Racine de Fo-Ti (Polygonum multiflorum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Fo-Ti root work for hair graying?

Fo-Ti contains stilbene glycosides, particularly THSG, which may support hair pigmentation through antioxidant activity and potential effects on melanocyte function. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it nourishes the liver and kidneys—organs believed to govern hair health. The herb also contains emodin with anti-inflammatory properties. Evidence level C indicates limited clinical data, with most support from traditional use and preliminary research rather than robust human trials.

Does Fo-Ti interact with any medications?

Fo-Ti may interact with medications metabolized by the liver, as it can affect cytochrome P450 enzymes. Combining Fo-Ti with other liver-affecting medications, alcohol, or hepatotoxic drugs may increase liver damage risk. Those taking anticoagulants should use caution, as some compounds may affect blood clotting. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining Fo-Ti with prescription medications, especially those processed through hepatic pathways.

What is the recommended dosage for Fo-Ti?

The traditional dosage for prepared (Zhi He Shou Wu) Fo-Ti is 9-15 grams as a decoction daily. For processed extract supplements, 500mg daily is commonly used. Only use the processed form—raw Fo-Ti carries significant hepatotoxicity risk. Dosage should be individualized based on the specific product and guidance from a qualified practitioner. Long-term use requires liver function monitoring. Evidence level C supports these traditional dosing recommendations.

Is Fo-Ti safe during pregnancy?

No, Fo-Ti is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The herb has been associated with hepatotoxicity and should be avoided by pregnant women. The emodin content may also have stimulant effects on the uterus. Traditional Chinese Medicine contraindicates Fo-Ti during pregnancy. Breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb due to insufficient safety data. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for appropriate alternatives during pregnancy and lactation.

Can Fo-Ti cause liver damage?

Yes, Fo-Ti has been associated with liver toxicity, including numerous reported cases of liver injury and occasional liver failure. The risk is significantly higher with raw, unprocessed Fo-Ti, which is absolutely contraindicated. Even the processed form carries some risk, particularly with prolonged use or in those with pre-existing liver conditions. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and elevated liver enzymes. Regular liver function monitoring is recommended during use.

What is the difference between raw and processed Fo-Ti?

Raw Fo-Ti (Sheng He Shou Wu) and processed Fo-Ti (Zhi He Shou Wu) have significantly different safety profiles and uses. Raw Fo-Ti is primarily used for its laxative effects but carries a high risk of hepatotoxicity and is considered unsafe for regular use. Processed Fo-Ti, prepared by steaming with black soybean juice, is used as a tonic for hair, liver, and kidney health. Only the processed form should be considered for therapeutic use, and even then, liver monitoring is essential.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 29 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Polygonum multiflorum, known as Fo-Ti or He Shou Wu, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for anti-aging and various systemic conditions, though it is strongly associated with hepatotoxicity [PMID:31644102, PMID:30895364].

Contexte

Polygonum multiflorum (Fo-Ti, He Shou Wu, Chinese knotweed) is a perennial plant native to China [PMID:31644102, PMID:38953108]. It is widely used in East Asia and North America as a traditional medicine [PMID:26130933].

Usages traditionnels

Traditional uses include treatment for backache, dizziness, liver disease, graying of the hair, constipation [PMID:31644102], as well as serving as a liver and kidney tonic for longevity and hair blackening [PMID:30895364, PMID:25449462].

Composés actifs

The herb contains stilbenes (notably 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside or TSG), quinones (including anthraquinones like emodin, aloe-emodin, rhein, and physcion), flavonoids, phospholipids, and polysaccharides [PMID:30895364, PMID:31644102, PMID:31680350, PMID:26185519, PMID:35069206, PMID:42191038].

Mécanisme d'action

TSG exhibits anti-aging effects by alleviating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis [PMID:40244282]. Extracellular vesicle-like nanovesicles from the plant reduce UV-induced oxidative stress, inhibit matrix metalloproteinase production, and promote collagen synthesis [PMID:39703536]. Emodin is involved in modulating inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and oxidative damage in cardiovascular contexts [PMID:36618923].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DSkin Photoaging

Plant-derived extracellular vesicle-like nanovesicles (PMELNVs) showed antioxidative properties and anti-photoaging effects by reducing extracellular matrix degradation [PMID:39703536]

Preuve DAlzheimer's Disease

A formula combining Panax ginseng and Polygonum multiflorum (GSPM) showed potential neuroprotective effects in SAMP8 mice, improving cognitive function [PMID:40051562]

Preuve AAging and Age-related diseases

TSG demonstrates comprehensive anti-aging effects, including lifespan extension, neuroprotection (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's), cardiovascular protection, and promotion of hair regrowth [PMID:40244282]

Preuve CPeriodontitis

TSG possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is suggested as a possible complementary treatment for Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced inflammatory responses [PMID:28856691]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Polygonum multiflorum is implicated in numerous reports of clinically apparent acute liver injury, which can be severe or fatal [PMID:31644102]. Hepatotoxicity may be immune-mediated idiosyncratic liver injury [PMID:32123300] and is associated with components such as free anthraquinones (emodin, chrysophanol, physcion), cis-stilbene glycosides, and dianthrones [PMID:42278266]. Clinical features of liver injury include jaundice (79.3% of cases in one study) and patterns of acute cholestatic hepatitis or hepatocellular injury [PMID:30066422]. Nephrotoxicity has also been reported in relation to aloe-emodin [PMID:31680350].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence for anti-aging and neuroprotective effects is supported by systematic reviews and animal models, while evidence for hepatotoxicity is strong across multiple clinical reports and reviews.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 31644102 (2012) — Emodin: A Review of its Pharmacology, Toxicity and Pharmacokinetics. · CITED REFERENCE
2.PMID: 31680350 (2020) — Aloe-emodin: A review of its pharmacology, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
3.PMID: 39703536 (2024) — Polygonum multiflorum Extracellular Vesicle-Like Nanovesicle for Skin Photoaging Therapy. · Biomaterials research
4.PMID: 34307603 (2021) — Herb-induced liver injury: Systematic review and meta-analysis. · World journal of clinical cases
5.PMID: 30895364 (2019) — Attributes of Polygonum multiflorum to transfigure red biotechnology. · Applied microbiology and biotechnology
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Racine de Fo-Ti

Sources et citations

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