Polygala – yuan zhi

Polygala
[Medicinal Use] This product is the root bark of Polygala tenuifolia, a plant of the Polygalaceae family.
[Nature and flavor and meridians] Bitter, pungent, warm, enters the lung, heart, and kidney meridians.
[Effects] Calm the mind, dispel phlegm, and eliminate carbuncle.
[Clinical Application] 1. Used for symptoms such as phlegm-induced coma, palpitations, and insomnia.
Polygala tenuifolia can dispel phlegm and open the mind. For coma caused by phlegm, it is often used with calamus and curcuma; it can also calm the mind and soothe the nerves. For insomnia and palpitations, it is often used with jujube seeds and poria.
2. Used for cough and sputum.
Polygala tenuifolia can promote the discharge of phlegm to treat cough and sputum discomfort. It is often used with almonds, fritillaria, and aster.
In addition, this product can also be used to treat the initial stage of sores and carbuncles. Use five to one tael of Polygala tenuifolia, steam it in water until soft, add a small amount of yellow wine, mash it and apply it to the affected area, which has the effect of eliminating carbuncle.
[Prescription name] Roasted Polygala, Polygala meat, Polygala tube (soak in licorice soup, cook on low heat until the soup is absorbed, remove the wood core while hot, and then fry with bran until it turns yellow before use.)
[General dosage and usage] Decoction of 1 to 1.5 qian. Appropriate amount for external use.
[Example of prescription] Dingzhi Pill “Qianjin Fang”: Polygala, Acorus, Ginseng, Poria. Treat mental anxiety.
Gather in spring and autumn, remove fibrous roots and mud, dry in the sun or extract the wood core to dry in the sun
This product is the dried root of Polygala tenuifolia Wid. or Polvaala sibiricaL, a plant of the Polygalaceae family.

Father
[Характеристики]
This product is cylindrical, slightly curved, 2~30cm long, 0.2~1cm in diameter. The surface is grayish yellow to grayish brown, with dense and deep transverse wrinkles, longitudinal wrinkles and cracks. The transverse wrinkles of old roots are denser and deeper, slightly nodular. It is hard and brittle, easy to break. The cross section of the cortex is brownish yellow, and the wood is yellowish white. The cortex is easy to peel off from the wood. The wood core is hollow. It has a slight odor, bitter and slightly spicy taste, and it feels tingling when chewed.
[Идентификация]
(1) Cross section of this product: more than 10 rows of cork cells. The inner layer of the cork is more than 20 rows of thin-walled cells with tangential fissures. The phloem is relatively wide, and radial fissures are often seen. The cambium is ring-shaped. The wood core has well-developed xylem, which is all lignified, and the rays are 1 to 3 rows of cells wide. Most of the thin-walled cells contain fat oil droplets; some contain calcium oxalate and square products.
(2) Take 0.5g of this product powder, add 5ml of 70% ethanol, ultrasonically treat for 15 minutes, filter, and use the filtrate as the test solution. Take another 0.5g of Polygala tenuifolia reference medicinal material and prepare the reference medicinal material solution in the same way. According to the thin layer chromatography method (general rule 0502), take 24 of each of the above two solutions and spot them on the same silica gel G thin layer plate, use ethyl acetate-glacial acetic acid-water (55:13:13) as the developing agent, develop, take out, dry, and examine under ultraviolet light (365nm). In the chromatogram of the test sample, at the corresponding position of the chromatogram of the reference medicinal material, a fluorescent spot of the same color appears.
(3) Take 20u of the test sample dissolved wave and 441 of the reference solution under the item of Polygala tenuifolia royal glycoside (content determination), spot them on the same silica gel G thin layer plate, use chloroform-methanol-water (6:3:0.5) as the developing agent, develop, take out, dry, spray with 10% sulfuric acid ethanol solution, and heat at 105℃ until the spots are clearly colored. In the chromatogram of the test sample, spots of the same color appear at the corresponding position of the chromatogram of the reference sample.
[Инспекция]
Water content shall not exceed 12.0% (General Rule 0832 Method 2).
Total ash content shall not exceed 6.0% (General Rule 2302)
Aflatoxin shall be determined according to the method for the determination of mycotoxins (General Rule 2351).
This product contains aflatoxin B per 1000g, which shall not exceed 5ug, and aflatoxin G2, aflatoxin G1, aflatoxin B, and aflatoxin B, the total amount shall not exceed 10μg.
[Extract]
Determined according to the hot soaking method under the method for the determination of alcohol-soluble extracts (General Rule 2201), using 70% ethanol as the solvent, not less than 30.0%.
[Определение содержания]
Polygala tenuifolia saponins shall be determined according to the high performance liquid chromatography method (General Rule 0512).
Chromatographic conditions and system suitability test Octadecylsilane bonded silica gel was used as filler; methanol-0.05% phosphoric acid solution (70:30) was used as mobile phase; the detection wavelength was 210nm. The theoretical plate number calculated based on the Polygala tenuifolia saponin peak should be no less than 3000.
Preparation of reference solution Take an appropriate amount of Polygala tenuifolia saponin reference, weigh accurately, and add methanol to make a solution containing 1mg per 1ml, and the result is
Preparation of test solution Take about 1g of the powder of this product (passed through No. 3 sieve), weigh accurately, place in a stoppered conical bottle, accurately add 50ml of 70% methanol, weigh, ultrasonically treat (power 400W, frequency 40kHz) for 1 hour, cool, weigh again, make up the lost weight with 70% methanol, shake well, filter, accurately measure 25ml of the filtrate, place in a round-bottom flask, evaporate to dryness, add 50ml of 10% sodium hydroxide solution to the residue, heat and reflux for 2 hours, cool, adjust the pH value to 4~5 with hydrochloric acid, shake and extract 3 times with water-saturated n-butanol, 50ml each time, combine the n-butanol solution, recover the solvent to dryness, add an appropriate amount of methanol to the residue to dissolve, transfer to a 25ml volumetric flask, add methanol to the scale, shake, and obtain.
Determination method: accurately take 10u of reference solution and test solution respectively, inject into liquid chromatograph, and determine. This product contains Polygala tenuifolia saponin (C36H56012) calculated on the basis of dry product, which shall not be less than 2.0%
Polygala tenuifolia saponin and 3,6′-dicerucyl sucrose. According to the high performance liquid chromatography method (General Rule 0512), the chromatographic conditions and system suitability test are determined. Octadecyl tridane bonded tridacnatide is used as filler: acetonitrile-0.05% phosphoric acid solution (18:82) is used as mobile phase; the detection wavelength is 320nm. The number of theoretical plates calculated based on the 36′-dicorinoyl sucrose peak should not be less than 3000.
Preparation of reference solution Take appropriate amount of polygalazone sub-reference substance and 3,6′-dicorinoyl sucrose reference substance, weigh accurately, add methanol to make a mixed solution containing 0.15mg polygalazone sub-reference substance and 0.2mg 3,6′-dicorinoyl sucrose per 1ml, and obtain the solution.
Preparation of test solution Take about 1g of the powder of this product (passed through No. 3 sieve), weigh accurately, put it in a stoppered conical bottle, accurately add 25ml of 70% methanol, weigh the weight, heat and reflux for 1.5 hours, cool, weigh again, make up the lost weight with 70% methanol, shake well, filter, and take the filtrate to obtain the solution. Determination method: accurately aspirate 10u of reference solution and test solution respectively, inject into liquid chromatograph, and determine the solution.
Calculated on the basis of dry product, this product contains not less than 0.15% of polygala linone III (C25H28015) and not less than 0.50% of 3,6′-dicercosyl sucrose (C36H46017).
Кусочки отвара
[Processing]
Polygala: Take the wood core, remove impurities, wash slightly, moisten thoroughly, cut into sections, and dry.
[Характеристики]
This product is in the form of cylindrical sections. The outer skin is grayish yellow to grayish brown with horizontal wrinkles. The cut surface is yellow. It has a slight odor, bitter and slightly spicy taste, and it feels tingling in the throat when chewed.
[Идентификация]
(Except the cross section)
[Inspection][Extract][Content determination]
Same as the medicinal material.
Processing Polygala: Take licorice, add appropriate amount of water to decoct, remove the residue, add clean Polygala, simmer until the soup is absorbed, take out, and dry.
For every 100kg of Polygala, use 6kg of licorice.
[Характеристики]
This product is shaped like a Polygala section, with a yellow-brown surface. Slightly sweet,
[Инспекция]
Acid insoluble ash should not exceed 3.0% (General Rule 2302)
[Content determination)
Same as the medicinal material, containing polygala ketone III (C25H2gO15) should not be less than 0.10%, containing 3,6′-dianisinoyl sucrose (C36H46017) should not be less than 0.30%. Containing polygala tenuifolia saponin (C36H56012) should not be less than 2.0%.
[Идентификация]
(Except for the cross section)
[Инспекция]
Extract
Same as the medicinal material.
[Природа, вкус и меридианы]
Bitter, pungent, warm. Entrance to the heart, kidney, and lung meridians.
[Функции и показания]
Calming the mind and improving intelligence, connecting the heart and kidney, removing phlegm, and reducing swelling. Used for insomnia, dreaminess, forgetfulness, palpitations, confusion, cough, sores, swelling, and breast pain caused by disharmony between the heart and kidney. 【Usage and Dosage】
3~10g.
【Storage】
Place in a ventilated and dry place.
Where is the main production area of ​​Polygala?
It is mainly produced in Shanxi, Shaanxi, Hebei and Henan.
Where is the main medicinal part of Polygala?
Medicinal part of Polygala:
This product is the dried root of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. or Polygala sibiricaL. of the Polygalaceae family. It is excavated in spring and autumn, the fibrous roots and mud are removed, and it is dried in the sun or the wood core is extracted and dried in the sun. The characteristics of the medicinal part of Polygala:
This product is cylindrical, slightly curved, 2~30cm long, and 0.2~1cm in diameter. The surface is grayish yellow to grayish brown, with dense and deep transverse wrinkles, longitudinal wrinkles and cracks. The transverse wrinkles of old roots are denser and deeper, and slightly nodular.
It is hard and brittle, easy to break. The bark is brown-yellow in cross section, and the wood is yellow-white. The bark is easy to separate from the wood. The wood core is hollow. It has a faint smell, bitter and slightly spicy taste, and it feels piercing when chewed.
How are Polygala recorded in ancient books?

“Ben Jing”: “It cures cough, reverses the middle, replenishes deficiency, removes evil spirits, benefits the nine orifices, improves wisdom, makes the ears and eyes smart, prevents forgetfulness, strengthens the will and doubles strength. Long-term use makes the body light and not old.
“Ming Yi Bie Lu”: “It calms the heart, stops panic, improves the essence, removes the heart and diaphragm, heat in the skin, and yellow face. It has a good complexion and prolongs life.
“Compendium of Materia Medica”: “It can cure forgetfulness, calm the soul and make people not confused.”
“Pharmaceutical Meaning”: “When phlegm and saliva are in the heart, it blocks the heart and causes heat in the heart, which causes drowsiness, dullness, difficulty speaking, restless sleep, worry, fear, forgetfulness, nightmares, and children’s disobedience. It can be used to clear phlegm and open the heart, so that the soul will be calm. “Compendium of Materia Medica”: “All carbuncle, compress and take are effective, and it is also good at clearing phlegm.” “Do not use it alone, and it is contraindicated for those who are pure and without stagnation.
Effects
Polygala has the effects of calming the mind and improving intelligence, connecting the heart and kidney, removing phlegm and reducing swelling.
What are the main effects and clinical applications of Polygala?
Polygala is used for insomnia, dreaminess, forgetfulness, palpitations, confusion, coughing and expectoration, sores, swelling and poison, and breast pain caused by heart-kidney disharmony. Polygala can not only alleviate dryness, but also eliminate numbness and prevent throat irritation, and is mainly used to calm the mind and improve intelligence. Honey Polygala can enhance the effect of expectoration and cough relief, and is often used for cough, phlegm, and difficulty in coughing up.
Restless syndrome
· Treat restlessness, palpitations, insomnia, etc. caused by disharmony between the heart and kidney, and often used with Poria, cinnabar, dragon teeth, etc.
· Treat insomnia and forgetfulness, and can be used with ginseng, Acorus calamus, Poria, etc.
Cough and phlegm
Can be used alone, or with Platycodon, White Head, Peucedanum, etc.
Ulcers, carbuncles, swellings, and breast pain
Can be ground into powder alone and taken with rice wine; or applied externally to the affected area
What other effects does Polygala have?
In my country’s traditional food culture, some Chinese medicinal materials are often widely consumed as food ingredients among the people, that is, substances that are both food and Chinese medicinal materials according to tradition (i.e. edible drug substances). According to the documents issued by the National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation, Polygala can be used as both medicine and food within a limited range of use and dosage.
Commonly used medicinal recipes for Polygala are as follows!
Nourishing blood and nourishing the heart, benefiting the liver and calming the mind
1 pig heart, 15g Poria, 15g Sour Ben Ren, 6g Polygala.
Cut the pig heart open, wash it, put it in a casserole, then put the washed and broken Sour Ziziphus jujuba seeds, washed Poria and Polygala into the pot, and add an appropriate amount of water. First boil it with high heat, remove the floating foam, then use low heat and stew until the pig heart is cooked. Only eat the pig heart and soup. A little refined salt can be added for seasoning when taking it.
Insomnia and palpitations caused by blood deficiency in the heart and liver
White peony root, stir-fried Sour Ziziphus jujuba seeds 15g each, Polygala 9g, Poria 10g, 5 red dates, decoct the soup instead of tea, multiple times a day Note: The use of Chinese medicinal materials must be based on syndrome differentiation and treatment, and should be used under the guidance of professional Chinese medicine practitioners. Do not use them at will, and do not listen to Chinese medicine prescriptions and advertisements at will.
