Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSimilar SupplementsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Similar Supplements
Sources & What to Look For
Fo-ti is an herb native to China and other parts of Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), fo-ti root has been used for various health ailments. It is also thought to be beneficial for anti-aging.
Although fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum) is thought to cause few side effects, using it may lead to liver damage (hepatotoxicity).It is important to consult a healthcare provider about its use.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Uses of Fo-Ti
Although some preliminary laboratory and animal research suggests that fo-ti may have certain beneficial effects, there’s currently a lack of clinical trials to support these findings.
Below is a look at some of the research on fo-ti and its uses.
Aging
Fo-ti has been researched for its potential role in the treatment ofAlzheimer’s diseaseandParkinson’s disease, both of which are typically diagnosed in the aging population.
According to preliminary research, active components in fo-ti are thought to have neuroprotective and antioxidant effects that may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Other active ingredients in fo-ti are thought to enhance learning and memory.
However, these claims only come from animal and lab studies. Human trials need to be performed to confirm the potential role of fo-ti in treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Inflammation
Some research suggests that fo-ti may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Lab and animal studies have shown its ability to activate specific cell signaling pathways that block inflammation. One study on mice found that it reduced the severity ofedema(swelling).A 2022 review identified a compound in fo-ti that has significant anti-inflammatory properties that could help in treating various diseases, including inflammatory diseases.
Once again, human trials need to be performed to confirm that fo-ti can, indeed, fight inflammation.
Hyperlipidemia
Fo-ti may have antioxidant effects that may benefit people withhyperlipidemia(high blood fat levels).
Active ingredients in fo-ti, specifically antioxidants, may decreaselow-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterolandtriglyceridelevels in the blood. Researchers believe fo-ti could also help increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good cholesterol.”
As with other potential uses of fo-ti, the research surrounding its use for hyperlipidemia is only preliminary. Human trials should be completed.
Cancer
Studies suggest that a compound found in fo-ti, called rhein, may suppress certain types of cancer, such as breast, cervical, colon, lung, and ovarian cancer. It is thought that rhein modulates different signaling cascades in cancer cells and can prevent the progression of different types of cancers.
Much more research is needed to establish the protective and therapeutic functions of rhein as an effective anticancer agent.
Other Uses
According to an older 2003 lab study, fo-ti extract was found to have “high estrogen activity. For reference, the researchers found that fo-ti had about 1/300th of the estrogen activity of estradiol (a form of estrogen).
There may be other claimed uses of fo-ti in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the issue remains that more well-designed research is needed to support these claims.
What Are the Side Effects of Fo-Ti?
Fo-ti may cause some side effects. These can range from mild to severe.
Common Side Effects
When taking fo-ti, you may experience common side effects like:
Side effects should subside once you stop taking fo-ti, but consult with a healthcare provider if they do not. To best avoid side effects, use fo-ti only as directed.
Severe Side Effects
Liver damage has been reported following the use of fo-ti.
In a review of 450 case reports, researchers looked at reports of liver damage associated with fo-ti use. They concluded that fo-ti might cause liver damage or reversible toxicity. Of the 450 case reports, two people died.
While this correlation is cause for concern, the review failed to show that fo-ti was isolated as the cause of liver damage.
Long-term use of fo-ti has also been linked to kidney toxicity in rare cases.
As there is still much to learn regarding the safety of fo-ti, it would be best to only use the herb short term and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Some people may need to take precautions or avoid using fo-ti altogether.
It is unknown if fo-ti is safe for children or pregnant orbreastfeedingpeople. Due to the uncertainty, it is recommended that these populations avoid it.
According to lab research, fo-ti may possess estrogen activity.People with estrogen-driven cancers and certain hormonal imbalances should consult a healthcare provider to learn whether fo-ti is safe.
Due to the risk of liver damage, people withliver diseasemay also need to avoid using fo-ti.
Speak with your healthcare provider to learn if fo-ti is safe for you,
Dosage: How Much Fo-Ti Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
There is insufficient scientific data to provide a safe recommended dose for fo-ti.
Lab and animal studies have used a wide range of doses, but these have not been evaluated in humans. Until better research is available, generalized fo-ti dosage recommendations cannot be made.
The appropriate dose for you may depend on your age, gender, and medical history. Speak to your healthcare provider to get personalized advice.
Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s):Quinones, stilbenes, flavonoids, phospholipidsAlternate name(s):Shou Wu Pian, He Shou Pian, Chinese knotweed,Polygonum multiflorumLegal status:Legal and sold over-the-counter (OTC) in the United StatesSuggested dose:There are no general dosing guidelines for fo-ti.Safety considerations:Side effects of fo-ti include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and liver damage.
Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s):Quinones, stilbenes, flavonoids, phospholipidsAlternate name(s):Shou Wu Pian, He Shou Pian, Chinese knotweed,Polygonum multiflorumLegal status:Legal and sold over-the-counter (OTC) in the United StatesSuggested dose:There are no general dosing guidelines for fo-ti.Safety considerations:Side effects of fo-ti include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and liver damage.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Fo-Ti?
You may be more likely to experience side effects if you take too much fo-ti.
While fo-ti overdose has not been reported, toxicity is possible. In particular, liver toxicity has occurred in some who have used fo-ti.
Liver toxicity may occur anywhere from days to weeks after taking fo-ti. Typically, symptoms of liver damage will disappear shortly after stopping fo-ti.
Fo-ti may interact adversely with various medications, herbs, and supplements.
Though reports of interactions are scarce, fo-ti may interact withwarfarinand other blood-thinning medications.
Other interactions with certain drugs and herbs have been reported, but only anecdotally,
There is no substantial evidence to prove that fo-ti interacts with common medications like digoxin,stimulant laxatives, or diabetes drugs. However, there is no strong evidence to disprove these claims either. More research is needed to learn more about fo-ti’s interactions.
You must carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of any supplement to understand which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review your fo-ti supplement label with your healthcare provider to learn of other potential interactions.
How to Store Fo-Ti
To prolong shelf-life, fo-ti supplements should be stored in a cool, dry place. They should also be kept out of direct sunlight. Protect the supplements from exposure to extremely hot or cold temperatures. Typically, fo-ti supplements should not be refrigerated.
Be sure to keep your supplements out of reach of any small children or pets.
You should discard fo-ti supplements once they reach the expiration date listed on the supplement label or package.
Regarding supplements, it can be challenging to choose the right one. This is because many supplements claim to work in similar ways.
Supplements researched for similar uses include:
Sources of Fo-Ti and What to Look For
Knowing what to look for when choosing a new supplement or herbal remedy is important. Fo-ti comes in many forms, including teas and supplements.
Food Sources of Fo-Ti
As an herb, fo-ti is not naturally found in foods. However, it may be used to make a tonic or hot tea. You can find fo-ti extract, powder, or loose-leaf tea in drinkable form.
If you prefer capsules, there are plenty of supplement options.
Fo-Ti Supplements
Fo-ti is available in its raw form as a root. You can also find it in powder, extract, tea, and capsule form.
Fo-ti may also be combined with other herbs in classical TCM formulas. However, beware that the safety and effectiveness of fo-ti, when combined with other herbs or compounds, is not well-documented.
Natural fo-ti supplements are vegan and gluten-free, but check the label to confirm it fits your diet. Some capsules may be made out of gelatin, made from cows or pigs.
Summary
Fo-ti is an herb that has been used in TCM for centuries. It has been studied for its purported anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Although fo-ti may have some possible health benefits, it is not without adverse side effects, including the potential for liver damage.
If you’re thinking of trying fo-ti, speak with your healthcare provider first.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-.Polygonum multiflorum. [Updated 2020]
Bounda GA, Feng YU.Review of clinical studies of polygonum multiflorum thunb. and its isolated bioactive compounds.Pharmacognosy Res. 2015;7(3):225-236. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.157957
Lei X, Chen J, Ren J, et al.Liver damage associated with Polygonum multiflorum thunb.: a systematic review of case reports and case series.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:459749. doi:10.1155/2015/459749
Lin L, Ni B, Lin H, et al.Traditional usages, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of polygonum multiflorum thunb.: a review.J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;159:158-183. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.11.009
Wang C, Dai S, Gong L,et al.A review of pharmacology, toxicity and pharmacokinetics of 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside.Front Pharmacol. 2022;12:791214. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.791214
Henamayee S, Banik K, Sailo BL, et al.Therapeutic emergence of rhein as a potential anticancer drug: a review of its molecular targets and anticancer properties.Molecules. 2020;25(10):2278. doi:10.3390/molecules25102278
Lei X, Chen J, Ren J, et al.Liver damage associated with polygonum multiflorum thunb.: a systematic review of case reports and case series.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:459749. doi:10.1155/2015/459749
Külzow N, Witte AV, Kerti L, et al.Impact of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on memory functions in healthy older adults.J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;51(3):713-725. doi:10.3233/JAD-150886
Jarosz M, Olbert M, Wyszogrodzka G, et al.Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of zinc. zinc-dependent NF-κB signaling.Inflammopharmacology. 2017;25(1):11-24. doi:10.1007/s10787-017-0309-4
Xu R, Yang K, Li S, et al.Effect of green tea consumption on blood lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Nutr J. 2020;19(1):48. doi:10.1186/s12937-020-00557-5
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