Radix polygalae

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

Radix Senegae; Rattlesnake Root; Senegae radix; Senega root

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Polygalae radix, also known as senegal root, is a drug used in herbal medicines to treat, among other things, an upper respiratory catarrh.

IngredientsThis section has been translated automatically.

Polygalae radix contains saponins (6 to 10% - common aglycon = presenegin); the main saponin = Senegin II and saponin Tenuifolin; furthermore polygalic acid, coumaric acid, salicylic acid, methysalicylate and oligosaccharides.

EffectsThis section has been translated automatically.

The Senega root has a secretolytic and expectorant effect. Furthermore, antidepressant effects are attributed to the extract.

Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.

Polygalae radix is used according to commission E for the treatment of a catarrh of the upper airways. Further indications according to the ESCOP or WHO monograph are chronic bronchitis, productive cough or emphysema.

DosageThis section has been translated automatically.

The daily dosage is 1.5 to 3.0 g of the drug, when using a fluid extract it is also 1.5 to 3.0 g, when using a tincture 2.5 to 7.5 g

Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.

Prolonged use of Senega root may cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Standard concentrationThis section has been translated automatically.

There are no known contraindications.

InteractionsThis section has been translated automatically.

There are no known interactions with other drugs.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Liu P et al (2010) Potential antidepressant properties of Radix Polygalae (Yuan Zhi). Phytomedicine 17:794-799.
  2. Shin IJ et al (2014) Preclinical evidence of rapid-onset antidepressant-like effect in Radix Polygalae extract. PLoS One 9:e88617.
  3. Zhang H et al (2007) Effects of tenuifolin extracted from radix polygalae on learning and memory: a behavioral and biochemical study on aged and amnesic mice. Phytomedicins 15:587-594.
  4. Zhao Z et al (2013) Potential antiarrhythmic effect of methyl 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamate, a bioactive substance from roots of polygalae radix: suppression of triggered activities in rabbit myocytes. Biol Pharm Bull 36:238-244.

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter AltmeyerProf. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles