# Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/polygonum-multiflorum
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-27
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., Fallopia multiflora, Chinese knotweed, Fleeceflower root, Fo-ti, Shou Wu, Chinese cornbind, Tuber fleeceflower, Multiflower knotweed, Red-haired man root

## Overview

Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu) contains anthraquinones and stilbene glycosides that provide [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and cholesterol-lowering effects. The compound 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG) modulates lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) through HMG-CoA reductase inhibition.

## Health Benefits

• Anti-hyperlipidemic effects shown in animal models, reducing cholesterol and triglycerides (preliminary evidence only)
• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties demonstrated through DPPH scavenging and ferrous chelation activity (in-vitro studies)
• Traditional use for hair loss and aging-related conditions (no human clinical trials available)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and wound-healing activities linked to stilbenes and quinones (preclinical data only)
• Potential [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s for [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep) and age-related conditions (traditional use only, no clinical evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

TSG inhibits HMG-CoA reductase enzyme activity, reducing cholesterol synthesis in hepatic cells. Anthraquinones including emodin and physcion provide [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects through DPPH radical scavenging and metal chelation. The stilbene compounds also activate AMPK pathways involved in lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) regulation.

## Clinical Summary

Animal studies demonstrate 20-30% reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides with standardized extracts containing 10-20% TSG. In vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) studies show IC50 values of 15-25 μg/mL for DPPH scavenging activity. Human clinical data remains limited with only small observational studies in traditional medicine contexts. Most evidence comes from preliminary animal models rather than controlled human trials.

## Nutritional Profile

Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu) is not consumed as a macronutrient food source; its pharmacological value derives from its bioactive phytochemical profile. **Key Bioactive Compounds:** • **Stilbene glycosides:** 2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (THSG) is the principal active marker compound, typically standardized at 1.0–3.0% in dried root preparations (Chinese Pharmacopoeia requires ≥1.0% THSG in processed root). Raw/unprocessed root may contain higher THSG levels (~2–7% dry weight depending on source and age of root). • **Anthraquinones:** Emodin (0.1–1.5% dry weight), physcion, rhein, chrysophanol, and their glycosides (e.g., emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside). The ratio of free anthraquinones to combined (glycoside-bound) anthraquinones shifts significantly with processing (Pao Zhi): raw root is richer in free anthraquinones (associated with laxative and hepatotoxic effects), while processed root contains reduced free anthraquinone content. • **Tannins & Polyphenols:** Catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid, and condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins); total polyphenol content reported at approximately 5–12% dry weight depending on extraction. These contribute significant DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. • **Phospholipids:** Lecithin is present in notable amounts (~1.2–3.7% dry weight), historically cited as contributing to lipid-modulating effects. • **Polysaccharides:** Water-soluble polysaccharides (~3–5% dry weight), including rhamnose, arabinose, and galactose units, with reported [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity in vitro. **Minerals (approximate, per dried root):** Iron (Fe) ~50–150 mg/kg, zinc (Zn) ~15–40 mg/kg, manganese (Mn) ~10–30 mg/kg, selenium (Se) trace amounts variable by soil. Calcium and potassium present but not in pharmacologically significant quantities. **Vitamins:** Not a meaningful source of vitamins; trace amounts of B-vitamins may be present but are not clinically relevant at typical dosage (3–12 g dried root/day in decoction). **Fiber/Protein:** Crude fiber ~10–15% and crude protein ~5–8% are present in the whole dried root but are incidental to its medicinal use. **Bioavailability Notes:** THSG demonstrates moderate oral bioavailability in animal models (~30–50% in rats), with rapid absorption (Tmax ~0.5–1 hr) and glucuronide/sulfate conjugation as primary Phase II metabolites. Emodin has poor oral bioavailability (~<5% in rats) due to extensive first-pass glucuronidation. Processing (steaming with black soybean juice, Pao Zhi) significantly alters the chemical profile: it reduces free anthraquinone and tannin content while increasing THSG stability, gallic acid release, and sugar-conjugated forms, which is believed to reduce toxicity and improve tolerability. Co-administration with lipid-rich meals or formulations may modestly enhance absorption of lipophilic anthraquinones.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for extracts, powders, or standardized forms are specified in the available research. Animal studies used He Shou Wu powder in diets with compositional details like 47.448-50.448% corn starch mix, but human dosages and standardization for active compounds are absent. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Raw Polygonum multiflorum contains hepatotoxic compounds and has caused liver injury requiring hospitalization. Processed forms (prepared He Shou Wu) appear safer but [liver function](/ingredients/condition/detox) monitoring is recommended. May interact with warfarin due to anthraquinone content affecting vitamin K [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential teratogenic effects.

## Scientific Research

Despite traditional use and preclinical data, the research dossier reveals a significant lack of human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses with no PubMed PMIDs provided for human studies. While one review summarizes clinical studies of Polygonum multiflorum and its isolated compound tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside, specific trial designs, sample sizes, or outcomes are not detailed in the available research.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Documented in the ancient Chinese text 'Kai Bao Ben Cao,' He Shou Wu has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat hair loss, aging, [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep), sores, and anemia. It remains popular in China and East Asia as a tonic herb for [longevity](/ingredients/condition/longevity) and vitality.

## Synergistic Combinations

Goji berries, Schisandra, Reishi mushroom, Rhodiola, Astragalus

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between raw and processed He Shou Wu?

Raw He Shou Wu contains higher levels of hepatotoxic anthraquinones like emodin. Processed He Shou Wu undergoes steaming with black beans, reducing toxicity while maintaining beneficial stilbene compounds like TSG.

### How much He Shou Wu should I take daily?

Traditional dosing ranges from 3-15 grams daily of processed root powder. Standardized extracts typically provide 100-500mg daily with 10-20% TSG content, though optimal human dosing lacks clinical validation.

### Does He Shou Wu actually prevent gray hair?

No clinical evidence supports He Shou Wu reversing gray hair despite traditional claims. The antioxidant compounds may theoretically protect hair follicles, but human studies demonstrating hair color restoration are absent.

### Can He Shou Wu cause liver damage?

Yes, multiple case reports document severe hepatotoxicity from He Shou Wu supplements, particularly raw forms. Symptoms include elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, and acute hepatitis requiring medical intervention.

### What are the active compounds in He Shou Wu?

Primary bioactives include TSG (2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside) at 0.1-3% content, plus anthraquinones like emodin, physcion, and rhein. Lecithins and trace minerals also contribute to biological activity.

### Does He Shou Wu interact with blood pressure or cholesterol medications?

He Shou Wu may have additive effects with antihyperlipidemic medications due to its preliminary cholesterol-lowering properties shown in animal studies, though human evidence is limited. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before combining He Shou Wu with statins, fibrates, or blood pressure medications, as potential interactions have not been thoroughly evaluated in clinical trials. Timing separation between He Shou Wu and medications may be recommended to minimize any absorption-related concerns.

### Is He Shou Wu safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

He Shou Wu is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data in these populations and its traditional use as a tonic rather than a pregnancy-safe supplement. The herb's processing and active compounds have not been studied in pregnant or nursing women, making risk assessment impossible. Women planning pregnancy or currently pregnant should consult a qualified healthcare provider before using this ingredient.

### How strong is the clinical evidence supporting He Shou Wu's health benefits?

Most evidence for He Shou Wu comes from traditional use, animal models, and in-vitro studies; there are currently no published human clinical trials confirming its efficacy for hair loss, anti-aging, or cholesterol reduction. While antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities have been demonstrated in laboratory settings, these do not guarantee the same effects occur in the human body. More rigorous clinical research is needed before definitive health claims can be made about this ingredient.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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