Polygonatum
Polygonatum, commonly known as Solomon's seal, is a revered genus of perennial herbs valued in traditional medicine. Renowned for its rhizomatous roots, it is frequently utilized to nourish yin, moisten lungs, and alleviate dryness. This versatile plant offers significant therapeutic potential for supporting vitality and restoring internal balance.
- Scientific name: Polygonatum
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asparagales and the family Asparagaceae, it is classified under the genus Polygonatum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asparagales | WCVP |
| Family | Asparagaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Polygonatum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Polygonatum, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Simplified Chinese, it is identified as 黄精属 (zh-hans) or 黄精属 (zh-cn), while in Traditional Chinese contexts, it is known as 黃精 (zh-hant). Specifically in Hong Kong, the name used is 黃精 (zh-hk), and in Singapore, it is commonly called 黄精 (zh-sg).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 黄精属 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 黃精 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 黃精 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 黄精属 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 黄精 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 黃精屬 | Wikidata |
| pl | Kokoryczka | Wikidata |
| wa | Foye di coixheure | Wikidata |
| be | Купена | Wikidata |
| hu | salamonpecsét | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the northern regions of Europe. Within Northern Europe, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Its presence also extends to the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Furthermore, the species is documented inhabiting the terrain of Norway. Together, these locations define its regional range within the northern part of the continent.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Solomon's seal, possesses several distinct botanical features that contribute to its medicinal value. The stems are typically slender and arching, supporting a lush arrangement of lanceolate leaves that grow in an alternate pattern along the length of the plant. Below the surface, the most significant therapeutic component is found in the thick, fleshy rhizomes, which are often harvested for their healing properties. Once the flowering cycle is complete, the plant produces small seeds contained within berries; each individual seed carries the genetic potential to propagate the species, though the rhizomes remain the primary focus for traditional herbal applications.- Total parts
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seed | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Polygonatum has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, saponins, 5-HMF, adenosine, lignins.
- Total chemicals
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5-HMF | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| adenosine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pyroglutamic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sucrose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vitamin C | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Polygonatum has 9 reported activities identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hypoglycemic, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antioxidant, Antiviral.
- Total activities
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 15
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Hypoglycemic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypolipidemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tonic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Polygonatum has 16 reported medicinal uses identified across 16 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease, Diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, antiviral, depression.
- Total uses
- 16
- Scientific sources
- 16
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diabetes mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Parkinson's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| depression | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fatigue | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypoglycemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypoglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| immunomodulation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| indigestion | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |