Polygala tenuifolia
Cognitive · TCM herb
Tier C
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Polygala tenuifolia as C (4.9/10) based on weak evidence, variable benefit magnitude, and a low-med-risk safety profile.
Traditional Chinese 'yuan zhi' (远志) — used for memory and sleep for millennia.
Typical use: 100-300 mg extract/day — OTC.
What this is
Traditional Chinese 'yuan zhi' (远志) — used for memory and sleep for millennia. Modern data limited mostly to Chinese literature and preclinical work. Saponins can be GI-irritating.
Mechanism
Tenuifolin and triterpenoid saponins; increase BDNF and NGF; modulate cholinergic system; sigma-1 receptor activity
Dose & route
100-300 mg extract/day
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19027057/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30034462/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4103711/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does Polygala tenuifolia work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Polygala tenuifolia as Weak and the benefit magnitude as variable, producing an overall grade of C (4.9/10). Traditional Chinese 'yuan zhi' (远志) — used for memory and sleep for millennia.
- Is Polygala tenuifolia safe?
- Polygala tenuifolia has a low-med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC (TCM). This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Polygala tenuifolia?
- 100-300 mg extract/day
- How does Polygala tenuifolia work?
- Tenuifolin and triterpenoid saponins; increase BDNF and NGF; modulate cholinergic system; sigma-1 receptor activity
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.