Overview of the efficacy and functions of Polygonatum

Polygonatum is a traditional Chinese medicinal material that has the effects of nourishing qi and yin, strengthening the spleen and lungs, replenishing the kidneys and replenishing essence. It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for health care and disease treatment. Its main functions include enhancing immunity, resisting fatigue, regulating blood sugar and blood lipids, and delaying aging. Modern research shows that the active ingredients such as polysaccharides and saponins in Polygonatum are the basis of its pharmacological effects. This article will start with Polygonatum’s core functions, applicable groups, usage methods and precautions to help readers fully understand this nourishing product that has the same source of medicine and food.

Core functions: Replenish the five internal organs and regulate deficiency

Polygonatum is known as "the leftover food for immortals", and its tonic effect covers the lungs, spleen and kidneys. It has a significant improvement effect on dry cough with less phlegm caused by lung yin deficiency, loss of appetite caused by spleen deficiency, and soreness and weakness of the waist and knees caused by insufficient kidney essence. Research shows that polygonatum polysaccharide can significantly increase macrophage activity and enhance the body's disease resistance (see Table 1). In addition, the antioxidant components of Polygonatum sibiricum can scavenge free radicals and help regulate chronic diseases such as menopausal syndrome and diabetic complications.

Applicable crowd and classic compatibility

Polygonatum is especially suitable for people with weak constitution, staying up late for a long time, and recovering from surgery. Combining it with wolfberry can enhance the liver-tonifying effect and improving eyesight, and using it with astragalus can enhance the qi-tonifying effect. Li Shizhen, a physician in the Ming Dynasty, recorded in "Compendium of Materia Medica": "Pogonatum japonica replenishes various deficiencies, replenishes the essence, tonifies qi and blood and moistens it." However, it should be noted that people with dampness and heat in the spleen and stomach should use it with caution. It is recommended to use it with spleen-strengthening and dampness-reducing herbs such as Atractylodes macrocephala and Poria cocos under the guidance of a doctor to neutralize their greasy properties.

Scientific eating methods and precautions

Polygonatum can be decoctioned (9-15 grams per day), soaked in wine or made into medicinal food. We recommend the classic therapeutic recipe "Lean Pork Stewed with Polygonatum Jing", which is suitable for nourishing in autumn and winter. The concentrated polygonatum powder extracted by modern technology is easier to absorb, but you need to choose products from regular manufacturers. Special attention is required: It is contraindicated during exogenous fever. Diabetic patients need to monitor blood sugar when taking it. It should not be taken continuously for more than 3 months. It is recommended to adopt the intermittent usage of "take for 10 days and stop for 2 days".

Summary: Treat traditional tonics rationally

As a health-preserving medicinal material with a long history, the efficacy of Polygonatum japonica has been verified by some modern studies, but its effect should not be deified. Reasonable use can improve sub-health status, but it needs to be used in conjunction with physical syndrome differentiation. It is recommended that consumers choose authentic medicinal materials (such as those produced in Jiuhua Mountain, Anhui) to avoid confusion with Polygonatum odorifera, which has a similar appearance. The most important thing in maintaining good health is persistence. Polygonatum needs to be taken in an appropriate amount for a long time to show the effect. Do not take a large amount of supplements in a hurry for quick success.

Quote sources:

1. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition 1
2. Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica"
3. "Chinese Herbal Medicine" Journal 2021 Volume 52
4. Compilation Committee of "Chinese Materia Medica" of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine