Tufted Milkwort

The Tufted Milkwort, botanically Polygala comosa, belongs to the family of the milkworts (Polygalaceae) and is native to large parts of Europe. It grows preferentially on calcareous, nutrient-poor meadows and semi-dry grasslands, often in extensively used, near-natural habitats. Typical of the plant are its delicate, violet to blue colored flowers, which end in a characteristic “tuft” – hence the name. The herbaceous perennial reaches growth heights of 10 to 40 cm and usually flowers between May and August. Because of its site requirements it is today regarded as endangered in many regions and is under nature protection. Traditionally the plant was used in various folk medicines, whereby it was attributed above all expectorant and tonic properties. In modern phytotherapy, however, it hardly plays a role anymore.

What benefits does Tufted Milkwort offer for health?

Although Polygala comosa was formerly used regionally in folk medicine, scientific research on its specific effects has so far been limited. Some Polygala species, however, contain pharmacologically interesting active substances, which is also discussed for this species. Because of the lack of studies, only the traditional areas of application of Tufted Milkwort are listed below, no scientifically substantiated statements about any effect whatsoever:

Expectorant properties: Similar to other milkworts, the plant contains saponins. These are presumably the reason why it was used within naturopathy as a natural expectorant.
Stimulation of the nervous system: In related species a tonic effect has been described, whereby the transferability to P. comosa has so far not been sufficiently investigated.
Traditional use for respiratory complaints: In old herbal books the plant was occasionally mentioned as support for coughs or hoarseness.

How does Tufted Milkwort work in the body?

A statement about an effect can hardly be made; presumably a potential effect goes back primarily to the content of various active substances such as saponins (1).

Are there risks or side effects?

Irritation of the stomach: In sensitive people the saponins it contains could presumably lead to irritations of the gastrointestinal tract at high doses.
Not recommended for pregnant women: As with many wild plants without a reliable body of studies, application during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.
Risk of confusion: Because of the similarity to other Polygala species, a clear identification is important – especially when collecting in the wild.

Conclusion

The Tufted Milkwort is a botanically interesting wild plant, which has become rare today, with possible health benefit where applicable. Its use in folk medicine is based above all on empirical values. A systematic scientific investigation of its active substances is still pending, so that further research is necessary in order to be able to assess the actual therapeutic potential.

Sources:

Zhao, X., Cui, Y., Wu, P., Zhao, P., Zhou, Q., Zhang, Z., Wang, Y., & Zhang, X. (2020). Polygalae Radix: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics. Fitoterapia, 147, 104759. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104759