muscle strength, 750 mg C. lanceolata water-extract tablet vs crystalline cellulose placebo, 12 weeks. First clinical trial in adults with reduced muscle strength — protocol publication; outcome data publication awaited.

2
Cognitive Enhancement Mouse Study

Clinical evidence on Codonopsis lanceolata (Deodeok / Korean Bonnet Bellflower) for the indications and outcomes described.

Clinical population described in trial publication.

Fermented C. lanceolata at 300, 500, 800 mg/kg ameliorated scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment in mice. Mechanistic findings: AchE inhibition, increased BDNF and CREB expression. Preclinical mouse evidence; human translation pending.

3
Anti-Obesity C57BL/6 Mice

Clinical evidence on Codonopsis lanceolata (Deodeok / Korean Bonnet Bellflower) for the indications and outcomes described.

Clinical population described in trial publication.

Lee S et al. 2014 (Nutrients 6:4663) — anti-obesity activity in C57BL/6 diet-induced obese mice. HPLC-DAD characterized phenolic compounds. Preclinical only; human metabolic translation not established.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated; extensive Korean culinary use record (deodeok food).
Mild GI upset (rare).
Pregnancy/lactation: TCM record but limited Western data.
Allergic reactions in Campanulaceae sensitive individuals.
Long-term safety: 12-week RCT supportive + extensive Korean dietary use.
Distinguishing from C. pilosula (Dang Shen) — different active compounds + indications.

Important Drug interactions

Cholinergic medications (donepezil, etc.): theoretical additive effect (AchE inhibition mechanism).
Most medications: no documented interactions.
Other adaptogens: compatible.
Anticoagulants: no documented interactions.
Antibiotics for H. pylori: theoretical complementary effect (deodeokaloid antimicrobial).

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Frequently asked questions about Codonopsis lanceolata (Deodeok / Korean Bonnet Bellflower)

What is Codonopsis lanceolata used for?

Codonopsis lanceolata (deodeok) is a root used as both a food and tonic herb in Korea and China, valued for respiratory and immune support, energy, and as a nourishing tonic. It is related to dang shen.

What is Codonopsis lanceolata good for?

It is traditionally used to support the lungs and respiratory comfort, immune and digestive function, and general vitality, and it is eaten as a flavorful root vegetable in Korean cuisine.

How much Codonopsis lanceolata should I take?

It is used as a food, decoction, or extract; follow product or practitioner guidance. The fresh root is also prepared as a side dish.

Is Codonopsis lanceolata safe?

As a food and traditional tonic it is generally considered safe and gentle. Those with medical conditions or on medication should check with a knowledgeable practitioner or doctor.

What is Codonopsis lanceolata?

Korean Deodeok (더덕) / Sasam (沙蔘, 'sand ginseng') - a Campanulaceae perennial herb. Distinct from Codonopsis pilosula (Chinese Dang Shen) - same genus but different species, different active compounds, and different traditional indications.

What is the recommended dosage of Codonopsis lanceolata?

The clinically studied dose is TCM 9-15 g/day root decoction; sarcopenia RCT 750 mg/day water-extract tablet. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Codonopsis lanceolata safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Codonopsis lanceolata is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated; extensive Korean culinary use record (deodeok food). Mild GI upset (rare). It may also interact with some medications. Codonopsis lanceolata is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Codonopsis lanceolata interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Cholinergic medications (donepezil, etc.): theoretical additive effect (AchE inhibition mechanism). Most medications: no documented interactions. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Codonopsis lanceolata?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Codonopsis lanceolata as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 3 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(3 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Weon JB, Eom MR, Jung YS, et al. Steamed and Fermented Ethanolic Extract from Codonopsis lanceolata Attenuates Amyloid-β-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016;2016:1473801. doi: 10.1155/2016/1473801.PubMedUsed to support: Animal study (mice) showing processed Codonopsis lanceolata extract reversed amyloid-β-induced memory deficits via acetylcholinesterase inhibition; active compounds identified as lancemasides including lancemaside A. Supports cognitive enhancement benefit claim; animal evidence only.
  2. Lee JS, Kim KJ, Kim YH, et al. Codonopsis lanceolata extract prevents diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice Nutrients. 2014;6(11):4663-77. doi: 10.3390/nu6114663.PubMedUsed to support: Animal study showing Codonopsis lanceolata extract reduced body weight, adipose tissue weight, serum triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose and insulin in high-fat diet-fed mice. Supports anti-obesity benefit claim; animal evidence only.
  3. Kim TY, Park KT, Choung SY Codonopsis lanceolata and its active component Tangshenoside I ameliorate skeletal muscle atrophy via regulating the PI3K/Akt and SIRT1/PGC-1α pathways Phytomedicine. 2022;100:154058. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154058.PubMedUsed to support: In vitro/animal study demonstrating Codonopsis lanceolata and its active compound Tangshenoside I promote muscle protein synthesis and mitochondrial function via PI3K/Akt and SIRT1/PGC-1α pathways, suggesting potential for muscle atrophy prevention. Provides mechanistic basis for sarcopenia-related benefit claim; not yet a human RCT.