Polygonatum is a genus of elegant perennial herbs in the lily family (Liliaceae). Thriving in the shaded, moist woodlands of East Asia, this plant has been integral to China's ecological and cultural landscape for millennia. Its slender, arching stems and bell-shaped flowers flourish from Henan’s misty valleys to Fujian’s lush mountains, with Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces as key cultivation hubs.
The medicinal value lies in its knotted rhizome, traditionally harvested during spring and autumn. Once unearthed, the rhizomes are dried and sliced to preserve their bioactive compounds. Herbal practitioners use them raw or steamed—often combined with rice wine or black beans to enhance therapeutic effects. Known for its sweet yet earthy flavor, Polygonatum rhizome harmonizes Yin energy, revitalizes Lung moisture, stimulates fluid production, and soothes the Stomach according to ancient wisdom regarding lung and stomach meridians.
In modern botanical science, two notable extracts have emerged: Polygonatum Sibiricum Extract and Polygonatum officinale Rhizome Root Extract. These concentrates encapsulate centuries of traditional knowledge alongside contemporary research. Polygonatum Sibiricum Extract is recognized for its adaptogenic properties that boost stress resilience and immune support. In contrast, Polygonatum officinale Rhizome Root Extract is valued in skincare for its deep hydration capabilities and antioxidant richness, reflecting the plant's natural ability to retain moisture.
Derived from Polygonatum odoratum, the extract preserves the herb's inherent properties of replenishing qi and yin, fortifying the spleen, and nourishing the kidneys. Through modulation of inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, it promotes neuronal survival and enhances nerve cell functionality. Additionally, the polysaccharides within demonstrate immune-stimulating activity, potentially contributing to anti-aging and antibacterial effects. The extract exhibits robust antioxidant capacity, significantly reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species levels while enhancing cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms.
Food Industry
Polygonatum sibiricum extract serves as a versatile food additive, functioning as a natural sweetener, thickener, nutrient fortifier, preservative, flavoring agent, and pigment, leveraging its multifunctional properties to enhance both nutritional value and sensory characteristics of food products.
Health Products Sector
Incorporated into various dietary supplements and functional foods, this extract is prized for its nutrient-rich composition. It offers benefits such as immune system enhancement, physical fatigue relief, and supportive regulation of blood glucose levels, aligning with modern wellness demands for natural health solutions.
Cosmetic Field
The bioactive components—including polysaccharides, steroidal saponins, and flavonoids—endow the extract with hydrating, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. These attributes make it a valuable raw material in cosmetic formulations, enabling the development of skincare products that address moisture retention, oxidative stress mitigation, and signs of aging.