Evidence supporting the use of: Polygala
For the body system: Serotonin
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Polygala, particularly Polygala tenuifolia (commonly known as Yuan Zhi in Traditional Chinese Medicine), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal traditions as a remedy to support mental health, including mood, memory, and emotional balance. Historically, it is believed to "calm the spirit" and "open the orifices," which has led to its use in formulas intended to address symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and forgetfulness—conditions thought to involve imbalances in the nervous system. These traditional uses have, in contemporary wellness circles, been extrapolated to suggest possible support for the serotonin system, as serotonin is a key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation.
Scientifically, there is limited evidence directly linking Polygala to serotonin modulation in humans. Some animal and in vitro studies suggest that extracts or isolated compounds from Polygala may have neuroprotective, antidepressant-like, or anxiolytic effects, potentially involving neurotransmitter systems including serotonin. However, these findings are preliminary, and the exact mechanisms remain unclear. There are no well-controlled human trials demonstrating a clear effect of Polygala on serotonin levels or signaling.
In summary, the use of Polygala to support the "serotonin body system" is rooted mainly in traditional practice, with only weak scientific evidence, mostly preclinical, suggesting a possible connection.
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5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
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cowage seed
hops
inositol
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
saffron
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
vitamin B6
vitamin D
kanna
silk tree
St. John's Wort
5-Methoxytryptamine
Alpha lactalbumin
Baccosides
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
bacoside
Clary sage
Chocolate
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Celastrus
Dwarf Morning Glory