Polygala Tenuifolia

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evidence score

nootropic

yuan zhithin-leaf milkwortpolygala root+2 more

Polygala tenuifolia (yuan zhi) is a traditional Chinese medicine herb increasingly studied for its potent neurological effects. It is one of the few herbal compounds with direct evidence for promoting neurogenesis — generating new neurons — specifically in the hippocampus. Active compounds include onjisaponins, tenuifolin, and senegenin. Human studies and multiple animal studies show enhanced memory consolidation, reduced anxiety, and strong BDNF upregulation. BT-11 (a standardized fraction) significantly improved memory and overall cognitive function in a 12-week human RCT. It also potentiates the cognitive effects of other nootropics, particularly when stacked with lion's mane.

Evidence

No score yet

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

No formal phase listed

Research Sync

Not synced yet

Dosing

Typical

300 mg

100 mgRange600 mg

Frequency1-2x/day

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Pharmacology

Half-life~4-6 hours

OnsetAcute anxiolytic effects within hours; cognitive improvements 4-12 weeks

DurationNeurogenic effects accumulate with daily use; benefits persist during supplementation

Routes

oral

Evidence Score

—

0 studies indexed

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)—

Quality(30%)—

Sample Size(10%)—

Consistency(10%)—

Replication(5%)—

Recency(5%)—

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Polygala Tenuifolia is currently categorized as a nootropic compound.

Evidence scoring has not been fully computed yet, so interpret this profile as preliminary.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

BDNF induction via TrkB receptor; hippocampal neurogenesis promotion; AChE inhibition; sigma-1 receptor modulation; cAMP/CREB pathway activation

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

No indexed study summaries yet.