Synopsis

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

Polygala root (Polygala tenuifolia, also known as Yuan Zhi in Traditional Chinese Medicine) has a long history of use for treating insomnia and calming the mind. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is considered a herb that nourishes the heart, calms the spirit (Shen), and is often included in formulas to address sleep disturbances, palpitations, and anxiety. The root is said to 'open the orifices' and 'expel phlegm,' which, in TCM theory, can obstruct the heart and mind, resulting in insomnia or restlessness.

While some modern pharmacological studies suggest possible sedative and anxiolytic effects of Polygala tenuifolia extracts in animal models, rigorous human clinical trials are lacking. Preliminary research points to bioactive compounds such as tenuifolin and senegenin, which may influence neurotransmitter levels (such as GABA and serotonin) implicated in sleep regulation. However, these findings are not yet conclusive, and more high-quality clinical research is needed to fully validate its efficacy and safety for insomnia.

In summary, the use of polygala root for insomnia is primarily justified by its traditional use in TCM, with limited scientific evidence (rated 2/5) supporting its effectiveness for this purpose.

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