What are the compound preparations containing Polygala?
Kaixinsan
Treatment of forgetfulness.
Ningxin Anshen Capsules
Calming and calming the mind, widening the chest and calming the mind. Used for menopausal syndrome and neurasthenia. Guipi Pills
Replenishing qi and strengthening the spleen, nourishing blood and calming the mind. Used for heart deficiency, shortness of breath and palpitations, insomnia and dreaminess, dizziness, limb fatigue, loss of appetite, metrorrhagia and blood in the stool.
Ruyi Dingchuan Tablets
Expressing the lungs and calming asthma, relieving cough and resolving phlegm, replenishing qi and nourishing yin. Used for chronic cough and asthma, weak body and phlegm caused by qi and yin deficiency; patients with the above symptoms of bronchial asthma, emphysema and cor pulmonale.
Modern research progress on Polygala
This product has multiple pharmacological effects such as sedation and hypnosis, antidepressant, improvement of learning and memory, antitussive and expectorant.
Usage
Polygala has the effects of calming the mind and improving intelligence, connecting the heart and kidney, removing phlegm and reducing swelling. Generally, Polygala slices are used, both for internal and external use. Please follow the doctor’s advice for specific medications.
How to use Polygala correctly?
When Polygala decoction is taken orally, the usual dosage is 3~109.
When used externally, take an appropriate amount of Polygala, grind it into powder and mix it with wine for application.
Through different processing methods, Chinese medicinal materials such as Polygala, processed Polygala, fried Polygala, honey Polygala, and red Polygala can be produced. Different processing methods have different effects, but the method of use is the same. Please follow the doctor’s advice for specific medication.
Polygala is generally used in decoctions, decocted and taken, and can also be made into powder or pills for consumption. However, the use of Chinese medicinal materials must be treated according to syndrome differentiation and should be used under the guidance of professional Chinese medicine practitioners. It should not be used at will, and it is even more important not to listen to Chinese medicine prescriptions and advertisements at will.
Note: Use the medicine under the guidance of a doctor and be vigilant about the dosage. Excessive clinical dosage can cause poisoning, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, it causes frequent vomiting, and even leads to electrolyte disorder and decreased blood pressure.
How to process Polygala?
Polygala
Take the original medicinal material, remove impurities, wash it slightly, moisten it thoroughly, cut it into sections, and dry it. Or remove the core, cut it into sections, and dry it. Sieve out the debris. Processed Polygala
Take a certain amount of licorice slices, or crush them appropriately, add appropriate amount of water, decoct twice, combine the decoction, concentrate to 10 times the amount of licorice, then add clean Polygala segments, heat with slow fire, cook until the soup is absorbed, take out, and dry. For every 100kg of Polygala segments, use 6kg of licorice.

Polygala with honey
Take refined honey, add a little boiling water to dilute, pour it on the Polygala segments, mix well, and simmer for a while. After the honey is absorbed, put it in a frying container, heat with slow fire, fry until dark yellow, slightly burnt, and not sticky, take it out, cool it down, and use 20kg of refined honey for every 100kg of Polygala segments.
Polygala with red cinnabar
Take processed Polygala, add a small amount of clean water to moisten it evenly, sprinkle in fine cinnabar powder, mix well, and dry it. For every 100kg of Polygala segments, use 2kg of cinnabar.
What drugs should be used with Polygala with special attention?
The combined use of Chinese medicine and Chinese and Western medicine requires syndrome differentiation and individualized clinical treatment.
If you are using other drugs, please consult a doctor before taking the medicine, and inform the doctor of all your diagnosed diseases and the treatment plan you are receiving.
Instructions for use
Polygala is irritating to the stomach, so patients with peptic ulcer disease and gastritis should take it with caution
What precautions should be taken when using Polygala?
·People with yin deficiency and hyperactivity of fire, weak spleen and stomach should take it with caution. The dosage should not be too large to avoid nausea and vomiting.
Patients with gastric ulcer and gastritis should use it with caution.
·This product has a slight smell, bitter and slightly spicy taste, and a tingling throat when chewed. It is better to use it with grayish yellow color, thick meat, and clean wood core. It can be used raw or roasted.
During the medication, you should avoid eating cold, raw and cold food, spicy and greasy food, and avoid smoking and drinking.
Pregnant and lactating women: If you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or are lactating, please inform your doctor in time and consult whether Chinese medicine can be used for treatment.
Children: Children should take medicine under the guidance of a doctor and under the supervision of an adult.
Please keep the medicinal materials properly and do not give them to others.
Avoid using copper or iron utensils to decoct medicine.