A powerful root for respiratory comfort

Polygala senega root is primarily used in expectorant preparations designed to clear the airways during chesty coughs or bronchial congestion. It is also used in certain formulas designed to stimulate secretory functions and support natural defenses.

Description

Light brown to reddish brown root, hard, fibrous, cut into fragments of 0.5 to 2 cm. Camphoraceous odor, pungent and slightly sweet taste. Raw product intended for galenic processing (decoction, tincture, syrup).

Nomenclature

• Common name: Virginia Polygala, Senega root
• Latin name: Polygala senega
• Family: Polygalaceae
• Part used: Root
• Shape: Cut (professional bulk)
• Origin: North America (Canada, United States)
• English name: Senega root
• German name: Senegawurzel
• Name in Spanish: Raíz de senega
• Name in Italian: Radice di senega
• Name in Arabic: جذر السينيغا

Main virtues

Expectorant, bronchial fluidifier, sialogogue, stimulant of respiratory secretions, mild immunostimulant.

Main constituents

Triterpene saponins (senegasaponins), salicylic acid, oligosaccharides, polygalitol, plant sterols, volatile oils.

Professional use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 to 2 g per 200 ml of water – boil for 10 minutes – up to 2 times a day, on professional prescription.
• Tincture or fluid extract: according to pharmaceutical standards (1:5, 60% alcohol).
• Professional syrup: glycerin or hydroalcoholic syrup base dosed at 0.5 – 1% of active ingredient.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Use reserved for authorized healthcare professionals.
• May cause nausea, vomiting or gastric irritation in case of overdose.
• Contraindicated in children under 12 years old, pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Possible interactions with fluidifying or mucolytic drugs.

History and traditional use

Originally used by Native American peoples, Senega root was introduced to Europe in the 18th ^century as a remedy for pneumonia epidemics. It was quickly adopted in Western pharmacopoeias and still appears in some magistral preparations intended for the respiratory tract, although its use has been restricted with the arrival of new synthetic active ingredients.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: kraft bag or sealed bulk reserved for approved professionals.
• Storage: away from light, humidity and heat.
• Shelf life: 24 months.
• TARIC customs code: 1211.90.86.00

Sources and references

• Wikiphyto – https://www.wikiphyto.org/wiki/Polygala_senega
• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• French and European Pharmacopoeia – expectorant monographs
• Order of June 24, 2014 – Regulated plants (Legifrance)

Note to project creators and formulators:

Please note that we do not provide any technical documentation (datasheet, certificate, analysis, etc.) for quantities less than 1 kg. Documentation is reserved exclusively for registered professionals (SIRET number or equivalent required) and for clearly identified projects. Thank you for your understanding.

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

Disclaimer

The Apophycaire brand, the aromacentre.fr website, and SAS LPBE disclaim all liability for the use of the information on this site. Each individual is responsible for the use of these products and must ensure that their use is appropriate for their health.