Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma
Aliases：Yuzhu、Shanyuzhu、Shiyangcuo、Zhuqigen、Zhujiehuang、Huangjiaoj、Baijieyao、Shanjiang、Huangmanjing、Weican
Yuzhu (Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma) is a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb that nourishes yin. It is the dried rhizome of Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce (family Asparagaceae, formerly Liliaceae). It is mainly produced in Hunan, Hubei, Henan, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces.
Efficacy & Actions
Nourish Yin and moisten dryness, generate fluids and quench thirst.
Indications
It is mainly used for Yin damage of the Lung and Stomach, dryness-heat cough, dry throat and thirst, and internal heat with wasting thirst disorder (Xiaoke).
Modern Pharmacology
1. Effects on the Cardiovascular System A 20% decoction of Yuzhu exhibits dose‑dependent effects: at low doses, it enhances myocardial contractility and increases the amplitude of heart beats; at high doses, it weakens heart beats and rapidly leads to cardiac arrest. Yuzhu decoction also induces vasoconstriction. Regarding blood pressure, the 20% decoction produces a slow pressor effect; low doses show no significant effect; relatively high doses cause a temporary decrease in blood pressure. 2. Effects on the Immune System The ethanol extract of Yuzhu acts as an immunopotentiator, primarily enhancing humoral immunity and phagocytic function. 3. Effects on Blood Glucose The methanol extract of Yuzhu has a hypoglycemic effect. 4. Anti‑aging Effects A water decoction of Yuzhu significantly increases the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‑Px) in whole blood, effectively inhibits the formation of lipid peroxides (LPO), scavenges free radicals generated by metabolism, and thereby delays the aging process. 5. Effects on Smooth Muscle A 20% water decoction of Yuzhu shows a biphasic effect on intestinal smooth muscle: initial excitation followed by inhibition. It also exerts a mild stimulatory effect on the uterus. 6. Other Effects In addition to the above actions, Yuzhu also demonstrates lipid‑lowering effects, increases tyrosinase activity, and prolongs tolerance to hypoxia, among other activities.
Ingredients
Yuzhu contains a variety of bioactive components, primarily including steroidal saponins, flavonoids, and their glycosides. Steroidal saponins: These include convallamaroside, convallarin, and polygonatoside, among others. Flavonoids and their glycosides: The main compounds are kaempferol and its glucosides, vitexin-2″-O-sophoroside, vitexin, vitexin-2″-O-glucoside, and others. Other constituents: Yuzhu also contains multiple trace elements, amino acids, and other nitrogenous compounds.
Usage & Dosage
1. Internal use: 6–12 g in decoction; also prepared as an extract (ointment), steeped in wine, or used in pills or powders. 2. External use: Appropriate amount of fresh herb, crushed for topical application; or apply as a cooked ointment.
Contraindications
1. It is not suitable for use in cases of Spleen and Stomach deficiency, phlegm-dampness internal accumulation, or middle cold with loose stools. 2. It should not be used concurrently with antihypertensive drugs. 3. Avoid salty and brine-cured foods.
Selected Formulas
1. Lung‑stomach dryness‑heat with yin fluid deficiency Indicated for dry cough with scanty sputum, dry mouth and throat due to lung‑stomach dryness‑heat and yin fluid depletion. Often combined with Shashen (Glehniae Radix), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), and Sangye (Mori Folium) to nourish yin, clear heat, moisten dryness, and stop cough. As in Shashen Maidong Tang (Glehnia and Ophiopogon Decoction) from Wenbing Tiaobian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases). 2. Cool‑dryness injuring the lung Suitable for cough caused by cool‑dryness attacking the lung. Often combined with Xingren (Armeniacae Semen), Zisuye (Perillae Folium), Qianhu (Peucedani Radix), and Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) to disperse dryness, moisten the lung, and stop cough. 3. Yin‑deficiency consumptive cough For chronic cough due to yin deficiency. Yuzhu nourishes yin and moistens the lung, and is often combined with Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), and Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus) to nourish yin, clear heat, moisten the lung, and stop cough. If accompanied by persistent low‑grade fever, Digupi (Lycii Cortex), Qinghao (Artemisiae Annuae Herba), or Baiwei (Cynanchi Atrati Radix) may be added to clear deficient heat. 4. Stomach yin not restored after febrile disease or internal fire damaging stomach yin Indicated when stomach yin has not recovered in the late stage of a febrile disease, or when internal fire due to visceral disharmony injures stomach yin, presenting as hunger without desire to eat, dry mouth and tongue, etc. Often combined with Shashen, Maidong, Shengdi, and rock sugar. As in Yuzhu Maimendong Tang (Yuzhu and Ophiopogon Decoction) and Yiwei Tang (Stomach‑Benefiting Decoction) from Wenbing Tiaobian. 5. Internal heat wasting thirst disorder (Xiaoke) For diabetes‑like condition due to internal heat. Often combined with Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix), Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), and Shenggetiao (fresh Pueraria root) to nourish yin, clear heat, promote fluid production, and quench thirst. 6. Constitutional yin deficiency with external contraction For individuals with underlying yin deficiency who subsequently contract an external pathogen, manifesting as fever, slight aversion to wind‑cold, dry cough with scanty sputum, irritability, and dry mouth. Often combined with Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba), Douchi (Sojae Semen Preparatum), and Jiegeng to nourish yin and release the exterior. As in Jiajian Weirui Tang (Modified Polygonatum Decoction) from Tongsu Shanghan Lun (Popular Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders).
Daily Consumption
Steeping as tea: Take 5–10 g of dried Yuzhu, steep in boiling water, cover and let infuse for about 10 minutes, then drink. The same pieces can be steeped repeatedly until tasteless. For enhanced Yin‑nourishing effect, it may be combined with goji berries (Lycii Fructus) and Ophiopogon (Ophiopogonis Radix). Cooking in soup or congee: Add 10–20 g of dried Yuzhu to soup with pork ribs, chicken, or pork bones and simmer for 40 minutes to 1 hour. Alternatively, cook 10–15 g of dried Yuzhu together with japonica rice to make a congee. Preparing an extract (ointment): Decoct Yuzhu in water three times, combine the decoctions, filter, and concentrate the liquid. Then add honey and simmer until a thick extract (ointment) forms. The finished Yuzhu extract may be taken 30 g each time on an empty stomach, morning and evening. It is said to nourish the skin and improve complexion. Other uses: Yuzhu can also be cooked together with lotus seeds (Nelumbinis Semen), lily bulb (Lilii Bulbus), and Chinese yam (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) to make a thick soup or sweet dessert. Moreover, fresh Yuzhu rhizomes can be sliced and taken directly (chewed and swallowed).
Medicinal Parts
dried rhizome
Selection & Storage
Storage: Store in a dry container in a cool, well-ventilated, dry place. Protect from mold and discoloration. For processed Yuzhu products such as honey-fried Yuzhu (Zhi Yuzhu), wine-processed Yuzhu (Jiu Yuzhu), and steamed Yuzhu (Zheng Yuzhu), keep in airtight containers.