Fo-ti
Fo-ti, also called He Shou Wu, is the root of Polygonum multiflorum, a climbing plant used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Also listed as Polygonum multiflorum, Pleuropterus multiflorus, Shou Wu, Fo-Ti Extract
Why is it studied for hair growth?
A 2015 mouse study compared raw and processed roots by oral and topical routes. Oral raw root and topical processed root promoted hair growth, with changes in signals involved in follicle activity. That experiment supports a research question, not a demonstrated treatment for human hair loss or gray hair. 1
What has happened in people?
A hospital series described 29 patients with He Shou Wu-associated liver injury. Most recovered after stopping, but three had persistent chronic injury and one died of liver failure. A case series cannot estimate how often injury occurs among all users; it can document its potential severity. 2
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Hair & Skin2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Longevity2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Stress & Mood1 effect
Immune Support1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Gut Health1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Weight Management1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Energy2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Cardiovascular1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Bone & Joint1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Adverse findings
Ratings where the reported effect was unfavourable.
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.