Fo Ti Root Extract Research: Is this a “Cure for Old Age”?

Studies of Fo Ti root extract have revealed a number of the plant’s beneficial constituents.

Fo Ti (Polygonum multiflorum) has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine as a rejuvenating tonic to confer vitality and concentrate qi (the body’s vital force).

It is a tall, vine-like plant native to central and southern China and commonly grown in Japan and Taiwan. The root of the Fo Ti plant is used to create a number of supplements, including Fo Ti root extract.

The roots are usually harvested in the autumn from a plant that is three or four years old. In Chinese folklore, larger, older Fo Ti roots are thought to have potent powers and are not commonly sold on the commercial market.

Fo Ti (He Shou Wu)

Herbal Supplement

Anti- Aging

Sex Drive

Blood Tonic

How It Works:

• Anti-aging herb used in Chinese medicine
• Stimulates the libido & adrenal function
• Exhibits antioxidant & neuroprotective effects

Dosage:

Between 500 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Unsafe

Top Fo Ti Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Fo Ti Root Extract

Fo Ti root extract may refer to either a decoction or a tincture.

Making a decoction involves simmering Fo Ti root in water for several hours in the hopes of extracting the root’s beneficial nutrients. The resulting liquid can be further reduced to increase its potency.

Alternatively, Fo Ti tincture is made by soaking the root in alcohol.

It is important to only buy prepared Fo Ti root from suppliers because the raw herb can cause severe gastrointestinal side effects.

Additionally, compared to other medicinal herbs, Fo Ti has received relatively little scientific attention. Many of its contemporary uses are rooted in traditional practice and not scientific evidence. For this reason, prudence is important when using this supplement to prevent possible side effects.

Fo Ti Extract in TCM

Fo Ti has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine where it is known by its Chinese name, he shou wu. In Chinese herbal medicine, Fo Ti is most commonly used as a liver and kidney tonic.

This function also allows the herb to act as a blood tonic because by supporting the liver and kidneys Fo Ti is said to help cleanse the blood.

Additionally, Fo Ti is given to individuals with symptoms indicating “blood deficiency”, such as dizziness, blurred vision and weakness. In general, Fo Ti is thought to give vitality to the body.

Contemporary Uses and Ongoing Research

Common contemporary uses of Fo Ti include increasing male and female fertility, supporting liver and kidney function, staving off the effects of old age (such as premature graying and hair loss) and fortifying the body. It is thought to increase energy and act as an overall health tonic.

Research indicates P. multiflorum may be useful in the treatment of weak bones, atherosclerosis, insomnia and constipation. Anecdotally, Fo Ti is not associated with any severe side effects, but liver damage has been reported in several contemporary studies.

Fo Ti is under active investigation for its ability to:

• Enhance immune strength and function;
• Reduce total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels;
• Increase high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels;
• Decrease triglyceride levels and support cardiovascular health;
• Reduce enlargement of the liver;
• Inhibit fatty acid deposits in the heart, liver and circulatory vessels;
• Act as a vasodilator, improving circulation;
• Support muscle strength;
• Help reduce transplant rejection rates;
• Exhibit anticancer effects.

The full list of Fo Ti root extract uses is long and further research is required to substantiate the vast majority of claims.

Fo Ti Root Extract Benefits

Fo Ti root extract contains a number of phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that have been observed to support healthy blood lipid levels.

Advocates claim the constituents of Fo Ti can help stop harmful fatty acids from building up on the interior surface of blood vessels in the heart and liver.

Fo Ti is claimed to support cardiovascular health by decreasing the accumulation of arterial plaque and lowering triglyceride levels,

The supplement is also observed to exhibit anti-oxidant properties. The development of some cancers is increasingly correlated with long-term oxidative stress caused by free radical damage. Free radicals are unbalanced ionic molecules that can cause cellular damage by taking electrons from other, stable molecules.

Free radical damage can sometimes lead to cell mutation or death (apoptosis). One of the most prevalent free radicals in the human body is superoxide, which is often blamed for premature physical aging, including hair loss and premature graying.

Free radicals, such as superoxide, can be neutralized by molecules called antioxidants. Fo Ti root extract has been observed to increase the efficacy of a common antioxidant called superoxide dismutase (SOD).

P. multiflorum is sometimes claimed to help prevent the onset of some cancers via its observed antioxidant effects. However, the use of Fo Ti for cancer has not been substantiated by research studies insofar.

Fo Ti Root Adverse Effects

Fo Ti root is not commonly associated with severe side effects. Many claim to use Fo Ti tonic daily with no significant side effect. However, it has been associated with liver damage in some contemporary studies. Mild side effects, such as diarrhea, stomach upset and vomiting, have also been reported.

Fo Ti root extract is thought to exhibit a strong affect on the liver’s ability to assimilate certain prescription medications. Be sure to consult with your doctor before beginning any type of Fo Ti supplementation program.

Rate This Article

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)