Food · Fermented foods

Tsuru-ninjin (Codonopsis Root)

つるにんじん (Tsuru-ninjin)

Also known as: Tsuru-ninjin, Codonopsis lanceolata root, 蔓人参, Todok (Korean)

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameつるにんじん
Common Japanese notationsつるにんじん, 蔓人参, ツルニンジン
OriginCodonopsis lanceolata root, wild-foraged in mountain regions; long medicinal-food heritage
Typical functionsHeritage medicinal-food specialty, Korean-cuisine influenced (todok-namul)
Regulatory status in JapanStandard agricultural product labeling. Heritage cuisine. Not a designated allergen.

Tsuru-ninjin (つるにんじん / 蔓人参) is the root of Codonopsis lanceolata, with long heritage as a medicinal food in Japan and Korea (where it is called todok). Niche specialty positioning.

Classification

Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.

Functions

Regulatory tags

Used in (typical product categories)

Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.

  • Limited specialty supply

What it is

Tsuru-ninjin is Codonopsis lanceolata root, distinguished from common carrot / ninjin.

Typical uses in Japanese products

Heritage medicinal-food preparations.

Korean-influenced todok-namul.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. Heritage cuisine. Not a designated allergen.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUNiche specialty positioning.
USANiche specialty positioning.
ChinaChina has Codonopsis (党参) tradition.
KoreaKorea has substantial todok (더덕) culture.

Example products

Example finished products will be added after verification.

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Related ingredients

References

  1. MEXT Standard Tables of Food Composition — つるにんじん

Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.

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