Single Herb Glossary
Yuǎn Zhì (Zhì) (製)遠志
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| Pharmaceutical name | Polygalae Radix polygala root, Chinese senega, thinleaf milkwort “profound will” "long determination" |
| Category | Calm the Spirit |
| Key Properties | Transforms Phlegm, Opens HT orifice Reestablishes harmonious communication between HT & KD |
| Properties | Bitter Acrid Slightly Warm |
| Tropism | HT, LU |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Calms the Spirit & Quiets the Heart 2) Expels Phlegm, Clears Orifices, & Stops Coughs (Phlegm mist) 3) Reduces Abscesses & Dissipates Swellings |
| Dosages | 6-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution with Heat symptoms or hot Phlegm; caution with gastritis, peptic or duodenal ulcers; addition of Gan Cao can ease irritating effect of herb on stomach and prevents nausea and vomiting; caution during pregnancy, stimulates uterine contraction. |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Onjisaponin A, B, C, D, E, F, G; tenuigenin A, B; tenuifolin, presenegenin, tenuidine, polygalitol, xanthones, 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid, 6-hydroxy-1 ,2,3, 7 -tetramethoxyxanthone |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Expectorant: demonstrated marked expectorant effect in mice and dogs; potency similar toJie Geng (Radix Platycodonis) • CNS suppressant: root, bark and entire plant of Polygala tenuifolia have all demonstrated sedative effects in mice; may also prevent seizures and convulsions • Diuretic: 50% alcohol extract demonstrated marked diuretic effects in treating edema • Antibiotic: water extract has inhibitory effect against Diplococcus pneumonia; alcohol extract has inhibitory effect against Bacillus dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis hominis • Uterine stimulant: water and alcohol extracts have stimulating effect on uterus in both pregnant and non-pregnant laboratory animals such as rabbits, cats, and dogs |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Ethanol: in an in vitro study, preparation (composed of Yuan Zhi, Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng), Shi Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori) and Fu Ling (Poria)) reduced ethanol-induced impairment of memory registration; also ameliorated the scopolamine-induced memory registration deficit; results suggest that the herbal preparation ameliorates impairment effect of ethanol on learning and memory processes • Diuretics: herb has diuretic effect; though this potential interaction has not been documented, concurrent use with diuretic drugs may lead to increased elimination of water and/or electrolytes |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang (Ginseng decoction to nourish luxuriance) 人參養榮湯 (人参养荣汤) Gui Pi Tang (Restore the spleen decoction) 歸脾湯 (归脾汤) Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Emperor of Heavens Special Pill to Tonify the HT) 天王補心丹 (天王补心丹) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.