Polygala

Polygala is a described as a tonic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is spoken of with great praise for its "extraordinary" virtues. The root of the plant is used as a Shen Tonic and was believed by Daoists to have "mind and spirit developing power".

What's fascinating about Polygala is that it's said to be a unique "will-strengthening" herb [2] - and has been prescribed to people giving up smoking or other forms of substance abuse. Its Chinese name Yuan Zhi means "profound will". In China, Polygala root has been included as the main active ingredient in nasal inhalers designed to help people give up smoking - apparently with very high success rate. [3]

Polygala tenuifolia is included in several of the modern generation of "libido formulas" - with one site describing the benefit of this ingredient as "A Chinese herb that increases Qi (chee) in the heart, which according to Traditional Chinese Medicine is needed to sexually climax." [4] Other promotional materials seem to describe Polygala's effect on similar lines - saying it "strengthens the heart".

Unusually for a purported aphrodisiac herb, little claim is made on its behalf with regard to improvements in physical sexual prowess - but more that it seems to enhance connectivity and emotion. But of course, Polygala - like so many of the herbs in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern aphrodisiac formulas - is seldom used alone and is most often found in combination with other herbs such as Schizandra, Rehmannia, Eucommia, Ginseng, Maca, Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) and Morinda. The theory is that the positive qualities of all the plants combine to create an overall formula that addresses every aspect one might hope for from an aphrodisiac or tonic.

Another Chinese herbalist gives a fascinating, unique description of Polygala's function:

Polygala - scientific studies

With such marvellous sounding properties, and their possible influence on our overall well-being, it seems that Polygala should be in line for serious study. However, the actual scientific basis for the aphrodisiac claims made regarding Polygala are a little harder to track down. Significant scientific studies have been done on Polygala in the decade 2000-2010 - however, these in general focus on cognitive / memory factors; and Polygala has shown significant ability to improve memory of rats in "maze trials". [5] It has also shown promise in studies on Parkinson's disease. [6]

While this is no doubt positive, none of the hard science in the long list of new research I found at [5] has touched on the aphrodisiac claims.

In his book "Ethnopharmacology of medicinal plants", which is described as giving "cutting edge information on the pharmacological properties and therapeutic potentials" of over 6,000 species of plant, Christophe Wiart, undoubtedly a true expert in the field of ethnopharmacology, mentions Polygala japonica, saying that the plant is used in Korea as an aphrodisiac for males and the elderly. [7] Polygala tenuifolia is also mentioned above the entry for P. japonica without drawing specific attention to any aphrodisiac qualities or the lack thereof.

So it appears that there is still something of a "fog" around the aphrodisiac qualities of Polygala. It's clear that the plant has a long history of use as an aphrodisiac in Traditional Chinese Medicine - however the exact mechanism of its effects would seem still to be shrouded in mystery. Once again, more work needs to be done.

Polygala - history of use

Polygala is mentioned in several of the ancient classic texts of Traditional Chinese Medicine - such as the 7th century Yao Xing Lun and has had a long history of medicinal use. [9] [10]

Another good thing about Polygala noticed during the course of this research is that it appears to have very little controversy surrounding it - which is more than can be said for some of its aphrodisiac cousins...

Polygala - contraindications / safety notes

Sources state that Polygala is contraindicated in cases of stomach ulcers, gastritis - and that prolonged use may cause stomach upset. It is also contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women. [11]

Polygala, and its varieties senega, sibirica, tenuifolia, "Siberian" and 'thin-leaf" are listed in the AHPA's "Herbs of Commerce" [12]

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