Volume 2,Issue 3
Clinical Application and Dosage Study of Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati in the Treatment of Dryness Syndrome
Objective: To sort out the ancient records, classic formula applications, and modern medical experience of Polygonatum sibiricum, summarize its efficacy characteristics, clinical dosage, and compatibility rules, and provide a reference for the rational clinical application of Polygonatum sibiricum. Method: This study systematically reviewed records from ancient medical classics, applications of classical famous prescriptions and clinical experience of modern physicians, and summarized the core efficacies of Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati: nourishing Yin to moisten dryness and promoting fluid production to quench thirst. Results: With mild medicinal properties, this herb nourishes Yin without retaining pathogenic factors and moistens dryness without stagnating the spleen-stomach Qi movement. The standard clinical dosages are sorted out as follows: 6–30 g for decoction, among which 6–10 g is applied for mild conditions, and 15–30 g for diabetes mellitus and severe Yin deficiency; the dosage of pills and powders is 1.5–3 g. Doses are refined by therapeutic effects: 6–15 g for nourishing Yin and moistening the lung, 10–30 g for promoting fluid production to quench thirst, and 10–20 g for nourishing Yin to calm the heart. Its compatibility rules are also concluded: it is often combined with Radix Ophiopogonis, Radix Glehniae and Folium Mori to moisten the lung; matched with Radix Trichosanthis, Radix Rehmanniae Recens and Radix Ophiopogonis to relieve thirst; and paired with Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Semen Ziziphi Spinosae and Semen Platycladi to nourish the heart. Conclusion: This study provides a reference for precise clinical dosage and rational compatibility of Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati, and supports its safe and effective application in lung-stomach Yin deficiency, xiao-ke (wasting-thirst syndrome), Yin deficiency exterior syndrome, palpitations, insomnia, and other disorders.
[1] Zhao R, Xu L, Xie M, et al., 2017, Herbal Verification of Traditional Chinese Medicine Yuzhu. Chinese Journal of Experimental Formulary, 15: 227–234.
[2] Li Q, Huang J, Lei SM, et al., 2019, Screening of Effective Parts of Polygonatum sibiricum Based on Yin Deficiency Rat Model and Analysis of Its Physicochemical Properties. Journal of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 39(1): 35–39.
[3] Zong XY, Xu DC, Nie SP, et al., 2019, Purification, Physicochemical Properties, and Antioxidant Function of Polysaccharides from Polygonatum sibiricum. Journal of Nanchang University (Science Edition), 43(1): 70–75.
[4] Gao XM, Zhong GS, 2006, Clinical Traditional Chinese Medicine. Hebei Science and Technology Press, Shijiazhuang.
[5] Zhong GS, 2021, Traditional Chinese Medicine. China Traditional Chinese Medicine Press, Beijing.
[6] National Pharmacopoeia Committee, 2020, Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (Volume 1). China Medical Science and Technology Press, Beijing.
[7] Ji HY, 2009, Exploration of the Original Drug Dosage in “Treatise on Cold Damage”. Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing.
[8] Li Z, Hao JD, 2009, Herbal Research on Female Impotence. Shi Zhen Traditional Chinese Medicine, 20(5): 1264–1265.
[9] Chen J, Tan JF, Chen J, et al., 2025, Yu Jingmao’s Experience in Treating Pediatric Pulmonary Diseases from the Perspective of Spleen Theory. Zhejiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 12: 1041–1042.
[10] Song J, Meng KQ, Lei GP, et al., 2025, Shen Shuwen, a Renowned Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Draws on His Clinical Experience in Treating Spleen and Stomach Diseases Based on the Academic Theory of “Gan Shou Jin Huan.” Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine, 46(2): 254–258.
[11] Liu Z, 2025, A Case of Infantile Malnutrition with Insufficient Fetal Presentation and Spleen and Stomach Weakness. Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2025-01-17(006).
