icon Skip to content
  • HOME
  • CATALOG
    • TOP BRANDS
      • True Cellular Formulas
      • Systemic Formulas
      • PureForm Omega
      • DesBio
      • BodyHealth
      • Body Bio
    • SUPPORT PRODUCTS
      • CytoDetox®
      • CytoDetox+
      • Detoxification Support
      • Energy Support
      • Healthy Gut Support
      • Anti-Aging Support
      • Prenatal Support
      • Weight Loss Support
      • Testing & Test Kits
    • BEST SELLERS
      • ION for Gut Health
      • Great Lakes Wellness
    • CLEARANCE
      • Last Chance Clearance
  • TOP 20
  • KETO & FASTING
  • WEIGHT LOSS
  • CELLULAR HEALTH
  • ARTICLES
Log in
    Revelation Health LLC
    • HOME
    • CATALOG
      • TOP BRANDS
        • True Cellular Formulas
        • Systemic Formulas
        • PureForm Omega
        • DesBio
        • BodyHealth
        • Body Bio
      • SUPPORT PRODUCTS
        • CytoDetox®
        • CytoDetox+
        • Detoxification Support
        • Energy Support
        • Healthy Gut Support
        • Anti-Aging Support
        • Prenatal Support
        • Weight Loss Support
        • Testing & Test Kits
      • BEST SELLERS
        • ION for Gut Health
        • Great Lakes Wellness
      • CLEARANCE
        • Last Chance Clearance
    • TOP 20
    • KETO & FASTING
    • WEIGHT LOSS
    • CELLULAR HEALTH
    • ARTICLES
    Log in Cart

    Item added to your cart

    View cart
    Access Denied
    IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts

    Polygala Tenuifolia Supplement Benefits & Side Effects

    April 15, 2021
    Polygala Tenuifolia Supplement Benefits & Side Effects
    Share

    Polygala tenuifolia supplements may improve cognitive function in the elderly and memory in healthy people. Learn more about this fantastic product in our latest post.

    Medically Reviewed Label

    This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD Dr. Charles Penick


    Polygala Tenuifolia Root Benefits & Side Effects


    Thanks to the increased interest in Nootropic supplements, Polygala tenuifolia has seen a rise in interest for those looking for natural health remedies. It has also gained popularity due to its uses for cognitive disabilities like dementia.

    What is Polygala Tenuifolia? | Benefits of Polygala Tenuifolia | Side Effects of Polygala Tenuifolia | Final Thoughts


    What is Polygala Tenuifolia?


    Polygala Tenuifolia is a flowering plant native to China. Its name comes from the ancient Greek term “much milk” because it increased the amount of milk produced in cattle.  The plant is also known as “snakeroots” or “milkworts.” In traditional Chinese medicine, it is referred to as “yuan zhi” and used for many things, including forgetfulness, insomnia, and neurasthenia, a condition linked to irritability and emotional disturbances.


    Benefits of Polygala Tenuifolia


    Even though it has been used for thousands of years, researchers are studying Polygala Tenuifolia to gauge its effectiveness and potential benefits. Research on Polygala Tenuifolia using lab animals has uncovered the following:


    Memory & Learning


    Many Asian countries use Polygala Tenuifolia to enhance memory. Current research using aged mice found that Polygala tenuifolia extract improved the memory function, most likely “via its antioxidant properties and via decreasing the activities of MAO (monoamine oxidase) and AChE (acetylcholinesterase).” [1]

    In another study, the extract of dried root of Polygala Tenuifolia potentially has protective effects against neuronal death and cognitive impairments in Alzheimer's disease.  It can assist with other neurodegenerative diseases related to excitotoxicity and central cholinergic dysfunction. [2]


    Anxiety and Stress


    Polygala Tenuifolia helps rodents exposed to chronic mild stress. Chronic stress can occur when a person goes through extended periods of tension triggered by stressful situations. When experiencing anxiety, the body releases stress hormones, which is normal. However, too many of these hormones could be harmful if the stress continues over the long term. A study on Polygala tenuifolia found that it reduced cortisol levels in rats, creating a “potentially antidepressant-like activity.” [3]


    Depression


    >Antidepressants are medications designed to help relieve various feelings of depression, including worthlessness, anxiety, and low mood. Polygala Tenuifolia has shown signs of helping as an antidepressant in studies. A study found that Polygala tenuifolia could reverse the chronic mild stress model of depression in rats. Also, researchers note Polygala Tenuifolia possessed an antidepressant property that stimulated the neuroendocrine and neuroprotective systems. [4]


