The difference between Andrographis paniculata and Panax notoginseng

Andrographis paniculata and Panax notoginseng are both popular Chinese herbal medicines. Both are very practical. Friends who like Chinese medicine should have heard of their names. So how much do you know about their respective functions and differences? Below we will introduce the basic characteristics, growth environment and functions of Andrographis paniculata and Panax notoginseng, so as to help you distinguish the difference between Andrographis paniculata and Panax notoginseng.

1. Basic characteristics

1. Andrographis paniculata. It is an annual plant with more branches on the lower branches and fewer leaves on the inflorescence axis. Its flower bracts are very small, the corolla is also very small, the color is white, and the lower lip has purple markings. It is mainly planted and cultivated in Fujian Province, Guangdong Province, Hainan Province, Guangxi Province and Yunnan Province in my country.

2. Panax notoginseng. Its trunk is conical or cylindrical, gray-brown or gray-yellow in color, with stem scars on the top and tumor-like protrusions around it. Panax notoginseng is mainly planted and cultivated in Yunnan Province of my country.

2. Growth Environment

1. Andrographis paniculata. It likes a climate with high temperature and high humidity, plenty of sunlight and plenty of fertilizer. Its favorite temperature for seed germination and seedling growth is 25-30 degrees Celsius. If the temperature drops to 15-20 degrees Celsius, its growth rate will slow down. If the temperature drops to around 8 degrees Celsius, it will stop growing. If the temperature reaches around 0 degrees Celsius or there is frost or freezing weather, the whole plant will wither and die. Andrographis paniculata grows best in fertile, loose and well-drained neutral or acidic soil.

2. Panax notoginseng. It likes a warm climate and cannot withstand severe cold or heat. It likes humidity but cannot tolerate waterlogging. The temperature for growth in summer cannot exceed 38 degrees Celsius. It can grow at temperatures above minus 10 degrees Celsius in winter, but it grows best between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. Panax notoginseng prefers sandy soil or oily sand soil, and can also grow in yellow mud and brown soil, but it cannot grow normally in low-lying areas.

3. Efficacy and effects

1. Andrographis paniculata. It has the effects of reducing fever, clearing toxins, and relieving inflammation and pain. It can treat tonsillitis, pneumonia, enteritis, colds and other diseases. It can also be used externally to treat swelling, pain and traumatic infection.

2. Panax notoginseng. It is a very precious medicinal material in my country. It has the effect of dredging meridians and eliminating swelling and pain since ancient times. It contains more effective active substances than ginseng, so it is also known as the "king of ginseng".