[12] Lv RH, Zhang GL, 2019, Lv Renhe’s Experience in Treating Diabetes. Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine Information, 26(8): 112–115.
[13] Tong XL, 2016, Review of TCM Knowledge and Research Progress of Diabetes. Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine, 36(6): 509–512.
[14] Li XY, 2010, Professor Tong Xiaolin’s Data Mining Research on Dose Regularity of Classical Prescriptions in Treating Diabetes. Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing.
[15] Wang YZ, Zhao LH, Wang SC, et al., 2026, Textual Research on “Harmony” Therapy in Huangdi Neijing and “State Target Differentiation” of Diabetes. Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, (3): 346–351.
[16] Tong XL, 2012, Interpretation of Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Guidelines for Diabetes. People’s Health Publishing House, Beijing.
[17] Zhu XD, Zhou Q, 2021, Research on the Dose-Response Relationship of Nourishing Yin Traditional Chinese Medicine. Journal of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37(6): 1208–1211.
[18] Anonymous, 2018, Clinical Experience of Professor Li Jiren, a Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Journal of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 35(1): 30–32.
[19] Wang YY, Fan XC, Nan Z, et al., 2025, Based on the Experience of “One Principle and Eight Methods” in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Thirst-Related Diseases, the Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nan Zheng, Has Gained Experience. Journal of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 41(7): 746–749.
[20] Cong HR, Liu SL, Nan Z, 2023, Professor Nan Zheng, a Master of Chinese Medicine, Has Experience in Diagnosis and Treatment of Thirst and Stomach Disease. In Diabetes Professional Committee of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies Diabetes Professional Committee Expert Collected Papers (Vol. 20), pp. 01–404. Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun.
[21] Cai HZ, Jiang F, 2019, Summary of Professor Zhang Boli’s Experience in Treating Insomnia. Journal of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 38(6): 521–524.
[22] Zhang T, Shan ZW, 2013, Professor Dan Zhaowei’s Self-Designed Qizhu Formula with Modifications for the Treatment of Postoperative Qi and Yin Deficiency in Gastric Cancer. Journal of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 29(6): 991–992.
[23] Yang F, Cao J, 2024, Shan Zhaowei’s Commonly Used Clinical Drugs for Treating Ju Yu. Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 39(10): 2154–2158.
[24] Shi Y, Yuan R, Fan H, et al., 2024, Analysis of the Experience of Traditional Chinese Medicine Master Lei Zhongyi in Treating Heart Failure with Horn Medicine. Sichuan Traditional Chinese Medicine, 42(2): 1–5.
[25] Wang MM, Wang LY, Sun H, 2023, Exploring the Medication Pattern of Sunhe in Treating Dry Eye Based on Data Mining. Chinese Journal of Ophthalmology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 33(9): 825–829.
[26] Liu XM, Wang SY, Huang JW, et al., 2023, Research Progress on Steroidal Saponins, a Functional Component of the Medicinal Herb Polygonatum sibiricum, Which Shares the Same Origin as Food and Medicine. Food and Drug, 25(4): 369–375.
[27] Meng QL, Cui WY, Liu YJ, et al., 2020, Research Progress on Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Effects of Polygonatum sibiricum. Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 54(9): 39–46.
[28] Zong XY, Liu M, Xu L, et al., 2023, Research Progress on the Hypoglycemic Mechanism of Yuzhu Polysaccharides. Food Science, 44(11): 289–296.
[29] Ren L, Liu ZY, Xiang BL, et al., 2022, Research Progress on Chemical Components and Pharmacological Effects of Polygonatum sibiricum. Chinese Herbal Medicine, 53(15): 4689–4702.
[30] Zhang N, Xue JT, Guo C, et al., 2026, Research Progress on the Main Active Ingredients and Immune Regulatory Effects of Polygonatum sibiricum. Chinese Journal of University Science and Technology, 27(3): 108–115.