He Shou Wu Side Effects and Liver Damage Risks

The side effects of he shou wu are not well understood at present. This herb has been used for over one thousand years in traditional Chinese medicine and is reportedly well tolerated.

However, in more recent scientific studies, some cases of liver damage have been reported. When properly prepared and consumed, he shou wu side effects are considered uncommon, but there may be greater likelihood of adverse reactions among some populations.

In some cases of excessive supplementation, he shou wu (fo ti tieng, fo ti, Chinese knotweed) has been known to cause stomach distress and/or diarrhea. When rare side effects are experienced, it is normally due to using “unprepared” fo ti, which is the raw, unprocessed root of Polygonum multiflorum.

To avoid negative he shou wu side effects, it is best to only use prepared root extracts and not the raw powder.

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 Overview

P. multiflorum is a red-stemmed vine that produces white or pink flowers.

Native to southern and central China, the roots of P. multiflorum have been used for centuries to create herbal medicines and tonics.

He shou wu refers to P. multiflorum roots that have been prepared according to traditional methods. In traditional practice these roots are thoroughly cooked in a black bean stew, then dried to make prepared he shou wu.

Unprepared (raw) roots are stimulant laxatives and are used primarily to alleviate constipation. Prepared he shou wu roots lose most of their laxative properties and begin exhibiting their other medicinal properties.

He Shou Wu Side Effects

Based on traditional, anecdotal evidence, fo ti is generally well tolerated. It has a long history of medicinal use and is not commonly associated with severe side effects. However, based on scientific evidence the side effects of fo ti supplementation are ill defined.

In some studies fo ti has been linked with cases of liver damage. Additionally, on account of the existing lack of scientific evidence, the precise therapeutic value of he shou wu is unknown and its safety or side effect profile is poorly defined.

There are no supplementation guidelines for he shou wu provided by third-party organizations, such as the US Food and Drug Administration.

The lack of scientific evidence is contrasted with fo ti’s long history of use that is thought to extend to the eighth century CE. Over hundreds of years, he shou wu has been used for a number of health benefits with few reported side effects.

He Shou Wu Drug Interactions

Traditionally, one of the primary uses of he shou wu was to support and enhance liver health. Today, he shou wu is thought to stimulate the increased production of superoxide dismutase (SOD).

SOD is a strong antioxidant that is thought to act as a general liver tonic, supporting liver cleansing and protection. This may prove to be one of the reasons that he shou wu was traditionally used as a liver tonic.

However, the effects of he shou wu on the liver means this supplement can interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications that are metabolized by the liver. These medications may be altered during their breakdown and their effects and/or side effects may become more or less potent.

For this reason, it is important that anyone who takes prescription medications speak with the prescribing doctors before starting to supplement with he shou wu extract, pills, tinctures or tea.

He Shou Wu Research Indications

The potential therapeutic properties of P. multiflorum are being investigated. He shou wu contains a number of phytonutrients (plant nutrients) that have been observed to induce some therapeutic effects.

However, the current state of research does not endorse the wide variety of fo ti uses and provides limited information on possible side effects.

Research is ongoing. Preliminary studies have focused on fo ti’s use in:

• Treating lymphatic tuberculosis;
• Lowering triglyceride, LDL and total cholesterol levels;
• Acting against the development and progression of cancer cells;
• Treating memory loss, schizophrenia and other cognitive disorders;
• Detoxifying the eyes, kidneys, liver and blood;
• Stimulating digestion;
• Reversing premature hair loss or greying;
• Reversing symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction;
• Improving male spermatogenesis and female ovarian health;
• Curing constipation;
• Reducing some risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease;
• Increasing nitric oxide synthesis;
• Enhancing the body’s use of testosterone, estrogen and human growth hormone;
• Inducing vasodilation and improving circulation;
• Inhibiting fatty acid buildup in the blood vessels, liver and heart;
• Supporting increases in muscular power and size.

Who Should Not Use He Shou Wu Supplements?

He shou wu is not recommended for certain groups to prevent adverse effects. More specifically, the following groups should not take he shou wu in any form without express permission from their doctor:

• Women who are pregnant or nursing;
• Patients scheduled for upcoming surgical procedures;
• Individuals currently diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type II;
• Those with hormone sensitive cancers, such as breast, ovarian or uterine cancer;
• Individuals suffering from liver disease.

This is not an exhaustive list. Anyone considering he shou wu supplementation should speak with their doctor to make sure the supplement is safe and to reduce the risk of side effects.

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