The efficacy and function of Polygonum multiflorum

Many people are not very clear about the effects and functions of the traditional Chinese medicine Polygonum multiflorum. Let’s take a look below.

[Other names] Polygonum multiflorum, Polygonum aviculare, Polygonum aviculare

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb of Polygonum multiflorum of the Polygonaceae family.

[Original form] Annual herb, 40-80cm tall. The taproot is bent. Stem upper part erect, simple or branched. Leaves are alternate; with short petioles and hard spines; leaf blades are lanceolate or narrowly lanceolate, often with brown spots on the upper side, green on the back, 4-10cm long, 0.5-2cm wide, with acuminate tip, cuneate base, and hard spines on the main veins and leaf margins; stipules are tubular, membranous, obvious at the upper part, tightly clasping the stem, 1-2.2cm long, with sparse pubescence, truncated tip, and short eyelashes. Flowers numerous, gathered in panicles, terminal or axillary, peduncles slightly glandular; flowers densely grown, 1.5-5cm long, usually erect, bracts funnel-shaped, purple-red, oblique at apex, sparsely ciliated, perianth pink or white, usually 5-lobed, imbricately arranged; stamens 7 or 8, 6 fertile; styles 2, rarely 3. Achenes are broadly ovate, dark brown, shiny, and enclosed in persistent perianth. Flowering and fruiting period is June to September (October).

【Habitat distribution】Ecological environment: grows in riverbank wetlands.

[Chemical composition] The aerial parts of Polygonum multiflorum contain formic acid, acetic acid, pyruvic acid, valeric acid, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, pyrogallic tannin, vitamin C and trace elements. It also contains essential oils and saponins. Its leaves contain quercetin, isoquercetin and hyperoside. Its seeds contain 5,7-dihydroxychromone, quercetin-3-galactcoide, kaempferol 3-galacteside, quercetin, kaempferol, and β-sitosterol.

【Nature and flavor】 Pungent; bitter; warm

【Meridian】 Lung; spleen; large intestine

【Functions and indications】Induces sweat and removes dampness; helps digestion; kills insects. It is used for colds caused by wind and cold; arthralgia caused by wind and cold dampness; diarrhea caused by indigestion and intestinal parasites.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 6-12g.

[Additional prescription] "Compendium of Materia Medica" says: "All large things are named after horse, and the common name for this is large polygonum." This plant is named horse polygonum and large polygonum because of its tall stems and leaves. It is also said: "There is a black mark in the middle of each leaf, like an ink dot, so the alchemists called it Moji grass."

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Through the detailed introduction of Polygonum multiflorum in this article, we can learn about the related functions and eating methods of Polygonum multiflorum. The value of Polygonum multiflorum can be seen from its efficacy, which fully reflects the importance of Polygonum multiflorum.