Nootropic profile
Polygala Tenuifolia (Yuan Zhi)
A cornerstone herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine used for over 2,000 years to "sharpen the mind and benefit the will" - modern research confirms its ability to enhance BDNF, improve memory, and reduce neuroinflammation.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Polygala Tenuifolia (Yuan Zhi)?
Polygala tenuifolia, known as Yuan Zhi in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been classified as a "superior herb" in the Shennong Ben Cao Jing - the oldest Chinese pharmacopoeia, dating to approximately 200 AD.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- Standard dosage: 100-300 mg of a standardised extract per day
- Traditional TCM dosage: 3-10 g of dried root per day, prepared as a decoction (tea)
- Extract ratios: 20:1 or 10:1 extracts are common in supplement form
- Timing: Can be taken once or twice daily, with or without food
- Onset: Some effects on mood and calm may be noticed within days; cognitive benefits typically develop over 2-4 weeks
Watch out for
- Generally well tolerated: Mild gastrointestinal effects (nausea, stomach upset) are the most common side effects, especially with raw root preparations
- Traditional processing: In TCM, the root is traditionally processed with licorice or ginger to reduce gastrointestinal irritation
- Saponin content: High saponin content can cause GI irritation in sensitive individuals - start with a lower dose
- Limited Western clinical data: While there is extensive traditional use data and promising animal research, large-scale Western clinical trials are limited
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy in TCM
The science, if you're curious.
- Onjisaponins and DISS increase expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor, supporting neuroplasticity
- Active saponins stimulate the physical extension of neuronal processes, enhancing synaptic connectivity
- Inhibits microglial activation and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6)
- Mildly inhibits the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, increasing cholinergic transmission
Where to find it
- Standardised extracts: Available from nootropic retailers (Nootropics Depot, Liftmode) in capsule or powder form
- Raw root: Dried Polygala tenuifolia root available from TCM herb suppliers
- Combined formulas: Featured in numerous TCM formulas including Kai Xin San (Open Heart Powder) and An Shen Ding Zhi Wan
Frequently asked
A cornerstone herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine used for over 2,000 years to "sharpen the mind and benefit the will" - modern research confirms its ability to enhance BDNF, improve memory, and reduce neuroinflammation.
The main benefits people report from Polygala Tenuifolia (Yuan Zhi) are: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Longevity, Memory, Mood, Sleep, Stress Relief.
Standard dosage: 100-300 mg of a standardised extract per dayTraditional TCM dosage: 3-10 g of dried root per day, prepared as a decoction (tea)Extract ratios: 20:1 or 10:1 extracts are common in supplement formTiming: Can be taken once or twice daily, with or without foodOnset: Some effects on mood...
Generally well tolerated: Mild gastrointestinal effects (nausea, stomach upset) are the most common side effects, especially with raw root preparationsTraditional processing: In TCM, the root is traditionally processed with licorice or ginger to reduce gastrointestinal irritationSaponin content: Hig...
Onjisaponins and DISS increase expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor, supporting neuroplasticityActive saponins stimulate the physical extension of neuronal processes, enhancing synaptic connectivityInhibits microglial activation and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokin...
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