Polygonum multiflorum

Related Terms

2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-beta-D-glucoside, 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydtoxystilbene-2-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-beta-D-glucoside, 2-acetylemodin, 2-methoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyjuglone, 6-OH-emodin, Achyranthes, anthraquinone, anthrone, chein, Chinese climbing knotweed, Chinese cornbind, Chinese flowery knotweed, Chinese knotweed, chrysophanol, cis-E-3-butylidene-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-6,7-dihydroxy-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone, citrus, Cuscuta, Danggui Yin Zi, E-2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, E-2,4,6,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, emodin, emodin-1-6-dimethylether, emodin-8-beta-D-glucoside, emodin-8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, emodin-citrosein, fleeceflower, flowery knotweed, fo ti, foti, fo-ti root, fo-ti-teng, fo-ti-tient, gallic acid, He Ren Yin, he shou wu, heshouwu, ho shou wu, hoelen, hoshouwu, ho-shou-wu, lecithin, Lycium fruit, Multiflora preparata, multiflori, N-transferuloyl-3-methyldopamine, N-transferuloyltyramine, physcion, physcion-8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, polygonimitin B, Polygonum, Polygonum multiflorum, Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., Psoralea, Qibao Meiran Dan, questin, questinol, radix Polygoni, radix Polygoni multiflori, radix Polygoni Shen Min, "red" fo-ti, rhapontin, rhein, Shen Min, Shenwu, Shou Wu, shou wu pian, shou xing bu zhi, Shou-Wu, Shouwu, shou-wu-pian, show-wu-pian, starch, stilbene glucoside, stilbene glycoside, tang-kuei, tannin, tetrahydroxystilbene-glucoside, trans-E-3-butylidene-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-6,7-dihydroxy-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone, tricin, "white" fo-ti, Yangxue Dingfeng Tang, ye jiaoteng (Chinese), zhihe shou wu, Zhihe Shou Wu, Zhihe-Shou-Wu, zhiheshouwu, zi shou wu, Zi-Shou-Wu, zishouwu.
Note: Fo-ti is not contained in the product Fo-ti-Tieng?.

Background

Fo-ti is a plant native to China that is used in Chinese herbal medicine. It also grows in Japan and Taiwan. The vine of the herb was called ye jiaoteng, referring to its form, an evening intertwining vine (ye = evening, jiao = intersecting, teng = vine). It is also known by its Latin name, Polygonum multiflorum. The Chinese-sounding names fo-ti-teng and fo-ti were made up by U.S. businesspersons.
The roots and rhizomes (underground stem of plant) of fo-ti are harvested from 3-4 year-old plants, dried, and then used in an unprocessed or processed form (processing involves steaming the dried roots in black soybean juice). The vine of fo-ti is also used in Chinese medicine. Unprocessed fo-ti (also known as "white" fo-ti) is taken by mouth as a laxative. Unprocessed fo-ti is also applied to the skin to treat conditions such as acne, athlete's foot, skin inflammation, razor burn, and scrapes. Processed fo-ti, also known as "red" fo-ti, is used to prevent or delay heart disease.
Currently, high-quality human studies supporting the use of fo-ti for any condition are lacking.

Evidence Table

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. GRADE *
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. GRADE *


Combination fo-ti has been shown to stop cognitive decline and improve memory and daily functioning in people with mild cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease. Although this is promising, available evidence is limited by the use of fo-ti combination therapies. A firm conclusion about the effect of fo-ti in this area is unable to be determined, and further research is needed.

 C


Combination fo-ti has been shown to stop cognitive decline and improve memory and daily functioning in people with mild cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease. Although this is promising, available evidence is limited by the use of fo-ti combination therapies. A firm conclusion about the effect of fo-ti in this area is unable to be determined, and further research is needed.

 C


Early research suggests that a combination decoction (extract from boiling in water) with fo-ti, is superior to Jinshuibao capsule for the treatment of hepatitis B-associated liver fibrosis (excess connective tissue). Although this is promising, further research is needed.

 C


Early research suggests that a combination decoction (extract from boiling in water) with fo-ti, is superior to Jinshuibao capsule for the treatment of hepatitis B-associated liver fibrosis (excess connective tissue). Although this is promising, further research is needed.

 C


Early research has suggested that the mixed-herb decoction (extract from boiling in water) Yangxue Dingfeng Tang, partly made up of fo-ti, has short- and long-term treatment effects when given with localized plumb-blossom needle tapping. Due to the small amount of available research, a firm conclusion about the effect of fo-ti for hepatitis B is unable to be determined. Further research in this area is needed.

 C


Early research has suggested that the mixed-herb decoction (extract from boiling in water) Yangxue Dingfeng Tang, partly made up of fo-ti, has short- and long-term treatment effects when given with localized plumb-blossom needle tapping. Due to the small amount of available research, a firm conclusion about the effect of fo-ti for hepatitis B is unable to be determined. Further research in this area is needed.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

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

Adults (over 18 years old):
Slices, powders, capsules, extracts, syrups, teas, and skin creams or ointments are commercially available. Fo-ti is used individually, or in combination formulas such as the traditional Chinese 13-herb mixture Shou Xing Bu Zhi.
Doses of 560 milligrams (capsules) 2-3 times daily, three grams of raw herb three times daily, and 9-15 grams of the dried herb daily have been taken by mouth. One teaspoon or five grams of the root boiled in one cup of water for 15 minutes has also been taken by mouth.
Creams or ointments have been applied to the affected skin 3-4 times daily.

Safety

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

Interactions with Drugs
Fo-ti may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using agents that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Fo-ti may interfere with the way the body processes certain agents using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased or decreased in the blood, and may cause increased or decreased 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.
Fo-ti may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Because fo-ti contains estrogen-like chemicals, the effects of other agents believed to have estrogen-like properties may be altered.
Fo-ti may also interact with agents for itchiness, agents for skin disorders, agents for the heart, agents that decrease fibrosis (excess connective tissue), agents that affect the stomach and intestines, agents that affect the blood, agents that affect the width of blood vessels, agents that are toxic to the liver, agents that decrease immune function, agents that increase urination, antibiotics, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatories, cardiac glycosides, calcium channel blockers, digoxin, hormonal agents, laxatives, and lipid-lowering agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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