Evidence supporting the use of: Polygala
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Polygala, particularly species such as Polygala tenuifolia and Polygala senega, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, notably in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and North American indigenous medicine, for treating respiratory ailments including coughs, especially those characterized as "spastic" or involving bronchial irritation. The roots of these plants are known as “Yuan Zhi” in TCM and “Senega root” in Western herbalism. They were traditionally used as expectorants, which means they were believed to help clear mucus from the airways, thus relieving cough and respiratory discomfort. Historical texts and pharmacopoeias document their use for conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and persistent coughs. Modern scientific research into these species is limited but has identified certain saponins and other compounds that may have expectorant and antitussive (cough-suppressing) activity in animal models. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and most evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional usage. Therefore, while there is some preliminary pharmacological basis, the justification for using Polygala for spastic cough is rooted primarily in tradition, with moderate historical documentation but limited modern validation.

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