Radix polygalae

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

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Last updated on: 13.01.2025

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Synonym(s)

Radix Senegae; Rattlesnake Root; Senegae radix; Senega root

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

The root of Polygala senega, rattlesnake root, is a drug that is used in herbal medicinal products for the treatment of catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, among other things.

HMPC: not processed, processing discontinued

ESCOP monograph: Catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, chronic bronchitis, productive cough

Commission E monograph: Catarrh of the upper respiratory tract

Folk medicine: tracheitis, emphysema, expectorant

Used in bronchial lozenges, cough syrup, chest tea.

IngredientsThis section has been translated automatically.

Polygalae radix contains saponins (6 to 10% - common aglycone = presenegine); the main saponin = senegine II and saponin tenuifolin; also polygalic acid, coumaric acid, salicylic acid, methysalicylate and oligosaccharides.

EffectsThis section has been translated automatically.

The Senega root has a secretolytic and expectorant effect. Furthermore, antidepressant effects are attributed to the extract.

Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.

Polygalae radix is used according to commission E for the treatment of a catarrh of the upper airways. Further indications according to the ESCOP or WHO monograph are chronic bronchitis, productive cough or emphysema.

DosageThis section has been translated automatically.

The daily dosage is 1.5 to 3.0 g of the drug, when using a fluid extract it is also 1.5 to 3.0 g, when using a tincture 2.5 to 7.5 g

Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.

Prolonged use of senega root may cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea, diarrhea, nausea.

Standard concentrationThis section has been translated automatically.

There are no known contraindications.

InteractionsThis section has been translated automatically.

There are no known interactions with other drugs.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Liu P et al. (2010) Potential antidepressant properties of Radix Polygalae (Yuan Zhi). Phytomedicine 17:794-799.
  2. Shin IJ et al. (2014) Preclinical evidence of rapid-onset antidepressant-like effect in Radix Polygalae extract. PLoS One 9:e88617.
  3. Zhang H et al. (2007) Effects of tenuifolin extracted from radix polygalae on learning and memory: a behavioral and biochemical study on aged and amnesic mice. Phytomedicine 15:587-594.
  4. Zhao Z et al. (2013) Potential antiarrhythmic effect of methyl 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamate, a bioactive substance from roots of polygalae radix: suppression of triggered activities in rabbit myocytes. Biol Pharm Bull 36:238-244.
  5. Blaschek W (2015) Wichtl-Teedrogens and phytopharmaceuticals. 6th edition, Wissemschaftliche Verlagsgescellschaft Stuttgart pp. 512-513

Authors

Last updated on: 13.01.2025

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter AltmeyerProf. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles