Polygonatum odoratum Rhizome Identity & Part
The botanical entity is Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce, a perennial of the asparagus family, Asparagaceae, with arching stems and paired white bell-shaped flowers. The part used is the rhizome, a slender, cylindrical underground stem that is dug, cleaned and dried. Leaves, aerial stems and berries are not added to this polygonatum odoratum extract.
Chinese trade separates this species, known as yuzhu, from Polygonatum sibiricum, the thick, knobby huangjing rhizome. The two are not interchangeable, and a specification that says only “polygonatum” or “Solomon’s seal” does not tell which is meant. The slender rhizome contains steroidal saponins, mucilaginous polysaccharides and homoisoflavonoids, and water extraction carries the polysaccharides into the Polygonatum odoratum powder most readily.












