Polygala / yuan zhi (远志)

Polygala tenuifolia

Chinese

Photo credit: Tecophila Colla-Billotti

Safety information

Toxicity: Saponins are gastric/throat irritants — raw or high-dose can cause nausea/vomiting; processing reduces this.

Contraindications: Gastritis/ulcer; large doses; pregnancy data limited.

Interactions: Additive CNS depression with sedatives (theoretical).

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Pregnancy data limited.

Evidence level

Preclinical

Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.

Preparations

honey-processed (to reduce throat irritation) · root

Part used: root

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

in formula · root

Part used: root

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

decoction · root

Part used: root

Traditional use: calms the spirit, opens the heart orifices, expels phlegm, dispels swelling; insomnia, palpitations, forgetfulness, productive cough

Proposed mechanism: triterpenoid saponins (onjisaponins, tenuifolin), xanthones, oligosaccharide esters — neuroprotective, cognition-enhancing, sedative, expectorant

Evidence:Preclinical

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

forgetfulness Cough Insomnia / poor sleep Arrhythmia / palpitations

Nutritional notes

n/a

Healing traditions

Chinese

Sources (1)

[E28] Polygalae Radix metabolites/pharmacology/toxicology review (Front. Pharmacol.)

All sources →