Fo Ti
Also known as: Fo-Ti, He-Shou-Wu, Shou-Wu-Pian, Wuling capsule, Polygonum multiflorum
Overview
Fo-Ti, scientifically known as *Polygonum multiflorum*, is a traditional Chinese herbal supplement derived from its root. It is widely used as a tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support liver and kidney function, promote hair health (including preventing hair graying), and enhance overall vitality and longevity. It is also traditionally applied for conditions such as insomnia and dyslipidemia. The herb contains bioactive compounds like tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside and emodin, which are believed to contribute to its effects. While preclinical research suggests various benefits, high-quality human clinical trials are limited, and there are significant safety concerns, particularly regarding hepatotoxicity.
Benefits
Fo-Ti is traditionally used for several health benefits, though robust clinical evidence is often limited. It is believed to improve liver and kidney function, with some animal and in vitro studies suggesting hepatoprotective effects from compounds like tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside and emodin. Animal studies also indicate potential metabolic benefits, including regulation of blood lipids and improved insulin resistance, possibly through gut microbiota modulation. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties have been observed in preclinical studies. Traditionally, it is claimed to prevent hair graying and improve vitality, but clinical evidence for these claims is lacking. Limited clinical data suggest some benefit for insomnia and coordination.
How it works
Fo-Ti's mechanism of action is attributed to its bioactive compounds, primarily stilbene glycosides (e.g., tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside) and anthraquinones (e.g., emodin). These compounds are thought to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects. The herb may also modulate gut microbiota, which could contribute to its observed metabolic benefits. Some in vitro studies suggest certain compounds can block viral spike protein interactions. However, the specific absorption and bioavailability of these compounds in humans are not well characterized, and further research is needed to fully understand its systemic effects.
Side effects
The most significant safety concern with Fo-Ti is hepatotoxicity, making it a leading cause of herb-induced liver injury (HILI) in China. Cases of both hepatocellular and cholestatic liver damage have been reported, typically occurring within 1-2 months of use and resolving upon discontinuation. Fo-Ti can also interact with medications; it may alter liver metabolism enzymes (CYP3A4 substrates), affecting drugs metabolized by the liver. It can lower blood glucose, posing a risk of hypoglycemia when combined with antidiabetic drugs. Additionally, it acts as a stimulant laxative, which can cause diarrhea and electrolyte imbalance, and may interact with warfarin, increasing bleeding risk. It is contraindicated in patients with existing liver disease or those taking hepatotoxic drugs, and caution is advised with anticoagulants and diabetes medications.
Dosage
Traditional dosages of Fo-Ti vary widely, with reports ranging from 3 grams to 20 grams daily. However, there is no established minimum effective or maximum safe dose determined by high-quality randomized controlled trials. The processing method (raw vs. cured) may influence both efficacy and toxicity, with raw forms potentially being more effective but also more toxic. Due to the significant risk of hepatotoxicity, any use of Fo-Ti should be conservative and strictly supervised by a medical professional. Specific timing considerations for dosage are not well-defined due to limited clinical data.
FAQs
Is Fo-Ti safe?
Fo-Ti carries a significant risk of liver injury, making it unsafe for many individuals. Use with extreme caution and only under strict medical supervision due to documented hepatotoxicity.
Does it really prevent hair graying?
While traditionally claimed to prevent hair graying and promote hair health, there is a lack of robust clinical evidence to support these specific benefits in humans.
Can it be used with other medications?
Fo-Ti has potential for serious interactions, especially with drugs metabolized by the liver, antidiabetic medications, and anticoagulants. Consult a healthcare professional before combining it with any medications.
How soon do effects appear?
Symptoms of liver injury typically appear within 1-2 months of use. The timing for any potential benefits is unclear due to limited high-quality clinical data on its efficacy.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4471648/ – This systematic review analyzed 54 publications on Fo-Ti, including clinical studies and case reports. It found limited high-quality clinical trials but highlighted numerous reported cases of hepatotoxicity. While some clinical benefits for insomnia, neurodegenerative diseases, and dyslipidemia were suggested, the evidence quality was low, underscoring the need for more rigorous trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8281430/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis identified *Polygonum multiflorum* as the most common herb causing liver injury in China. It reported that liver damage is typically hepatocellular, with an average onset around 58 days after initiation of use, and symptoms generally resolve after discontinuation. This review strongly emphasizes the significant safety concerns associated with Fo-Ti.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/fo-ti.html – This source summarizes various animal and in vitro studies on Fo-Ti, demonstrating potential lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects of its specific compounds. However, it notes that these preclinical findings have not been confirmed in large, well-controlled human trials, indicating a gap between traditional use and scientific validation.
