Polygala japonica
Polygala japonica, commonly known as Japanese Milkwort, is a perennial herb prized in traditional medicine. Renowned for its bioactive compounds, it is frequently utilized to support respiratory health and soothe inflammation. This versatile plant plays a significant role in herbal therapies, offering potential benefits for cognitive and digestive wellness.
- Scientific name: Polygala japonica
- Family: Polygalaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Polygalaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Polygala, specifically as the species Polygala japonica.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Polygalaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Polygala | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Polygala japonica, is known by various regional names across East Asia. In Japan, it is referred to as ヒメハギ (ja), while in Korea, it is commonly called 애기풀 (ko). In Chinese-speaking regions, including mainland China (zh-cn), Taiwan (zh-tw), and broader Chinese contexts (zh), the plant is recognized by the name 瓜子金.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ja | ヒメハギ | Wikidata |
| ko | 애기풀 | Wikidata |
| zh | 瓜子金 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 瓜子金 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 瓜子金 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 瓜子金 | Wikidata |
| zh | 竹叶地丁 | Wikidata |
| zh | 小英雄 | Wikidata |
| zh | 远志草 | Wikidata |
| zh | 通性草 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across several distinct regions in East Asia. In the Russian Far East, its presence is documented in both the Khabarovsk and Primorye territories. Its range extends significantly into China, where it can be found throughout the Manchuria region. Furthermore, the species inhabits the North-Central parts of China. Finally, its geographical reach includes the South-Central areas of the country as well.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Russian Far East | Khabarovsk | WCVP |
| Russian Far East | Primorye | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Manchuria | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| China | Tibet | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Nansei-shoto | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Polygala japonica, is utilized in traditional medicine primarily through its aerial parts. These aerial parts, which encompass the stems, leaves, and flowers, contain the bioactive compounds necessary for its therapeutic effects. When preparing medicinal decoctions or extracts, the aerial part is carefully harvested and processed to ensure the potency of the plant's natural constituents.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aerial part | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Polygala japonica has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include saponin 4, saponin 5, terpenoids, triterpene.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| saponin 4 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponin 5 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Polygala japonica has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include central nervous system disorders, inflammation, wounds.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| central nervous system disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |