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milkwort

Polygala · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (12 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Milkwort, scientifically known as Polygala, is a diverse genus of flowering plants valued in traditional medicine for centuries. Renowned for its neuroprotective and adaptogenic properties, it is frequently used to support cognitive function, soothe the nervous system, and alleviate respiratory issues, offering a rich botanical resource for holistic wellness.

Family
Polygalaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Root · Leaf
Common names
Milkwort · Butterflybushes · 1 more
Scientific synonyms
Tricholophus · Psychanthus · 3 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Polygala

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Hierbas lecheras

German:

  • Kreuzblümchen
  • Kreuzblumen
  • Kreuzblume
  • Kreuzblumen

French:

  • Polygales

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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 Polygalaeacee and specifically belongs to the genus Polygala.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Fabales
Family Polygalaceae
Genus Polygala

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Its presence is also documented across the island of Great Britain and throughout Ireland. Furthermore, the species extends to the northern territories of Finland. Finally, the plant is known to inhabit the Faroe Islands, also referred to as Føroyaar.

Region Area
Northern Europe Denmark
Northern Europe Finland
Northern Europe Føroyar
Northern Europe Great Britain
Northern Europe Ireland
Northern Europe Norway
Northern Europe Sweden
Middle Europe Austria
Middle Europe Belgium
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Plant Parts

Polygala has 3 reported plant parts identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root, leaf, stem.

Plant parts reported in Polygala
Plant part Supporting sources Consensus
Root 3 supporting sources ★★☆☆☆
Leaf 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Stem 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Root

  1. Journal of natural medicines
  2. Scientific reports
  3. Journal of food protection

Leaf

  1. Scientific reports

Stem

  1. Scientific reports

Activities

Polygala has 6 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antidepressant, Antiischemic, Antitumor, Neuroprotective.

Activities reported in Polygala
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
Analgesic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antidepressant 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antiischemic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antitumor 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Neuroprotective 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Sedative 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Analgesic

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antidepressant

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antiischemic

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antitumor

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Neuroprotective

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Sedative

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Polygala has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cognitive impairments.

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Consensus
cognitive impairments Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