According to 2025 industry statistics from the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the annual demand for dried Polygonatum—a classic tonic herb—for the processing of proprietary Chinese medicines and herbal decoction pieces stands at approximately 62,000 tons, a 41% increase from 2020. Meanwhile, demand in the food processing sector has reached 48,000 tons—nearly double the 2020 figure—reflecting rapid, simultaneous expansion across both the medicinal and food-grade markets.

Polygonatum consists of the dried rhizomes of Polygonatum sibiricum, Polygonatum kingianum, or Polygonatum cyrtonema. While primarily produced in China, it is also found in North Korea, Mongolia, and eastern Siberia (Russia). Characterized by a sweet taste and neutral nature, it is known for replenishing *Qi* and nourishing *Yin*, strengthening the spleen, moistening the lungs, and benefiting the kidneys. It boasts a long history of use and high medicinal value. In 2002, it was designated by my country's National Health Commission as one of the first substances approved for dual use as both medicine and food.

Active Ingredients

Polysaccharides: The core active substances in Polygonatum, composed of various oligosaccharides and glucans; they help boost immunity, stabilize blood sugar levels, and support gut health.

Saponins: Steroidal saponins unique to Polygonatum; they regulate blood lipid levels, reduce systemic inflammation, and offer liver- and kidney-protective benefits.

Flavonoids: High levels of isoflavones serve as unique antioxidant components; they exert antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, regulate metabolism, and help delay the aging process.

Related Benefits

•Antioxidant: Studies using Caenorhabditis elegans (a nematode model) have validated the antioxidant and anti-aging activities of saponins from Polygonatum kingianum(PKS). Results indicate that PKS can significantly extend the lifespan of the nematodes and reduce lipofuscin accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. It achieves these antioxidant and anti-aging effects by promoting the nuclear translocation of the SKN-1 transcription factor, thereby upregulating the expression of antioxidant-related genes such as gst-4 and sod-3.

•Heart Protection: Excessive oxidative stress in the body can trigger lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, accelerating myocardial aging and impairing normal cardiac function. Oral administration of Polygonatum inhibits D-galactose-induced oxidative stress in the heart, effectively reducing levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in myocardial tissue, thereby mitigating oxidative damage and alleviating myocardial aging.

•Bone Protection: Polygonatum offers significant bone-protective benefits. Research indicates that it regulates the Hippo and Wnt signaling pathways to inhibit osteoclast proliferation and promote osteoblast differentiation. Simultaneously, it blocks inflammatory pathways and reduces local inflammation, offering potential therapeutic effects for conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis.

Application Areas

Pharmaceuticals: Raw material for proprietary Chinese medicines—including capsules, herbal decoction pieces, oral liquids, and formula granules—used in clinical therapy and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Food & Beverage: Focused on wellness and health benefits; products include herbal teas, pastries, medicinal foods, herbal-infused liquors, and meal replacement powders.

Personal Care & Cosmetics: Suitable as an ingredient for anti-aging and repair products, hair care formulations, and various herbal personal care items.

Today, Polygonatum is gaining increasing popularity in the wellness market, driven by its exceptional anti-aging properties and diverse health benefits. With the upgrading of health-conscious consumption and the accelerating aging of the population, Polygonatum is poised for even broader development prospects in the future. Please feel free to contact us regarding procurement or custom raw material requirements！

References:

[1] HUANG Y, WANG Y, DENG J, et al. Research on the anti oxidant and anti-aging effects of Polygonatum kingianum saponins in Caenorhabditis elegans[J]. Heliyon, 2024, 10（15）：e35556.

[2] XIE Xiaofen, HU Guangxian, PAN Lu, et al. Study on the effects and mechanisms of Polygonatum extract in improving organ function in D-galactose-induced aging mice[J]. Science and Technology of Food Industry, 2023, 44(18): 449−457.

[3] CHEN Yu, ZHOU Yunmei, LI Dan, et al. Research progress on the modern pharmacological effects of Polygonatum species[J]. Journal of Chinese Medicinal Materials, 2021, 44(01): 240-245.