Polygala in Herbalist: Property of the Polygala

Scientific name

Polygala senega

Family

Polygalaceae

Origin

North America, Canada

Used Parts

Drug consisting of the roots (Official Pharmacopoeia)

Chemical constituents

Triterpene saponosides (senegine);
Flavonoids;
Salicylic acid;
Tannins;
Essential oil;
Resin.

Polygala in Herbalist: Property of the Polygala

The polygal is used - in the form of an infusion, powder or fluid extract - as an expectorant in the case of bronchitis, or for anti-inflammatory and laxative purposes.

However, the drug must be taken at very low doses, otherwise it could induce vomiting.

Biological activity

The polygal is a plant with secretolytic type expectorant activity, conferred by the saponins contained within it.

Furthermore, the plant is ascribed diuretic, laxative and anti-inflammatory properties.

The antiphlogistic action appears to be exerted through the reduction of the levels of interleukin-1, interleukin-6 and TNF-α.

Furthermore, some studies have highlighted the potential anticancer properties of polygal root extracts. In fact, it appears that the above-mentioned extracts are potentially capable of inhibiting both the development of malignant cells and the angiogenesis processes at the level of the tumor masses.

However, despite the results obtained so far, more in-depth studies are needed before being able to approve similar applications of the polygal in the medical field, in such a way as to determine its real therapeutic efficacy and effective safety of use.

Polygala against bronchitis and cough

As mentioned, thanks to the secretolytic action exerted by the saponins contained within the polygal, the use of this plant has obtained official approval for the treatment of catarrhal diseases of the airways, such as coughs and bronchitis.

Naturally, for the treatment of the aforementioned disorders, the polygal must be taken internally.

If the polygal is used in the form of a liquid extract (ratio drug / solvent 1: 2), it is generally recommended to take 1.5-3 grams of product per day.

If, on the other hand, the polygal is used in the form of a dye (drug / solvent ratio 1:10), then we recommend taking about 2-7 grams of product per day.

Polygala in folk medicine and homeopathy

The expectorant properties of the polygal are also known to folk medicine, which uses this plant precisely to counteract catarrhal affections affecting the airways and tracheitis treatment.

The Native Americans - in addition to treating the aforementioned disorders - also use this plant as an anti-inflammatory and diuretic remedy and as a remedy for the treatment of sore throats, colds, toothaches and even convulsions.

The polygal is also used in the homeopathic field, where it can easily be found in the form of granules.

Homeopathic medicine uses this plant in the case of acute bronchitis (especially in elderly patients and children), coughs characterized by difficulty in expectoration, asthma, asthma attacks and breathing difficulties (such as dyspnea and a sense of oppression).

The amount of homeopathic remedy to be taken can vary between individuals, also depending on the type of disorder that needs to be treated.

Side effects

If properly used, the polygal should not cause any side effects. However, following prolonged use, gastrointestinal irritation may occur.

In the event of an overdose, gastrointestinal disorders, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur.

Contraindications

Avoid the use of polygal in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components, in patients suffering from gastritis and / or peptic ulcer and during pregnancy.