Dried root of Polygala senega L., Polygalaceae. Habit. North America. Used by native Americans as a treatment for snakebite. Constit. Triterpenoid saponins, 6-12%, with presenegenin as the main sapogenin; ≈5% lipids; mono- and oligosaccharides; phenolic acid esters; traces of essential oil containing methyl salicylate which imparts a slight aromatic odor. Quantitative analysis of senega saponins: Kita et al., Yakugaku Zasshi 89, 1111 (1969). Brief review: M. Wichtl, N. G. Bisset, Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals, English Ed. (CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1994) pp 384-385.
Expectorant.