The Notopterygium Root, Notopterygium incisum, is perennial herb native to east Asia. Its root and rhizome parts of the plant have long been used for their medicinal properties, and the plant continues to be thoroughly studied to this day. As a result of its numerous beneficial and healing qualities, it has become endangered due to excessive cultivation as a commercial product.

Notopterygium incisum grows naturally in the provinces of Gansu, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Xizang, China.

In a study of both the roots and rhizome, it was found that they have a total of 24 different compounds. The most notable compounds include: Furocoumarins such as notopterol which have anti-proliferative (anti-cell growth), and apoptotic (cell death) effects on certain cancer cells; Falcarindiol which induces expression of antioxidant enzymes; Phenethyl ferulate, which is similar to anti-inflammatory medications as a COX inflammatory pathway inhibitor (inhibits inflammatory response of the nervous system associated with pain and swelling).