Pharmacological and Clinical Evaluation of Taizishen (Radix Pseudostellariae) in the Development of Jiangtang Tongmai Capsules

Diabetes mellitus and its vascular complications have become a major global health burden. Modern pharmacological strategies focus not only on lowering blood glucose but also on protecting vascular integrity and improving metabolic resilience.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the pathogenesis of diabetes, known as “Xiaoke syndrome,” is primarily linked to Qi deficiency, Yin damage, and stagnation of blood flow.

This paper explores the pharmacodynamic properties, biochemical mechanisms, and synergistic effects of Taizishen in the context of Jiangtang Tongmai formulation, demonstrating how traditional principles and modern pharmacology converge in antidiabetic therapy.

Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Overview

Botanical Source: Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax.
Family: Caryophyllaceae.
Common Names: Taizishen, Radix Pseudostellariae, Pseudostellaria Root, Prince Ginseng Root, Heterophylly False Starwort Root.

Taizishen is a perennial herbaceous root with morphological similarity to ginseng but with milder tonic strength. It is traditionally used for replenishing Qi, generating body fluids, strengthening the spleen, and alleviating fatigue. These pharmacological characteristics align closely with the Qi-deficiency pattern observed in diabetes mellitus, where poor energy metabolism contributes to hyperglycemia and microvascular dysfunction.

Chemical Constituents

Modern analytical studies have identified key bioactive components, including:

• Polysaccharides — primary immunomodulatory and hypoglycemic constituents.

• Saponins — mild adaptogens that enhance glucose utilization.

• Amino acids and trace elements — supporting cellular metabolism and insulin receptor function.

• Flavonoids and phenolic acids — antioxidative agents that protect vascular endothelial cells from oxidative stress.

These constituents form the biochemical foundation for Radix Pseudostellariae’s multifaceted effects on glucose metabolism and vascular repair.

Pharmacological Mechanisms in Hypoglycemic Therapy

Regulation of Glucose Metabolism

Experimental studies have demonstrated that Pseudostellaria Root polysaccharides exhibit hypoglycemic activity by enhancing the sensitivity of insulin receptors and modulating hepatic glycogen metabolism.
Animal models of type 2 diabetes show that Taizishen administration significantly:

• Lowers fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c levels.

• Enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells via activation of the AMPK pathway.

• Reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis by downregulating PEPCK and G6Pase expression.

This dual regulation — improving glucose utilization while reducing hepatic glucose production — represents a balanced, physiological approach to blood sugar control.

Protection of Pancreatic β-Cells

Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress is a primary cause of β-cell dysfunction. Taizishen polysaccharides demonstrate antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, reducing ROS accumulation and preserving insulin-secreting capacity.
Histopathological analysis confirms that Radix Pseudostellariae extract reduces pancreatic cell apoptosis and supports β-cell regeneration through Nrf2-mediated antioxidant signaling.

Vascular Protection and Microcirculation Improvement

Diabetes-related vascular complications arise from endothelial injury, inflammation, and microcirculatory obstruction. In the Jiangtang Tongmai Capsule, Taizishen functions as a Qi-replenishing and vessel-protective herb, complementing blood-activating components like Danshen and Huangqi.

Endothelial Function Regulation

Research shows that Taizishen increases nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and reduces endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression, restoring vascular tone balance. It also protects endothelial cells from advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-induced oxidative damage.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Actions

Chronic inflammation is central to diabetic angiopathy. Taizishen polysaccharides inhibit the NF-κB pathway, thereby reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.
Simultaneously, the herb enhances the activity of endogenous antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), mitigating vascular oxidative stress.

Improvement of Blood Rheology

Clinical pharmacology demonstrates that Prince Ginseng Root can reduce blood viscosity, inhibit platelet aggregation, and improve microcirculatory flow, contributing to its “tongmai” (channel-unblocking) effect in the capsule formulation.

Synergy within Jiangtang Tongmai Capsule Formulation

The Jiangtang Tongmai Capsule combines Taizishen with herbs such as:

• Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi): Strengthens Qi, enhances immunity, and promotes tissue repair.

• Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen): Improves microcirculation and protects myocardium.

• Rehmannia glutinosa (Shudihuang): Nourishes Yin and replenishes essence.

• Panax notoginseng (Sanqi): Promotes blood flow and reduces vascular inflammation.

Role of Taizishen in the Formula

Taizishen functions as a Qi and Yin harmonizer, supporting both the metabolic and circulatory components of the formula. It ensures that while glucose levels are reduced and blood flow is improved, the patient’s energy reserves and digestive function are not compromised — a common issue in long-term hypoglycemic therapy.

ynergistic Enhancement

Pharmacodynamic studies confirm that combining Taizishen with Astragalus and Danshen enhances hypoglycemic and vasodilatory effects compared to single herb use.
The synergy is attributed to multi-pathway modulation involving:

• AMPK activation for glucose control.

• eNOS upregulation for endothelial function.

• NF-κB suppression for anti-inflammatory action.

Clinical Evidence and Therapeutic Outcomes

Experimental Data

In diabetic rat models, Jiangtang Tongmai Capsules containing Taizishen significantly:

• Reduced fasting blood glucose by 25–30% within 4 weeks.

• Improved lipid profiles (↓TG, ↓LDL, ↑HDL).

• Enhanced microvascular perfusion in retina and kidney tissues.

Histological analysis indicated marked reduction in vascular basement membrane thickening and oxidative cell injury in treated groups.

Clinical Observation

Clinical applications in hospitals across China show that patients with type 2 diabetes treated with Jiangtang Tongmai Capsules (with Taizishen as a key ingredient) demonstrate:

• Improved glycemic stability.

• Reduction in symptoms of fatigue, thirst, and limb numbness.

• Lower incidence of peripheral neuropathy and microangiopathy.

No adverse effects such as hypoglycemic shock or gastrointestinal irritation were reported, confirming Taizishen’s safety and tolerability.

Pharmacological Safety and Toxicology

Toxicological evaluations affirm that Heterophylly False Starwort Root is non-toxic at therapeutic dosages. Chronic administration studies reveal no hepatic or renal toxicity, and its polysaccharide-based activity avoids pharmacological dependence or withdrawal effects.

Its mild nature also makes it appropriate for long-term adjunct therapy, particularly in elderly or Qi-deficient diabetic patients, who often cannot tolerate stronger stimulatory tonics.

Modern Research and Development Prospects

Extraction and Standardization

Advanced extraction methods — such as ultrasonic-assisted water extraction and membrane concentration — are used to standardize Taizishen polysaccharide content for consistent pharmacological potency in Jiangtang Tongmai production.

Future Clinical Applications

Emerging studies suggest that Radix Pseudostellariae may:

• Improve insulin sensitivity via gut microbiota modulation.

• Support endothelial progenitor cell activity in vascular repair.

• Act as a functional nutraceutical in diabetic dietary management.

This provides a scientific basis for expanding Taizishen’s application from pharmaceutical capsules to functional food and health supplement formulations.

Discussion

The role of Taizishen in Jiangtang Tongmai Capsule formulation exemplifies the integration of traditional Qi theory and modern metabolic science.
By tonifying Qi, improving glucose metabolism, protecting vascular endothelium, and regulating inflammation, Prince Ginseng Root addresses both the cause (Qi and Yin deficiency) and the consequence (vascular dysfunction) of diabetes.

Its pharmacological gentleness ensures sustained benefits without overstimulation, aligning with modern concepts of metabolic balance and chronic disease management.

Conclusion

Taizishen (Radix Pseudostellariae / Pseudostellaria Root / Prince Ginseng Root / Heterophylly False Starwort Root) plays a pivotal role in the formulation of Jiangtang Tongmai Capsules, serving as a foundational herb that bridges Qi-tonification, metabolic regulation, and vascular protection.

Its hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and endothelial-protective properties provide a multi-target therapeutic approach suitable for the management of diabetes and its complications.
Future research should continue to explore molecular pathways and standardized extraction processes to optimize its clinical efficacy and global recognition as a scientifically validated TCM antidiabetic ingredient.