1058
Polygala
Polygala is a genus of
about 500 species
of flowering
plants belonging
to the family
Polygalaceae,
commonly known
as milkwort or
snakeroot.
Used for insomnia,
forgetfulness, mental
confusion, palpitation,
seizures, anxiety, and
listlessness.
Contraindicated in
patients who have
ulcers or gastritis,
should not be used
long term.
None
Dosage of
polygala is
1.5–3 g of
dried root,
1.5–3 g of a
fluid extract,
or 2.5–7.5 g
of a tincture.
A polygala tea
can also be
made, with a
maximum of
three cups per
day.
None
Rehmannia
Iridoid glycosides
Stimulates the release of
cortisol. Used in lupus,
rheumatoid arthritis
(RA), fibromyalgia, and
multiple sclerosis. May
improve asthma and
urticaria. Used to treat
menopause, hair loss,
and impotence.
Loose bowel
movements,
bloating, nausea, and
abdominal cramps.
None
Exact dosage
unknown
None
Rhodiola rosea
Potentiator,
monoterpene
alcohols,
flavonoids
S-adenosyl-
l
-
methionine (SAMe)
S-adenosyl-
l
-
methionine
Used for arthritis and
fibromyalgia, may
be effective as an
augmentation strategy
for SSRI in depression.
GI symptoms, anxiety,
nightmares,
insomnia, and
worsening of
Parkinson’s
symptoms.
Use with SSRIs or
SNRIs may result
in serotonin
syndrome. Interacts
with levodopa,
meperidine,
pentazocine, and
tramadol.
400–1,600 mg/
day
A naturally occurring molecule
made from the amino acid
methionine and ATP, serves
as a methyl donor in human
cellular metabolism.
Scarlet Pimpernel,
L. Anagallis arvensis
Flavonoids,
triterpenes,
cucurbitacins,
caffeic acids
Antidepressant
Overdose or long-term
doses may lead to
gastroenteritis and
nephritis
Undetermined
1.8 g of powder
four times a
day
Flowers are poisonous.
Table 29.34-3
Phytomedicinals with Psychoactive Effects (
continued
)
Name
Ingredients
Use
Adverse Effects
a
Interactions
Dosage
a
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