HERBAL MONOGRAPHS SENECA SNAKEROOT /683the structures of swertisin and isoswertisin. Chem Pharm Bull
(Tokyo), 45:263-9, 1967 Mar.
Hase K, Li J, Basnet P, Xiong Q, Takamura S, Namba T,
Kadota S, Studies on the constituents of Swertia japonica. II.
Isolation and structure of new flavonoid, swertiajaponin. Chem
Pharm Bull (Tokyo), 45:1567-72, 1967 Oct.
Hase K, Li J, Basnet P, Xiong Q, Takamura S, Namba T,
Kadota S. Studies on the constituents of Swertia japonica. HI.
On the flavonoid constituents of the plants of Swertia.
Yakugaku Zasshi, 45:832-7, 1968 Jul.
Hase K, Li J, Basnet P, Xiong Q, Takamura S, Namba T,
Kadota S, Studies on the constituents of Swertia japonica. IV.
Isolation and structure of xanthones. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo),
45:155-62. 1969 Jan.
Hase K, Li J, Basnet P. Xiong Q, Takamura S, Namba T,
Kadota S, Studies on the constituents of Swertia japonica. V.
On the xanthone constituents of the plants of Swertia.
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Kadota S, Studies on the constituents of Swertia japonica. VI.
On the flavonoid and xanthone constituents of Swertia
randaiensis. Hayata and S. swertopsis Makino Yakugaku Zasshi,
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Ethnopharmacol, 33:31-5, 1991 May-Jun.Seneca Snakeroot
Polygala senega
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the dried root.
Flower and Fruit: The raceme is 8 cm long and is smaller
than the bracts. The petals are pale red, the wings are
yellowish-white with green veins.
Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a perennial herb with up
to 40 cm high stems, which sprout in the axils of the scale-
like bracts of the previous year's growth. The leaves are 8
cm long and 3 cm wide, alternate, ovate-lanceolate to
lanceolate, acuminate and denticulate. The upper surface is
rich green; the under surface somewhat paler. The root varies
in color from pale yellowish-gray to brownish-gray. It is
usually twisted or almost spiral and has a thick, irregular,
gnarled crown.
Habitat: Polygala senega is indigenous to the central and
western U.S.Production: Seneca Snakeroot consists of the dried root with
remains of aerial stems of Polygala senega and/or other
closely related species or a mixture of Polygala species.
Not to be Confused With: The roots of other Polygala
species.
Other Names: Milkwort, Mountain Flax, Rattlesnake Root,
Seneca, Senega Snake Root, Senega, Seneka, Snake Root
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS: SNAKEROOT (SENEGA SPECIES)
Triterpene saponins (6-12%): chief components senegins II
to IV, chief aglycone presenegin
Oligosaccharide esters: senegosene A-I
Xanthone derivativesMethyl salicylate (traces) and its glucoside
COMPOUNDS: SNAKEROOT (TENUIFOLIA SPECIES)
Triterpene saponins (6-12%): chief components onjisapo-
nine aglycone presenegenin
Oligosaccharide esters: tenuifolosen A-P
Polygalite (acerite, 1.5-anhydrosorbite) and its glycosides,
for example polygalite-2-alpha-galactosideEFFECTS
The rhizome is secretolytic and works as an expectorant.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Approved by Commission E:- Cough/bronchitis
Unproven Uses: The drug is used for congestion of the
respiratory tract, as an expectorant in cases of bronchitis with
minor sputum output and tracheitis.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
General: No health hazards or side effects are known in
conjunction with the proper administration of designated
therapeutic dosages. With prolonged use, gastrointestinal
irritation can occur.
Pregnancy: Not to be used during pregnancy.
OVERDOSAGE
Overdosage leads to nausea, diarrhea, gastric complaints and
queasiness.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: As a comminuted root for decoc-
tions and other galenic preparations for internal use or as an
extract. It is a component of various standardized antitussive
preparations.
Preparation: To make an infusion, place 0.5 gm comminut-
ed drug in cold water, heat to a simmer and strain after 10
minutes (1 teaspoonful = 2.5 gm drug).
Daily Dosage: The daily dosage is 1.5 to 3.0 gm root or
liquid extract (1:2) or 2.5 to 7.5 gm tincture (1:10). To use