What does the evidence show about Polygala tenuifolia's effects?

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.

What safety findings are reported for Polygala tenuifolia?

Polygala tenuifolia has a low-med risk profile in the database. Low-Med (GI irritation, nausea at higher doses) Legal status: OTC (TCM).

Rankings / Cognitive

Polygala tenuifolia

Cognitive · TCM herb

Tier C

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed Jun 8, 2026 · How we grade

bdnfcholinergicotc

4.9 / 10

Tier C

Ev 3 Bn 5 Sf 7

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.

Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 100-300 mg extract/day — OTC; not individualized guidance.

What the evidence says

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

Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route

100-300 mg extract/day

This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.

Citations

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Common questions

What does the evidence show about Polygala tenuifolia's effects?: 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.
What safety findings are reported for Polygala tenuifolia?: Polygala tenuifolia has a low-med risk profile in the database. Low-Med (GI irritation, nausea at higher doses) Legal status: OTC (TCM).
What doses or routes are reported for Polygala tenuifolia?: 100-300 mg extract/day This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
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.