Alternate Title
- Polygonum multiflorum
Related Terms
- Chinese climbing knotweed, Chinese cornbind, Chinese flowery knotweed, Chinese knotweed, fo ti, fo-ti-tient, fo-ti root, foti, he shou wu (Chinese), heshouwu (Chinese), ho shou wu (Chinese), Hoshouwu (Chinese), Multiflora preparata, multiflori, Polygonum, Polygonum multiflorum,radix polygoni, radix polygoni multiflori, radix Polygoni Shen Min, “red” fo-ti, Shen Min, Shou Wu, Shou-Wu, Shouwu, shou-wu-pian, shou xing bu zhi, “white” fo-ti, zhihe shou wu, Zhihe Shou Wu, Zhihe-Shou-Wu, zhiheshouwu, zi shou wu, Zi-Shou-Wu, zishouwu.
- Note: No fo-ti is contained in the product Fo-ti-Tieng®.
Background
- Fo-ti (Chinese name: he-shou-wu) is a plant native to China, where it continues to be widely grown. It also grows extensively in Japan and Taiwan. Fo-ti has a history of reversing and preventing the effects of aging.
- Fo-ti is available in both unprocessed and processed forms. Unprocessed fo-ti (also known as “white” fo-ti because its color is usually much lighter than the processed form) is taken by mouth for its laxative effect. Topically (applied on the skin), unprocessed fo-ti is used to treat skin conditions such as acne, athlete’s foot, dermatitis, razor burn, and scrapes. Processed fo-ti, also known as “red” fo-ti because it is much darker in color than the unprocessed variety, is used to prevent or delay heart disease by blocking the formation of plaque in blood vessels.
- Currently, there are no high-quality human trials available supporting the use of fo-ti for any indication.
Evidence Table
Disclaimer
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
*Key to grades:
Tradition
Disclaimer
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Dosing
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Adults (over 18 years old):
- There is no proven safe or effective dose for fo-ti. Capsules, dried herb preparations, teas and topical creams or ointments are all commercially available. Doses of 560 milligrams (capsules) 2-3 times a day, and 9-15 grams of the dried herb daily have been taken.
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Children (under 18 years old):
- There is no proven safe or effective dose for fo-ti in children.
Disclaimer
The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.
Safety
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Allergies
- Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to unprocessed or processed forms of fo-ti.
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Side Effects and Warnings
- Although not well studied in humans, fo-ti has been taken daily as a tonic by millions of individuals with no known severe adverse effects. Although rare, skin rash may be a sign of hypersensitivity to both forms of fo-ti.
- In some individuals, fo-ti may cause hepatitis. Avoid in patients with liver disease because it has been associated with hepatitis.
- High doses of unprocessed fo-ti may also lead to hypokalemia (potassium deficiency), muscle weakness, numbness in the arms or legs, and hallucinations.
- Use cautiously in patients with low iron levels. Theoretically, chronic use of anthraquinone laxatives may increase the risk for hypokalemia (potassium deficiency) and digoxin cardiotoxicity.
- Unprocessed fo-ti may cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid unprocessed fo-ti in patients with diarrhea, intestinal obstruction, acute intestinal inflammation (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis), ulcer, abdominal pain of unknown origin, nausea, and vomiting due to the probable mechanism of it irritating the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Although the irritation is minor for most individuals, it can worsen inflammatory bowel conditions.
- Use cautiously in patients with constipation since anthraquinone compounds may lead to laxative dependency.
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Fo-ti is not recommended in pregnancy due to a lack of sufficient data. Breastfeeding women should also avoid fo-ti since it is known to enter breast milk. Taking it while breastfeeding may cause diarrhea in the infant(s).
Disclaimer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Interactions
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Interactions with Drugs
- Fo-ti may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
- Since fo-ti contains compounds that were found to inhibit the calcium channel, theoretically, it may produce a synergistic effect when taken with these drugs. The effect may be beneficial in some cases, but studies need to be done to further investigate this effect.
- The possible effect of fo-ti in causing hypokalemia (potassium deficiency) may increase the risk of side effects from the use of digoxin. There are no documented cases of this interaction in the available literature.
- The effects of potassium loss may be enhanced if diuretics are used with fo-ti. This may lead to worsening of the symptoms of hypokalemia (potassium deficiency). However, there are no reports available in literature.
- Theoretically, fo-ti may interact with estrogen-containing drugs due to its estrogen content. Caution is advised in patients taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills.
- Theoretically, concomitant use of fo-ti with other laxatives can increase the risk of fluid and electrolyte depletion.
- Fo-ti may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver’s “cytochrome P450” enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood, and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
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Interactions with Herbs & Dietary Supplements
- Theoretically, fo-ti may cause hypokalemia (potassium deficiency) and increase the risk of side effects from the use of herbs such as foxglove and oleander that contain cardiac glycosides that behave similarly to digoxin.
- Fo-ti may act as a weak diuretic and may reduce potassium levels. Use of fo-ti with other diuretic herbs and supplements may lead to hypokalemia (potassium deficiency). However, there are no reports available in literature.
- Theoretically, fo-ti may interact with estrogen-containing herbs and supplements due to its estrogen content.
- Fo-ti may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.
- Taking fo-ti with other laxative herbs such as alder buckhorn, aloe, cascara, rhubarb, senna, and yellow dock, may contribute additively to the laxative effects of fo-ti.
- Licorice and fo-ti both have potassium-depleting properties and, theoretically, may increase the risk of hypokalemia (potassium deficiency).
- Fo-ti may interfere with the way the body processes certain herbs or supplements using the liver’s “cytochrome P450” enzyme system. As a result, the levels of other herbs or supplements may become too high in the blood. It may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements possibly have on the P450 system.
Disclaimer
Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.
Attribution
- This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration ().
Bibliography
- But PP, Tomlinson B, Lee KL. Hepatitis related to the Chinese medicine Shou-wu-pian manufactured from Polygonum multiflorum. Vet.Hum.Toxicol. 1996;38(4):280-282.
View Abstract - Chan YC, Wang MF, Chang HC. Polygonum multiflorum extracts improve cognitive performance in senescence accelerated mice. Am.J.Chin Med. 2003;31(2):171-179.
View Abstract - Chan YC, Wang MF, Chen YC, et al. Long-term administration of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. reduces cerebral ischemia-induced infarct volume in gerbils. Am.J.Chin Med. 2003;31(1):71-77.
View Abstract - Chen J. [An experimental study on the anti-senility effects of shou xing bu zhi]. Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi. 1989;9(4):226-7, 198.
View Abstract - Horikawa, K., Mohri, T., Tanaka, Y., and Tokiwa, H. Moderate inhibition of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of benzo[a]pyrene, 1,6-dinitropyrene and 3,9-dinitrofluoranthene by Chinese medicinal herbs. Mutagenesis 1994;9(6):523-526.
View Abstract - Liu C, Zhang Q, Lin J. [Effect of the root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. and its processed products on fat accumulation in the liver of mice]. Zhongguo Zhong.Yao Za Zhi. 1992;17(10):595-6, 639.
View Abstract - Mazzanti G, Battinelli L, Daniele C, et al. New case of acute hepatitis following the consumption of Shou Wu Pian, a Chinese herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. Ann.Intern.Med. 4-6-2004;140(7):W30.
View Abstract - Oerter Klein K, Janfaza M, et al. Estrogen bioactivity in fo-ti and other herbs used for their estrogen-like effects as determined by a recombinant cell bioassay. J Clin Endocrinol.Metab 2003;88(9):4077-4079.
View Abstract - Park GJ, Mann SP, Ngu MC. Acute hepatitis induced by Shou-Wu-Pian, a herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. J.Gastroenterol.Hepatol. 2001;16(1):115-117.
View Abstract - Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun.Mass Spectrom. 2004;18(19):2273-2281.
View Abstract - Zhang CZ, Wang SX, Zhang Y, et al. In vitro estrogenic activities of Chinese medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of menopausal symptoms. J Ethnopharmacol 4-26-2005;98(3):295-300.
View Abstract
Disclaimer
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.