Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Polygala root, also known as Polygala tenuifolia or Yuan Zhi in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long-standing historical reputation for supporting the nervous system. In TCM, it is most commonly used for its calming effects, thought to "open the orifices," calm the spirit, and address conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and forgetfulness. Its application for neuralgia (nerve pain) and neuritis (nerve inflammation) is rooted in traditional beliefs that it can disperse phlegm and invigorate the mind, thereby indirectly attenuating discomfort related to nervous system disorders. However, the evidence supporting its use for neuralgia and neuritis is largely anecdotal and based on traditional texts rather than clinical trials.

Modern pharmacological studies on Polygala root have focused on its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic effects in animal and cell models. Some compounds, such as tenuigenin and polygalacic acid, exhibit neuroprotective actions, but direct evidence for efficacy specifically in neuralgia or neuritis is extremely limited. No robust human clinical trials substantiate its use for these conditions, and the mechanisms described in traditional medicine do not directly correlate with nerve pain or inflammation as understood in modern biomedical terms. Therefore, while Polygala root is traditionally used for various nervous system complaints, the evidence for its use in neuralgia and neuritis is weak and should be considered with caution.

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