Polygala Tenuifolia

Polygala tenuifolia, a perennial herb from the Polygalaceae family, is an integral component of traditional Chinese medicine renowned for its applications in neuropsychiatric disease treatment. Utilizing its root, known as Yuan Zhi, this herb has been historically employed to enhance memory and safeguard against cognitive disorders. P. tenuifolia has also served as both an expectorant and a stimulant, contributing to the treatment of conditions such as bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and whooping cough. Although human evidence on memory improvement is limited, preliminary studies suggest potential benefits for spatial awareness and organizational skills. Furthermore, animal research indicates antidepressant effects, with mechanisms akin to ketamine, influencing N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors. The herb exhibits neuroprotective potential associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease, showcasing anti-Aβ aggregation, anti-Tau protein, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-neuronal apoptosis, and cholinergic system-enhancing properties. Despite its historical use against insomnia, amnesia, and depression, and its rich composition of C-glycosides, triterpene saponins, sucrose esters, and oligosaccharide esters, comprehensive toxicological evaluation is lacking, necessitating further research for the development of dietary supplements and functional foods. Overall, Polygala tenuifolia presents a multifaceted herb with potential neuropsychiatric benefits, especially in the realm of memory enhancement and neuroprotection.