Synopsis

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

Polygala root (Polygala tenuifolia), also known as Yuan Zhi in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for supporting mental health, calming the mind, and promoting restful sleep. In TCM, it is believed to "open the orifices," "calm the spirit," and "expel phlegm," and is often used in formulas for anxiety, insomnia, and forgetfulness—symptoms that may be associated with imbalances in neurotransmitter systems like GABA.

While traditional use links Polygala root with calming and mood-supportive effects, direct scientific evidence connecting it to support of the GABAergic system is limited. Some preclinical studies have reported that extracts of Polygala tenuifolia can influence the central nervous system, showing sedative, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective effects in animal models. There is some evidence that Polygala root extracts may increase GABA levels or GABAergic activity in the brain, but these findings are preliminary and have not been extensively studied in humans.

To date, most claims regarding Polygala root’s effect on the GABA system are grounded in traditional use and limited laboratory research, rather than robust clinical trials. Therefore, its use for supporting the "GABA body system" is primarily justified by tradition, with modest preliminary scientific support but insufficient high-quality human evidence.

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