Shou Wu Pian Reviews, Benefits for Hair Loss & Side Effects

Shou Wu Pian is a common name for the extract of the Polygonum multiflorum plant. This herb is also known as Fallopia multiflora, an herbaceous vining plant that is native to southern and central China.

Other common names for Shou Wu Pian include He Shou Wu, Fo-Ti and Chinese knotweed.

Shou Wu Pian is listed in the first edition of PPRC (Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China). It has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine for restoring natural color to grey hair and boosting energy.

Some of the benefits attributed to this herbal extract including its purported effectiveness as a blood tonifier, libido enhancer, natural ED (erectile dysfunction) remedy, anti-aging supplement and more. Despite its long history of traditional use, there is limited research into its effectiveness and safety.

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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Shou Wu Pian Uses

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that Shou Wu Pian is used orally for constipation, cancer, tuberculosis, hyperlipidemia, limb numbness, insomnia, premature greying, hair thinning/loss, tinnitus (ear ringing), dizziness and prostatitis.

It is also used to strengthen the muscles, tendons, joints and bones – as well as to tonify the kidneys and liver.

Shou Wu Pian is used topically for carbuncles (multiple boils), skin eruptions, sores and itching. It is also included in various hair and skin care products.

Consumer reviews for available dietary supplements which contain Shou Wu Pian seem generally favorable. Many people report improvements with regrowing lost hair, thickening and/or darkening existing hair, increasing libido, reversing erectile dysfunction and/or alleviating menopause symptoms.

However, this supplement has not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of any medical condition. It should not be used medicinally without first consulting with a doctor.

Shou Wu Pian Side Effects

Polygonum multiflorum extracts have been used for many centuries as an herbal medicine. Traditional usage of this natural plant and its root tubers was not associated with a high risk of side effects. In traditional usage settings, it has demonstrated very little toxicity even with prolonged use.

Shou Wu Pian supplements are available in powder, capsule, pill and raw root forms. Many people use the dried whole root tubers to make He Shou Wu teas and tinctures.

The active constituents of P. multiflorum are believed to be aromatic organic compounds called anthraquinones. Some of these include rhein, chrysophanol and emodin.

While most people experience no ill effects after taking Shou Wu Pan, rare side effects may include:

• Stomach pains;
• Vomiting;
• Diarrhea;
• Nausea;

Currently, NMCD rates the usage of Shou Wu Pian as possibly unsafe. This is because there have been multiple cases of hepatitis and hepatotoxicity apparently associated with it.

Shou Wu Pian Hepatitis/Liver Toxicity

A number of natural medicines used in TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) have become popular internationally in recent years.

Interest in Polygonum multiflorum has increased due to its purported benefits for aging, sexual performance, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. It has also demonstrated anti-cancer effects in preliminary studies.

Shou Wu Pian contains various derivatives of THSG (tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside). THSG has been shown to protect human neuroblastoma cells against cytotoxicity. THSG demonstrates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that protect neurons much like resveratrol does.

Shou Wu Pian also contains emodin; a natural laxative that shows hepatoprotective properties. However, multiple reports have implicated Shou Wu Pian for causing acute hepatic (liver) damage due to excessive toxicity.

Symptoms are similar to those that mark the onset of acute viral hepatitis. These may include fatigue and/or nausea, followed by discomfort in the right upper abdomen, and then, possibly, jaundice.

These hepatotoxic effects are said to subside after reducing or discontinuing product usage. However, in at least two instances, liver transplant was necessary and death resulted. The mechanism of injury is believed to be attributable to P. multiflorum anthraquinone content.

Because of this, it is important to check with a doctor first before using this supplement. Also, it is important to look for high quality Shou Wu Pian supplements that have been appropriately processed to remove any impurities or potentially dangerous compounds.

Shou Wu Pian Clinical Safety Reviews

In 2014, a literature search of the PubMed database was completed. Its purpose was to determine the prevalence with which certain herbal supplements used in TCM cause hepatotoxicity. Numerous products with toxicity potentials were assessed, including Shou Wu Pian.

Liver toxicity causality was established for various herbal products in this review. However, several data quality and methodology issues were noted.

Some of these included heavy metal contamination, synthetic drug adulteration, misidentification and inclusion of certain non-herbal elements known to be toxic to the liver.

This literature review concluded that only a few TCM products may rarely be directly associated with hepatotoxicity, and then only in individuals who are particularly susceptible.

Stringent pre-treatment protocols are suggested to evaluate the ratio of benefits to possible side effects in given individuals. Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled human trials are warranted.

Conclusions

Traditional usage of Shou Wu Pian suggests it is well tolerated combined with potential benefits for hair loss, libido, aging and more. For many centuries, Shou Wu Pian has been an element of medicinal systems in various countries.

If you are considering using Shou Wu Pian for any therapeutic target, then it is best to seek medical advice first. Be especially cautious if using Shou Wu Pian in conjunction with the following:

• Hepatotoxic herbs and supplements including niacin, androstenedione, red yeast, comfrey, DHEA, chaparral, kava, germander and pennyroyal oil;
• Herbs with estrogenic activities like alfalfa, hops, black cohosh, flaxseed, kudzu, red clover, ipriflavone, chasteberry and licorice;
• Herbs with hypoglycemic potentials including Siberian/Panax ginseng, fenugreek, gymnema, devil’s claw and guar gum;
• Cytochrome P450 substrate drugs;
• Contraceptive drugs;
• Stimulant laxatives;
• Hepatotoxic drugs;
• Antidiabetic drugs;
• Diuretic drugs;
• Estrogens;
• Warfarin;

Also note that Shou Wu Pian can interact negatively with liver disease, certain types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, surgery and certain laboratory tests.

Before buying a Shou Wu Pian supplement, research any potential suppliers and look for user reviews as evidence of good product quality and safety. There are inferior products available; some of which may not contain Polygonum multiflorum extracts or may be contaminated with unwanted chemicals.

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