adaptogenEVIDENCECUSOTC

Polygala (Yuan Zhi)

aka Polygala tenuifolia · Yuan Zhi

Chinese herb (Polygala tenuifolia) traditionally used for memory, sleep, and emotional balance. Modulates serotonin and acetylcholine.

Dose range200–600mg

Half-life—h

Onset—min

Safety4/5low evidence base

Mechanism of action

Tenuifolin and onjisaponin B inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Modulates serotonergic signaling. NGF and BDNF support in animal models. The combination produces mild cholinergic and mood-elevating effects with calming overtones. Crosses the blood-brain barrier.

History

Polygala has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2000 years as a tonic for the heart and mind. Modern research is largely from Chinese institutions. Multiple animal model studies support cognitive and mood effects. Human evidence is smaller but emerging. Unscheduled globally.

Benefits

Cognitive function and memory
EVIDENCEC
Multiple Chinese clinical studies.
Mood support and anxiolytic
EVIDENCEC
Animal models + small trials.

Side effects

Mild GI upsetuncommonmild

Cited research

Polygala tenuifolia for cognitive function: review (Cheong)2011
PMID 22072532 ↗
Polygala memory enhancement: animal study (Park)2002
PMID 12064964 ↗

Where to buy

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Vendor	Product	Size	Price	Per unit
Nootropics DepotFeatured 4.8	Polygala (Yuan Zhi) — Nootropics Depot	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Double Wood Supplements 4.4	Polygala (Yuan Zhi) — Double Wood	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Amazon Marketplace 3.5	Polygala (Yuan Zhi) — Amazon	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
iHerb 4.2	Polygala (Yuan Zhi) — iHerb	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad

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