polygala senega root

Polygala senega root, also known as **senega root** or **Seneca snakeroot**, is a botanical medicine derived from the dried roots of *Polygala senega*. It has a long history of use in North American traditional medicine and was officially recognized in the U.S. pharmacopeia as early as 1921. The root's primary therapeutic application is as an expectorant for respiratory conditions, including **chronic bronchitis**, **asthma**, and **emphysema**. Its activity is attributed to a high concentration of triterpenoid saponins (such as senegins and senegasaponins), which act by irritating the gastric mucosa, thereby triggering a reflex increase in bronchial secretions and reducing mucus viscosity. While it is available in various herbal extracts and homeopathic preparations (e.g., by **Boiron**), it is not currently being developed as a proprietary synthetic drug by a single pharmaceutical company.

Brand names

Boiron Senega Officinalis

Other names

senega rootSeneca snakerootPolygala senegaRadix Senegaesenega