Comment · Wed, August 3, 2016 · Ceretropic & Nootropics Depot
Polygala Tenuifolia Update After Three and a Half Weeks
Original post in this thread
striker_321 · 45 points
I wanted to follow up on some the of discussion that had gone on regarding Polygala earlier this month with an anecdote after three and a half weeks of use. Hopefully it will be helpful to some and continue the experimentation with this fascinating plant.
Several Observations:
- Quick, moderate onset of antidepressant effects in the first few days of dosing
- Moderately stimulating
- Strong effect at relieving cognitive dysfunction due to depression (nootropic effect with depressed individuals)
- Has cumulative effects, which have continued to build over time
- Reverses Anhedonia
- No effect on anxiety at moderate dosages, may increase anxiety at high dosages
- May contribute to insomnia in those who are sensitive to stimulants
- Mixes well with other herbs and supplements
I began taking Polygala on July 14th after reading one of the threads about its unique pharmacology. From the start, there were antidepressive effects, and a lift in mood (although the mood boost could be unpredictable). This has become stronger over time, and there is less and less mood volatility the longer I take it. My guess is that the serotonin reuptake inhibition is beginning to hit its stride, and is…
What they were answering
rmcfar11 · 1 points
Understood.
That's referred to as organoleptic tests, correct?
I'm actually SHOCKED that you've had product sent still wet from solvent to the point of dripping out of the bag. Oh my god, that's ridiculous! From my very limited educational background in chemistry (2 years undergrad, 1 gen, 1 Organic), I cannot believe that a lab would do that!! If not for anything else, it would cost them a TON of money to constantly resynthesize batches all because they were too lazy to properly extract, separate, and evaporate off the solvent! Do you mind me asking what solvent you think was dripping out of the batch you mentioned? I know DCM is common, though that would likely evaporate out on its own if my recollection is correct?
I had no idea that mods had been discussing this and were in contact with him with nothing useful coming to fruition. That certainly is unacceptable, I completely agree. For me personally, I have absolutely no problem admitting that I truly have no idea what happens over there and what is sent here (or even how to order overseas, through Ali, direct from the supplier, etc). I know the country has huge problems with pollution cuz they focus so much on profit rather than everything else potentially affected by it! I've kinda figured that it is necessary to repeatedly test new batches regardless of past experiences cuz it seems to be common practice to take shor…
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic & Nootropics Depot
That's referred to as organoleptic tests, correct?
Yes, organoleptic testing is visual, taste, smell, and consistency.
I'm actually SHOCKED that you've had product sent still wet from solvent to the point of dripping out of the bag.
You'd be shocked by a lot of things we deal with. I am numb to it now.
Do you mind me asking what solvent you think was dripping out of the batch you mentioned?
We did not run an analysis to find out what it was, but the product was 1,3DMBA. We are pretty sure it was alcohol-based.
I've kinda figured that it is necessary to repeatedly test new batches regardless of past experiences cuz it seems to be common practice to take short cuts to boost profit, so long as no one notices?
100%, yes. You have to test every batch, as longtime quality vendors screw up all the time as well. Not a single company we have worked with in China has a perfect track record. The reliable ones own up to the mistake, and fix the issues. However, they all have them.
If there isn't a current standard for a given compound, let's say MK-677, is it even possible to verify if that batch is pure and devoid of solvents/contaminants?
Not 100%, no. We've spent a lot of time creating very good methods for it, though. So our testing methods are now accurate and repeatable, when combined with our FTIR and Sigma Aldrich's reference standard. Without a reference standard, it is much harder. This is why I don't offer some of the newer compounds, as I just cannot feel comfortable verifying their identity and purity to the level I want.
Finally, while I understand predictive software is always inaccurate compared to a true standard, shouldn't it's prediction, at the very least, match the integration values and number of peaks as the CoA? This is with reference to an HNMR print out.
Sure, you could NMR a compound to know the identity. However, without accurate HPLC methods, you cannot for sure say it is pure. Also, NMR is a wet technique. So the solvents and methods you use on the NMR matter. You need a combination of testing methods to know for sure.