A team of researchers from Toho University has identified 27 chemical compounds in the roots of Codonopsis lanceolata, a plant known as “Tsuruninjin,” grown in Nagano Prefecture. Their study, published in Chemistry on January 6, 2025, revealed that the major compound, lancemaside A, exhibits significant vasodilatory effects, suggesting potential applications as a health-promoting material.
The research group, led by Associate Professor Takashi Kikuchi and Professor Wei Li, used high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to analyze the roots of Codonopsis lanceolata. They identified a diverse range of compounds, including triterpenoid saponins, polyacetylenes, and flavonoids. Notably, this study is the first systematic report on the chemical composition of Japanese Codonopsis lanceolata.
Further experiments on rat aortic ring specimens demonstrated that lancemaside A, one of the plant’s major compounds, had significant vasodilatory effects. These findings highlight the potential of Codonopsis lanceolata as a natural health material, particularly for cardiovascular health.
“Our study provides a foundation for understanding the health benefits of Codonopsis lanceolata, especially its vasodilatory properties,” said Dr. Takashi Kikuchi, one of the lead authors.
The discovery of lancemaside A’s vasodilatory effects opens new avenues for research into natural health materials. Future studies could explore its applications in promoting cardiovascular health and other therapeutic uses.
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