Fo-ti

Scientific Name(s): Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.
Common Name(s): Chinese cornbind, Climbing knotweed, Flowery knotweed, Fo-ti, Heshouwu, Radix Polygoni multiflori, Tuber fleeceflower

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 13, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

Evidence exists of hepatic injury in humans. P. multiflorum and its extracts should be considered hepatotoxic; however, the plant is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine for its rejuvenating and toning properties, to increase liver and kidney function, for treatment of cognitive disorders and dyslipidemia, and to cleanse the blood. Clinical trials are lacking to support claims for therapeutic purposes, but topical applications for the treatment of alopecia and a role in neurodegenerative diseases are being investigated.

Dosing

P. multiflorum is used at daily doses of 9 to 15 g of raw herb, but clinical studies are lacking. A standard dose in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia is 3 to 12 g/day.

Contraindications

Liver disease.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use. Embryonic toxicity has been reported.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

P. multiflorum is widely used in Chinese medicine; however, adverse event reporting under clinical trial conditions is lacking. Hepatotoxicity has been documented.

Toxicology

Evidence of hepatic injury in humans exists; consider P. multiflorum and its extracts hepatotoxic. The plant may also be nephro-, neuro-, and embryotoxic.

Scientific Family

• Polygonaceae (buckwheat)

Botany

P. multiflorum is native to central and southern China and is also distributed in Japan and Taiwan. It is a perennial climbing herb that can grow to 9 m in height. The plant has red stems, heart-shaped leaves, and white or pink flowers. The roots are the main plant part of interest and are harvested and dried in autumn when they are 3 to 4 years of age, but the stems and leaves are also used. Raw, wine- or steam-processed, or cured fo-ti is available in the United States.1, 2, 3, 4

History

Radix Polygoni multiflori or he shou wu is a popular Chinese tonic herb, whose usage dates back to 713 AD.2 Fo-ti appears to be a name given to the preparation for use in areas where Chinese is not the primary language.4 It is considered one of the country's great 4 herbal tonics, along with angelica, lycium, and panax, and is used to increase liver and kidney function and to cleanse the blood.3 The plant is also prescribed for symptoms of premature aging, such as gray hair, and is commonly found in hair care products in China.2, 4 It is also used to treat insomnia, weak bones, constipation, and atherosclerosis.2 Regarded as a rejuvenating plant, fo-ti has been thought to prevent aging and promote longevity. According to folklore, the older and larger roots have the most power, potentially offering immortality.2, 3, 4

Chemistry

Major chemical constituents include stilbenes, quinones, flavonoids phospholipids, and others. More than 100 chemical compounds have been identified, and analytical techniques are described.5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Chemicals of...