    Side Effects of Polygala Tenuifolia


    Even though Polygala tenuifolia has been used for thousands of years, researchers are still determining its potential side effects. With short term use, there are few side effects—but long-term users could experience any of the following symptoms:

    • Stomach irritation
    • Dizziness
    • Diarrhea
    • Vomiting

    Another potential side effect is allergies induced by herbal materials: An individual who worked in an herbal factory for eight years complained of asthma and rhinitis symptoms. After careful evaluation, doctors concluded long-term exposure to PT caused bronchoconstriction, the constriction of the lungs’ airways that can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing [5]. As a result, Polygala Tenuifolia should be used in moderation, and talking with a doctor before using Polygala Tenuifolia is advised.


    Final Thoughts


    Polygala tenuifolia has been used for thousands of years to treat various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, improving memory and cognitive function. Today, Polygala Tenuifolia is in a variety of supplements that deal with cognitive function and memory:

    Systemic Formulas: #854 - Neurosyn - Neuro-Cognitive Memory Support

    Neurosyn - Neuro-Cognitive Memory Support helps improve memory, cognition, and healthy aging of the brain and improve neurological health.

    Systemic Formulas: #750 - Fire Sedate - Pacify The Spirit

    Fire Sedate - Pacify The Spirit is an all-natural product that helps to soothe a “runaway, overly effervescent spirit” as well as relax emotions and expressions that may be considered hyper. This product supports the health of the small intestines, kidneys, and nervous system.

     

    Medical Disclaimer: This article is based upon the opinions of Revelation Health. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Revelation Health and associates. This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD for accuracy of the information provided, but Revelation Health encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.


    References:


    [1] Zongyang Li 1, Yamin Liu 1, Liwei Wang, (et al). Memory-Enhancing Effects of the Crude Extract of Polygala tenuifolia on Aged Mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:392324. doi: 10.1155/2014/392324. Epub 2014 Mar 12. [PMID: 24744810] PMCID: PMC3972950. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24744810/

    [2] Cheol Hyoung Park 1, Se Hoon Choi, Ja-Wook Koo, (et al). Novel Cognitive Improving and Neuroprotective Activities of Polygala Tenuifolia Willdenow Extract, BT-11. J Neurosci Res. 2002 Nov 1;70(3):484-92. doi: 10.1002/jnr.10429. [PMID: 12391609] DOI: 10.1002/jnr.10429.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12391609/

    [3] Yan-Yan Yin 1, Liang Ming, Li-Fang Zheng, (et al). Bioactive Compounds From Paecilomyces Tenuipes Regulating The Function Of The Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System Axis In Chronic Unpredictable Stress Rats. Chin Med J (Engl). 2007 Jun 20;120(12):1088-92. [PMID: 17637227].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17637227/

    [4] Yuan Hu 1, Ping Liu, Dai-Hong Guo, Khalid Rahman, (et al). Antidepressant Effects Of The Extract YZ-50 From Polygala Tenuifolia In Chronic Mild Stress Treated Rats And Its Possible Mechanisms. Pharm Biol. 2010 Jul;48(7):794-800. doi: 10.3109/13880200903280034. [PMID: 20645779] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20645779/

    [5] Hye-Kyung Park 1, Seong-Gyu Jeon, Tae-Bum Kim (et al).Occupational Asthma And Rhinitis Induced By A Herbal Medicine, Wonji (Polygala Tenuifolia). J Korean Med Sci. 2005 Feb;20(1):46-9. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2005.20.1.46. [PMID: 15716601] PMCID: PMC2808574. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15716601/

    Back to blog
    Invalid password
    Enter

    Revelation Health, LLC

    888-600-0642
    support@revelationhealth.com
    2853 Oxford Blvd, Suite 104
    Allison Park, Pennsylvania 15101

    Additional Links

    • About Revelation Health
    • Revelation Health Gift Cards
    • Product Questions
    • Revelation Health Shipping Policies
    • Revelation Health Returns Policy
    • Revelation Health Terms of Service
    • Revelation Health Privacy Policy
    • Revelation Health Opt-In Disclosure
    • Contact Revelation Health
    • Disclaimer
    Payment methods
    • American Express
    • Discover
    • Mastercard
    • PayPal
    • Venmo
    • Visa
    © 2025, Revelation Health LLC
    • Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
    • Opens in a new window.
    x