Evidence supporting the use of: Polygala
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Polygala, particularly Polygala tenuifolia (often called Yuan Zhi in traditional Chinese medicine), has been used historically as a remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and other nervous system disorders. Its use is rooted in centuries-old medical texts in East Asia, where it is described as a “calm spirit” herb believed to nourish the heart and mind. While there is a robust tradition of its use for what modern medicine might classify as anxiety disorders, direct scientific validation remains limited. Preliminary preclinical studies have shown that certain extracts of Polygala may exert anxiolytic-like effects in animal models, potentially via modulation of neurotransmitter systems such as GABA and monoamines. However, clinical trials in humans are sparse, low in quality, or non-existent, making it difficult to confidently assess its efficacy or safety for treating anxiety disorders by modern standards. As such, while the traditional use is well-documented, scientific support is still emerging and insufficient for firm recommendations.

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