Senega is a medicinal herb that has been used for thousands of years throughout Asia.
This article will look at the head benefits of Polygala tenuifolia, as well as its safety and history.
Table of Contents
What is Senega?
Senega is commonly used to treat Lyme disease and central nervous diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and neurasthenia. The herb is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
This plant can be found growing wild throughout Asia including China, Korea, and Siberia. It is a commonly used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Polygala tenuifolia is the plant’s Latin name, while its common name includes Senega, Chinese senega root, Chinese milkwort, Yuan Zhi (Chinese), and Onji (East Asia).
There are more than 100 known plant compounds in Senega; some of the major constituents include:
- Tenuifolin (TEN)
- Onjisaponin B (OB)
- 3,6’-disinapoyl sucrose (DISS)
- Senegenin (tenuigenin)
- Polygalacic acid
Health Benefits of Senega:
Below are the top research-backed health benefits of Senega and its active plant compounds.
1. May Treat Lyme Disease
Senega is one of the many herbs used to treat Lyme disease and its co-infections.
Lyme disease expert and herbal author, Stephen Harrod Buhner notes that Senega works as an NF-kB inhibitor. This means it can help shut down the bacteria’s inflammatory processes, reducing or eliminating many of the symptoms associated with Lyme disease.
Lyme disease can trigger the development of a condition called PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders). PANDAS and Lyme disease share similarities, while also having many differences. Several herbs that are used to treat Lyme disease may also be used to treat PANDAS. If seizures are present with PANDAS, Senega root can help regenerate damaged nerves, according to Stephen Buhner.
Summary:
Herbal experts indicate that Senega’s antibacterial effects may work to benefit Lyme disease and PANDAS. Clinical research is needed for confirmation of these findings.
2. May Help Treat Alzheimer’s Disease
Senega is widely known for helping to improve cognitive function, especially for those with Alzheimer’s disease.
Tenuifolin, a primary plant constituent in Senega, was investigated in an animal study. The researchers found that the treatment of tenuifolin improved brain function, specifically learning and memory.
Senega also demonstrated anti-neuroinflammation activity. Researchers concluded that with Polygala tenuifolia‘s ability to reduce inflammation within the brain, it can be used as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
Another study revealed similar results. Senega was found to improve learning and memory by reducing brain inflammation and oxidative stress and improving nerve communication throughout the brain.
The main active constituents of Senega (DISS, OB, and tenuifolin) were tested on cognitive function in an animal study. All three constituents showed promising results, however, DISS revealed the strongest impact on the brain. DISS improved brain function, specifically learning and memory through the development and growth of new nerves.
Summary:
Senega has been found to benefit cognition, specially for those with Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical human studies are needed to verify these findings.
3. May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Senega benefits the body through its anti-inflammatory properties.
Several active compounds of Senega were tested in a study for their anti-inflammatory effects. The results suggested that the compounds phenolic and triterpenoid saponins had strong anti-inflammatory properties by reducing inflammatory cytokine production.
Twenty-three compounds derived from the roots of Senega showed to have notable anti-inflammatory effects in a study.
Another study demonstrated the plant’s anti-inflammatory activity and its significant role as an NF-kB inhibitor.
Summary:
Senega has been found to possess compounds that help reduce inflammation, however, human studies are required in order to confirm this finding.
4. Other Potential Benefits
- May Treat the Zika Virus (with neural complications): A tincture of Senega (30 drops 3 times daily for 30 days) is part of Stephen Buhner’s protocol for treating the Zika virus with neural complications.
Summary:
Senega has been tied to a wide variety of health benefits. Human clinical trials are needed to verify these findings.
Senega Safety:
Safety Class: 2b, 2d
Interaction Class: A
According to the Botanical Safety Handbook,The safety class of ‘2b’ indicates that Senega should not be used during pregnancy. The safety class of ‘2d’ indicates other specific use restrictions.
The Botanical Safety Handbooks also states that the interaction class of ‘A’ suggests that no clinically relevant interactions are expected with Senega.
Overdose/high doses of Senega may cause vomiting and irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Allergic reactions to this plant may occur.
It is advised to avoid use in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcers, and gastritis.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Stephen Buhner mentions that as an emmenagogue (increases menstrual flow) and uterine stimulant, Senega should not be consumed during pregnancy.
The Botanical Safety Handbook indicates that due to the plant’s uterine-stimulating effects, it is not for use during pregnancy, unless under the care of a qualified health practitioner.
There is no information on the safety of Senega for use during lactation.
Dosing:
Herbal expert Stephen Buhner recommends the following Senega dosages:
- Tincture (dried root): Take 30 drops up to 3 times daily
- Dried herb: Consume 1 to 3 grams daily
Sustainability:
The Senega plant is often grown wild throughout Asia, in moist soil environments with plenty of sunlight.
Naming & Taxonomy:
Polygala tenuifolia is the plant’s scientific name. It belongs to the Polygalaceae (i.e. milkwort) family of plants.
Senega is a small perennial herb with thin