He Shou Wu Extract for Aging, Energy & Sex Drive

He shou wu extract has long been used as an herbal health tonic. He shou wu is prepared from the roots of Polygonum multiflorum, a climbing vine native to southern and central China.

It has historically been used as an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine and is still commonly used throughout Asia.

Additionally, he shou wu is now available in many countries around the world. Its increasing popularity is based largely on its historical use as a sexual stimulant, cardiovascular enhancer, general antioxidant and laxative.

However, despite its growing popularity and significance to Chinese herbal medicine, he shou wu extract has received comparatively little scientific attention. Consequently, the medicinal effects and possible side effects of P. multiflorum remain ill-defined within the scientific literature.

On account of this lack of data, there are no use recommendations provided by independent third parties, such as the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. Scientific studies of P. multiflorum are ongoing.

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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He Shou Wu Extract

Advocates claim that supplementing with a quality he shou wu extract may yield the following health benefits:

• Decreased risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders;
• Promoting hair growth;
• Reduced oxidation caused by free radical damage;
• Moderated blood glucose levels and increased insulin sensitivity, which may help alleviate some symptoms of diabetes;
• Improved mental clarity;
• Increased muscle size, strength and endurance.

Anti-Oxidant Effects

Every living organism is subject to free radical damage, which can impair organ function and make the body more susceptible to illness. Free radical attacks at a cellular level are estimated to occur billions of times each day.

The collective oxidative stress caused by free radical damage is being increasingly tied to the onset of diseases and the physical signs of aging. In the human body, the main free radical is called superoxide.

He shou wu extract is thought to increase the body’s natural synthesis of superoxide dismutase (SOD). This substance is the body’s primary defense against free radical damage from superoxide. SOD travels throughout the circulatory system, neutralizing superoxide radicals.

SOD works to neutralize free radicals by helping the molecule achieve a more stable state. These less reactive radicals are then further modified by glutathione and catalase, less potent antioxidants compared to SOD.

This process neutralizes free radicals and is essential for supporting life. Because he shou wu is thought to increase SOD synthesis, it is under active investigation for its ability to exhibit anti-cancer effects and help reduce the physical signs of aging.

He Shou Wu Extract for Hair and Aging

The roots of P. multiflorum have been used for more than a thousand years to treat premature age-related alopecia (hair loss) and loss of hair pigmentation. The name of the herb translates literally to “Mr. He’s Black Hair.”

According to Chinese legend, Mr. He was an elderly man with grey hair who drank He Shou Wu tea. After drinking the tea, his grey hair turned black and he was restored to youthful levels of energy, sex drive and fertility.

Taking he shou wu as a tea, powder or as a liquid extract tincture, three times daily on an ongoing basis is widely believed to restore hair growth and natural color.

However, there is no clinical evidence to support this claim. Contemporary investigation has linked fo ti supplementation with rare cases of liver damage. (See safety and side effects below.)

He Shou Wu Extract for Toning the Blood

One of the main traditional uses of he shou wu is as an agent to tone blood. Constituents of fo ti have been observed to stimulate hematopoietic stem cell function as well as increase erythrocyte (red blood cell) proliferation and differentiation.

It is thought to improve the structural integrity of red blood cell membranes. Further, it contains significant levels of lethicin (lecithin), which is integral for the formation of erythrocytes and nerve tissues.

In scientific studies he shou wu has been observed to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL (so-called “good”) cholesterol. Further, certain phytochemical compounds in he shou wu are known vasodilators. Vasodilation is characterized by the widening or expansion of blood vessel lining.

This means that he shou wu may cause general relaxation of the heart, lung and blood vessel inner linings (endothelium). When vasodilation occurs, circulation may be improved and may require less work on the part of the heart. This accommodates increased nutrient delivery on a body-wide basis, enhancing overall cardiovascular efficiency.

He Shou Wu Extracts and Liver Function

He shou wu extracts are known to affect how the liver is able to metabolize certain pharmaceutical medications. When used in combination, he shou wu may alter the efficacy of these medications. Also, side effects associated with the pharmaceuticals may be strengthened or weakened.

If you are considering he shou wu extract supplementation and are taking any prescribed medications, be sure to consult with your doctor before beginning.

He Shou Wu Side Effects

In traditional practices, he shou wu extract is generally not associated with severe side effects. Mild side effects may include mild nausea and diarrhea. Based on anecdotal evidence, he shou wu is generally well tolerated by humans.

However, in recent studies fo ti has been linked to a number of cases of liver damage. Consequently, it is important to speak with your physician before taking a he shou wu extract supplement.

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