Fo Ti Side Effects, Interactions & Liver Dangers

Fo Ti side effects are often a result of improper use or the herb’s interaction with prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Fo Ti (Polygonum multiflorum) is commonly referred to by its Chinese name, he shou wu.

It is a red-stemmed vine indigenous to China, Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan. For centuries it has been used as a revitalizing tonic, helping to center the body’s vital energy or qi while supporting good liver, kidney and blood health.

It has been used to treat female and male infertility, signs of premature aging and dizziness, to only name a few. Fo Ti supplements are now taken in many countries around the world for their purported health benefits.

Additionally, contemporary researchers have begun examining the characteristics of the plant. It is now known to contain alkaloid phytonutrients (plant nutrients) that may stimulate the immune system. Fo Ti also contains other plant compounds that may help support cardiovascular health.

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

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Why Use Fo Ti Capsules?

Fo Ti and its constituent phytonutrients are being investigated for their capacity to:

• Act as a mild sedative to combat insomnia;
• Act against the formation and progression of cancerous cells;
• Alleviate numbness in the limbs;
• Improve the strength of ligaments, bones, tendons and muscles;
• Reverse the premature graying of hair, and age-related hair loss;
• Lower LDL and total cholesterol levels;
• Elevate levels of HDL cholesterol;
• Decrease triglyceride stores.

Fo Ti Drug Interactions

Fo Ti has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over a thousand years. Anecdotally, it has been used by millions for good health with few associated side effects. However, in contemporary scientific studies Fo Ti has been associated with cases of liver toxicity.

Due to the lack of available evidence, the full range of possible Fo Ti side effects remains unknown in conventional Western medicine. However, preliminary research indicates Fo Ti may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Individuals taking prescription medications must exercise caution and speak with their doctor before taking Fo Ti. It is known to affect liver function and may alter how the liver breaks down certain medications. As a consequence, it is not to be used with certain types of pharmaceuticals.

Fo Ti should not be combined with digoxin because it may induce a stimulant laxative effect that can lead to decreased potassium levels. Low potassium levels, in turn, may cause the side effects of digoxin to manifest more frequently and more severely.

Some pharmaceutical medications are transformed by the liver as they are broken down. Fo Ti is thought to affect how rapidly these medications are broken down, which may lead to more frequent side effects. Such medications include:

• Amitriptyline (aka Elavil), ondansetron (Zofran) and haloperidol (Haldol);
• Theophylline (Theo-Dur), propranolol (Inderal) and verapamil (Isoptin);
• Omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix) and lansoprazole (Prevacid);
• Carisoprodol (Soma), diazepam (Valium) and nelfinavir (Viracept).

Fo Ti has been observed to affect blood glucose levels. Fo Ti may interact with medications for managing type II diabetes, including:

• Glyburide (DiaBeta), rosiglitazone (Avandia) and chlorpropamide (Diabinese);
• Glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol) and tolbutamide (Orinase);
• Insulin, glynase and pioglitazone (Actos).

To be sure you are not at risk of any drug interactions, speak with your doctor before you begin Fo Ti supplementation.

Fo Ti Side Effects & Liver Damage

Based on anecdotal evidence, Fo Ti side effects are generally quite rare and mild. The main complaints are of intestinal discomfort and nausea.

Several contemporary studies have linked Fo Ti with liver damage. Those with any type of liver dysfunction should not use Fo Ti in any form as it may make worsen existing liver conditions.

Also, never take Fo Ti in conjunction with other medicinal agents that may affect the liver, including:

• Phenytoin (Dilantin), amiodarone (Cordarone) and carbamazepine (Tegretol);
• Isoniazid (INH), methyldopa (Aldomet) and fluconazole (Diflucan);
• Itraconazole (Sporanox), pravastatin (Pravachol) and lovastatin (Mevacor);
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol), erythromycin (Erythromycin) and simvastatin (Zocor).

Fo Ti Laxative Effects

Fo Ti has been observed to cause laxative effects. It follows that combining Fo Ti with other laxative agents may cause severe diarrhea. Diarrhea is known to cause mineral and other nutrient depletion, which may lead to various other negative health conditions.

It is important to use processed Fo Ti root as opposed to the raw herbal extract. The root is processed by first steaming it and then allowing it to dry out and harden. Use of raw Fo Ti is linked to gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and stomach discomfort.

Conclusion

Fo Ti is not commonly associated with severe side effects in traditional practice (provided it is not consumed raw or unprocessed). When used properly, and without combining it with other medications, Fo Ti may be generally well tolerated.

But, as discussed earlier, it has been linked with liver damage in contemporary studies. Additionally, Fo Ti use can be dangerous if combined with some prescription medications, especially those targeting liver functioning and/or treatment of diabetes mellitus type II.

In every case, it is important to speak with your doctor before beginning supplementation to help avoid side effects of Fo Ti.

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