Seneca root

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Seneca root
• Seneca snakeroot
• senega snakeroot
• senega-root
• sengaroot

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Polygala senega var. dentata
• Polygala lonchophylla
• Polygala senega
• Polygala senega var. albida
• Polygala senega var. latifolia

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Fabales and the family Polygalaeaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Senega.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is found across several regions within Western Canada. Its distribution includes the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. Additionally, it can be located in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Beyond the western part of the country, it also grows in Eastern Canada. Specifically, its range extends into the province of New Brunswick.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Plant Parts

Senega officinalis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include rhizome.

Rhizome

1. Planta medica
2. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Senega officinalis has 35 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Tenuifolin, 3,4,5-TRIMETHOXYCINNAMIC ACID, 3,4-DIMETHOXYCINNAMIC ACID, D-Glucitol, Desmethoxysenegin II.

Tenuifolin

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural medicines

3,4,5-TRIMETHOXYCINNAMIC ACID

1. Dr. Duke

3,4-DIMETHOXYCINNAMIC ACID

1. Dr. Duke

D-Glucitol

1. Dr. Duke

Desmethoxysenegin II

1. Journal of natural products

MONOTROPITOSIDE

1. Dr. Duke

Manninotriose

1. Dr. Duke

POLYGALITOL

1. Dr. Duke

Polygalic acid

1. Dr. Duke

RAFFINOSE

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Senega officinalis has 115 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Acetylcholinergic, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Allelopathic, Allergenic, Analgesic.

Acetylcholinergic

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allelopathic

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Anaphrodisiac

1. Dr. Duke

AntiUTI

1. Dr. Duke

Antiadhesive

1. Dr. Duke

Antiaggregant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiallergic

1. Dr. Duke