Overview of the efficacy and functions of Polygonatum odoratum

Polygonatum odoratum (scientific name: Polygonatum odoratum), also known as Polygonatum odoratum, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Polygonatum in the Liliaceae family. Its dried rhizomes can be used as medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Polygonatum odoratum is slightly cold in nature, sweet in taste, and returns to the lung and stomach meridians.Nourishes yin and moisturizes dryness, produces body fluids and quenches thirst, moistens the lungs and relieves coughIt is suitable for symptoms such as yin deficiency and dryness of the lungs, dry cough with less phlegm, and fever that damages body fluids. Modern research shows that Polygonatum odoratum contains active ingredients such as polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids, which have antioxidant, immune-regulating, and hypoglycemic effects. Its main functions can be divided into two categories: traditional medicinal value and modern pharmacological effects, which will be discussed in detail below.

traditional medicinal value

In the "Shen Nong's Materia Medica", Polygonatum odoratum is listed as the top grade, and it is recorded that it is "mainly responsible for storm fever, which cannot be shaken, and can cause muscles and muscles to become knotted, and long-term use can remove dark spots on the face."Nourish yin and moisturize drynessIt is the core effect of Polygonatum odoratum and is often used to treat dry throat, thirst, and dry cough with less phlegm caused by Yin damage to the lungs and stomach;Produce fluid and quench thirstIt has a certain effect on relieving the symptoms of polydipsia in diabetic patients. In addition, "Compendium of Materia Medica" mentions that Polygonatum odoratum can "replenish the five types of fatigue and seven injuries" and is suitable for conditioning people with weak constitutions. Commonly used clinical combinations include using it with Adenophora adenophora and Ophiopogon japonicus to enhance the effect of nourishing yin, or using it with Platycodon grandiflorum to relieve dry cough.

modern pharmacological research

In recent years, studies have found that polygonatum polygonatumPolygonatum polysaccharideIt can significantly increase macrophage activity and enhance the body's immunity ("Chinese Herbal Medicine" 2020 study). Its flavonoids have the ability to scavenge free radicals, and its antioxidant effect is better than that of vitamin C. Animal experiments also show that Polygonatum odorifera extract can reduce blood sugar levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice (Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2018). The following table lists some research data:

Product applications and manufacturers

Polygonatum odorifera is widely used in the field of health care products and pharmaceuticals. Common products include:Tongrentang Yuzhu Ophiopogon japonicus granules(for dry cough),Yunnan Baiyao Yangyin Qingfei Pills(Contains Polygonatum odorifera compatibility),Kang En Bei Yu Zhu Capsules(Immunomodulating health products). Guangdong, Hunan and other places are Yuzhudao real estate areas, among whichShaodong YuzhuObtained national geographical indication certification. Please note when using: People with cold and cough should use with caution. The daily dosage is recommended not to exceed 10 grams (dry product).

Summary and Notes

Taken together, Polygonatum odoratum, as a medicinal and edible material, has a thousand-year medicinal history and its active ingredients have been verified by modern science. itsNourishing yin and promoting fluid productionThe characteristics are suitable for autumn health maintenance or people with Sjögren's syndrome, and the immunomodulatory effect can be used as an auxiliary conditioning for sub-health states. But it needs to be clear: Polygonatum odoratum cannot replace drugs in the treatment of serious diseases, and patients with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar when taking it. When purchasing, it is recommended to choose products from regular manufacturers. Brands such as Lei Yunshang and Jiuzhitang all have preparations related to Polygonatum odorifera.

Cited sources: 1. "Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China" 2020 edition 2. "Chinese Materia Medica" Shanghai Science and Technology Press 3. Photocopy version of Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica" People's Medical Publishing House 4. Chinese Medical Information Query Platform (authoritative medical database)