Polygala Tenuifolia
Known as Yuan Zhi in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Polygala tenuifolia has been used for thousands of years as a 'will-strengthening' and memory-enhancing herb. Modern research shows it enhances BDNF expression, inhibits acetylcholinesterase, and promotes neurogenesis. Users commonly report improved verbal fluency, dream vividness, and motivation. One of the more noticeable adaptogens with acute effects.
Dosage
Standard: 100-300 mg extract daily (standardized to 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose or polygalasaponins). Can be taken morning or evening. Some users take it before bed for dream enhancement. Effects noticeable within hours of first dose.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
3-6 hours (tenuigenin and polygalasaponins)
Administration
Oral (capsules, powder, tincture). Extract preferred over raw root for potency and reduced GI irritation.
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Mechanism of Action
The saponins (tenuigenin, polygalasaponins, onjisaponins) and oligosaccharide esters (3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose, tenuifolisides) have multiple neurological actions. They inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at the catalytic site, increasing synaptic acetylcholine and enhancing muscarinic M1/M4 and nicotinic receptor signaling. They promote BDNF and NGF expression via CREB and ERK/MAPK pathways, supporting neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in the hippocampus and subventricular zone. They modulate NMDA receptor function (possibly as positive allosteric modulators at the glycine site) and enhance long-term potentiation (LTP) via CaMKII and PKC. The anti-depressant effects involve monoaminergic modulation — increasing dopamine and norepinephrine via MAO inhibition or reuptake modulation — and HPA axis regulation (reducing CRH and cortisol). Tenuigenin may also activate TrkB receptors directly.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement. Traditional Chinese Medicine ingredient. Not FDA-approved for any medical condition.
Risks & Safety
Common
Nausea, gastrointestinal irritation (take with food).
Serious
Limited long-term safety data in Western research.
Rare
Throat irritation, excessive salivation.
Compare Polygala Tenuifolia With
Research Papers
10Published: December 20, 2020
AI Summary
However, lacking effective drugs is the biggest handicap in treating AD. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Polygala tenuifolia Willd. (Polygalaceae) is generally used to treat insomnia, memory dysfunction and neurasthenia.Objective: This review article explores the role of P. tenuifolia and its active components in anti-Alzheimer's disease.
Published: July 9, 2024
AI Summary
This study aims to elucidate the intervention effects of saponin components from Polygala tenuifolia Willd (Polygalaceae) on dementia, providing experimental evidence and new insights for the research and application of saponins in the field of dementia.
Published: September 3, 2024
AI Summary
Polygala tenuifolia, a traditional Chinese medicine with strong expectorant properties, can be used to treat pneumonia. Owing to the complexity of its composition, the main active ingredient is not yet known.
Published: January 11, 2023
AI Summary
The combination of PT and AT plus conventional drugs had a significantly more favorable benefit in clinical effectiveness [RR = 1.27, 95%CI: (1.12, 1.44); p = 0.0002; I 2 = 0%]. However, the very low to low quality of available evidence limits confidence in the findings.
Published: May 9, 2024
AI Summary
Polygala tenuifolia is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of application, with the efficacy of suppressing cough, calming asthma, tranquilizing the mind, and benefiting the intellect. It is classified as a top-quality medicine in Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica.
Published: July 17, 2022
AI Summary
However, there is no systematic literature that fully demonstrates the pharmacological effects of senegenin. In order to meet the needs of new drug research and precise medication, this review summarized the neuroprotective effects, mechanisms and gastrointestinal toxicity of senegenin based on the literatures published from the past 2 deca...
Published: October 5, 2023
AI Summary
PWSO treatment effectively improves the level of hepatitic inflammation, such as reducing IL-6 levels and TNF-α level. This study demonstrated that PWSO can be used as a relatively potent dietary supplement to inhibit the occurrence and development of MAFLD.
Published: November 30, 2019
AI Summary
The protective indices of these four compounds compared favorably with stiripentol, lacosamide, carbamazepine and valproic acid. 68-70 exhibited good LDH1 and LDH5 inhibitory activities with noncompetitive inhibition type, and were more potent than stiripentol.
Published: November 29, 2022
AI Summary
Increasing scientific evidence has demonstrated that the roots of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. have pharmacological effects related to anti-inflammation. A molecular docking study showed that TCMB (11) has strong binding affinities with iNOS and COX-2.
Published: June 11, 2025
AI Summary
Extract (EPT) can significantly suppress the PGE2 inflammatory pathway, thereby exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as improving lipid metabolism. These findings suggest that EPT might hold potential value for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polygala Tenuifolia used for?
Known as Yuan Zhi in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Polygala tenuifolia has been used for thousands of years as a 'will-strengthening' and memory-enhancing herb. Modern research shows it enhances BDNF expression, inhibits acetylcholinesterase, and promotes neurogenesis. Users commonly report improved verbal fluency, dream vividness, and motivation. One of the more noticeable adaptogens with acute effects.
What are the side effects of Polygala Tenuifolia?
Common: Nausea, gastrointestinal irritation (take with food). Serious: Limited long-term safety data in Western research. Rare: Throat irritation, excessive salivation.
How is Polygala Tenuifolia administered?
Polygala Tenuifolia is administered via oral (capsules, powder, tincture). extract preferred over raw root for potency and reduced gi irritation..
What is the half-life of Polygala Tenuifolia?
The half-life of Polygala Tenuifolia is 3-6 hours (tenuigenin and polygalasaponins).
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