Research Progress on the Medicinal and Edible Polygala fallax Hemsl. (Polygalaceae) Plant

Polygala fallax Hemsl., a species belonging to the genus and family Polygalaceae, is primarily distributed in southern China. Wild P. Hemsl. (Polygalaceae) currently endangered, but its utilization value has not yet been thoroughly investigated. The present review summarizes morphological structural characteristics, wild resource distribution, chemical constituents pharmacological efficacy, artificial breeding cultivation techniques, of facilitate future studies on conservation use Hemsl plants. We conclude that (i) medicinal edible plant, also eco-economic ornamental value; (ii) roots are primary parts, which contain pharmacologically active compounds such as saponins, flavones, oligosaccharide polyesters, polysaccharides, sterols, organic acids, etc.; (iii) shows various efficacies including anti-inflammatory effects, antivirus antioxidative an immunity-boosting function, hepatic-protective hypolipidemic effect, blood-activating, stasis-eliminating antitumor, etc. More research applications needed, especially efforts identify effective constituents, quality control, clinical applications. resources should be enhanced, aboveground efficacy other flavones further explored.