Polygalae Fallacis Radix
Aliases：Huáng Huā Shēn (Yellow Flower Ginseng); Jī Zǐ Shù (Chick Tree); Diào Diào Huáng (Hanging Yellow); Huáng Huā Diào Shuǐ Lián (Yellow Flower Hanging Water Lotus); Guān Yīn Chuàn (Guanyin String); Huáng Huā Dà Yuǎn Zhì (Yellow Flower Large Polygala); Huáng Huā Yuǎn Zhì (Yellow Flower Polygala); Diào Huáng (Hanging Yellow); Dào Diào Huáng Huā (Upside-down Yellow Flower); Mù Běn Yuǎn Zhì (Woody Polygala); Dào Diào Huáng (Upside-down Yellow); Huáng Huā Jīn Kuī (Yellow Flower Golden Helmet); Guān Yīn Zhuì (Guanyin Pendant); Huáng Huā Jī Gǔ Cǎo (Yellow Flower Chicken Bone Grass); Huáng Jīn Yìn (Golden Seal); Niàn Jiàn (Mind Health); Niú Er Yīn (Cow Ear Sound); Bái Mǎ Tāi (White Horse Fetus); Yī Shēn Bǎo Nuǎn (Whole-body Warming Herb).
Huáng Huā Dào Shuǐ Lián (Polygala Root) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried root, stem, or leaf of Polygala fallax Hemsl., a plant of the Polygalaceae family. In the mountainous areas of southern China, it is commonly used by local people in stews with chicken or pig trotters as a nourishing remedy for postpartum and post-illness recovery.
Efficacy & Actions
Tonifies deficiency and strengthens the spleen, disperses stasis and unblocks collaterals, supplements qi and nourishes blood, invigorates blood and regulates menstruation, and promotes diuresis to resolve dampness.
Indications
Used for fatigue and weakness, uterine prolapse, infantile malnutrition (childhood wasting disorder), edema due to spleen deficiency, thin leukorrhea, rheumatic arthralgia, lumbago, menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, and traumatic injuries. It is also used for post-illness weakness, lumbago and knee soreness, acute and chronic hepatitis, nephritis edema, postpartum weakness, and metrorrhagia, among other conditions.
Modern Pharmacology
Lipid regulation: Ethanol extract exhibits lipid-regulating effects; saponins are the main active components. Anti-inflammatory: High and medium doses of ethanol extract significantly inhibit xylene-induced ear edema (P<0.05, 0.01). Cardiovascular protection: Anti‑myocardial ischemia, increases coronary flow, lowers blood pressure, and protects against ventricular hypertrophy. Anticoagulant and antithrombotic: Total saponins possess anticoagulant and antithrombotic effects. Antitumor: Polysaccharides inhibit B16 melanoma proliferation and induce apoptosis; xanthones show cytotoxicity against gastric and breast cancer cells. Antioxidant: Possesses antioxidant activity. Hepatoprotective: Has hepatoprotective effects. Immune enhancement: Regulates and enhances immune function. Antiviral: Possesses antiviral activity. Anti-stress and hypoxia tolerance: Exhibits anti-stress and hypoxia‑tolerant effects.
Ingredients
Saponins: One of the main active components of Polygala Root (Huáng Huā Dào Shuǐ Lián), including polygalacic acid-type saponins, among others. Xanthones: A total of 8 xanthone compounds have been isolated and identified from the root of Polygala fallax, one of which is a new natural product discovered from nature for the first time. Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides from Polygala fallax exhibit antioxidant, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and other activities. Flavonoids: Including rutin and other components. Sterols and Their Glycosides. Organic Acids and Their Esters.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 15–30g. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, mashed and applied to the affected area.
Contraindications
Use with caution (or contraindicated) during pregnancy: This herb has the effects of invigorating blood, regulating menstruation, dispersing stasis, and unblocking collaterals, which may affect the fetus. Use with caution in infants and young children. Use with caution in patients with stomach cold or diarrhea. Use with caution in individuals with allergies: If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue use immediately.
Selected Formulas
For Postpartum Weakness in Women (from Guangxi Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 30g of Polygala Root (Huáng Huā Dào Shuǐ Lián) and 60g of chicken. Decoct in water and take orally. For Traumatic Bleeding (Folk Prescription) Take an appropriate amount of Polygala Root leaves, mash them, and apply to the wound. For Nourishing and Health Care (Folk Prescription) Take 30–60g of Polygala Root and a small amount of yellow wine. Stew with chicken (or pig trotters) and consume. For Acute and Chronic Jaundice Hepatitis (Folk Prescription) Take 30–50g of Polygala Root and an appropriate amount of rock sugar or white sugar. Decoct in water and take orally. For Infantile Malnutrition (Childhood Wasting Disorder) (Folk Prescription) Take 15–30g of Polygala Root and an appropriate amount of lean pork. Decoct in water and take orally. For Postpartum Weakness (Folk Prescription) Take 30–50g of Polygala Root and a small amount of yellow wine. Stew with chicken and consume.
Daily Consumption
Polygala Root Stewed with Chicken: Take 30–60g of Polygala Root (Huáng Huā Dào Shuǐ Lián), wash it, and stew it together with an old hen. Add a small amount of yellow wine. Drink the soup and eat the meat. Suitable for postpartum weakness, post-illness deficiency, and fatigue. Polygala Root Stewed with Pig Trotters: Take 30–60g of Polygala Root and stew it together with pig trotters. This dish helps tonify the spleen and kidneys, nourish yin, and reduce fire. It is a famous medicinal dish commonly used in the Shaxian area of Fujian Province. Polygala Root Decoction: Take 15–30g of Polygala Root, decoct in water, and drink the liquid. May be used as an adjunctive treatment for post-illness weakness, lumbago and knee soreness, menstrual irregularities, and other conditions.
Medicinal Parts
Dried root. Its stems and leaves may also be used medicinally.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
