Fo-Ti (Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.): A Comprehensive Reference
1. Identity and Botanical Classification
Scientific Nomenclature and Synonyms
Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM), also known as He Shou Wu (HSW), is a perennial vine of the Polygonaceae family.
The plant is also recognized under several additional accepted scientific synonyms, including Fallopia multiflora (Thunb.) and Reynoutria multiflora (Thunb.).
In Western markets, the herb is sold under the common names fo-ti, Chinese knotweed, climbing knotweed, tuber fleeceflower, fleece-flower root, and Chinese cornbind. Its Chinese name, He Shou Wu (何首乌), is most widely used in East Asian medical traditions. P. multiflorum is also known as Shou Wu Pian, He Shou Pian, Fo-Ti, and Chinese knotweed.
Botanical Description and Natural Source
He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) belongs to the Polygonaceae family and is a perennial climbing herb native to central and southern China, Japan, Tibet, and Taiwan.
The plant can grow to 30 feet in height and has red stems, heart-shaped leaves, and white or pink flowers.
It is a commonly used and ancient Chinese herbal remedy prepared from the root of the tuber, known as the Chinese climbing knotweed (fo-ti), a plant native to China which has been cultivated widely elsewhere, including the United States.
Plant Parts Used
Various parts of the plant are utilized for different medicinal purposes, including the leaves, root tuber, stem, and rhizomes.
However, the root tuber is by far the primary part used. Fo-ti supplements are usually made using the roots of the plant.
In TCM, the stem (called Ye Jiao Teng or Caulis Polygoni Multiflori) is used separately and is traditionally associated with calming and sleep-promoting effects, and should not be confused with the root.
Common Forms and Preparations
Fo-ti is available in various forms, including raw and processed extracts, powders, and capsules.
Fo-ti is available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement in various forms that are taken by mouth and forms that are applied to the skin or scalp.
A critical distinction in both traditional and modern use is made between the raw (unprocessed) root (Sheng He Shou Wu or Radix Polygoni Multiflori) and the processed root (Zhi He Shou Wu or Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata). P. multiflorum praeparata (PMP) is used more frequently in clinical practice mainly because of its tonic and anti-aging effects, whereas PM is commonly applied to resolve toxins, moisten the intestines and free stools.
These two forms are regarded as pharmacologically distinct in both traditional classification and modern research.
2. Traditional and Historical Use
Earliest Documentation
The earliest record of its medicinal use dates back nearly 2,000 years, when it was mentioned in the ancient text 神農本草經 (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing), or The Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica, as a remedy for various ailments.
The herb was first recorded in the Ri Huazi Bencao (Tang Dynasty, 713 A.D.) and then incorporated into the well-known Kaibao Bencao (Song Dynasty, 973 A.D.).
"He Shou Wu" has been an official entry in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia since the Tang dynasty, over 1,200 years ago. It was first recorded in the Kai Bao Ben Cao, with pharmacological effects of anti-sores and anti-aging, treating anemia and postpartum diseases.
The Compendium of Materia Medica stated that PM can treat pain in the loins and knees; Ben Cao Xin Bian and Ben Cao Qiu Zhen recorded that PM is used to treat headache, hemorrhoids, cutaneous pruritus, and immune-related disease. Zhong Hua Yao Dian also stated that PM can be used to treat constipation and hyperlipidemia.
The Legendary Origin of the Name
According to legend, Mr. He lived during the Tang Dynasty and was initially weak and sickly. One day, he stumbled upon a peculiar vine in the forest and decided to try consuming its root — later identified as Polygonum multiflorum. After consuming the root regularly, Mr. He experienced significant health improvements. His gray hair gradually turned black again, and he regained his lost vitality. He became stronger, more energetic, and looked much younger. This led to the herb being named after him, He Shou Wu, which translates to "Old Mr. He's Black Hair."
The herb was originally called jiaoteng, referring to its form: an intertwining vine.
Scope of Traditional Use
Extracts of Polygonum multiflorum have been used for centuries as a treatment for a wide range of conditions including backache, dizziness, liver disease, graying of the hair, and constipation.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the herb has been highly esteemed for nourishing the liver and kidneys, which are considered vital for overall health. Additionally, it has been used for enhancing fertility, treating insomnia, lower back pain, and blood disorders, and improving libido and menstrual health.
Since ancient times, root tubers of P. multiflorum have been used as herbal medicine to treat various diseases, such as back pain, vasculature, tinnitus, dizziness, constipation, skin pruritus, high blood pressure, and premature gray hair.
Use Beyond China
Fo-ti is widely known in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for its rejuvenating and toning properties.
Polygonum multiflorum is widely distributed throughout the world and has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries in China. The ethnomedical uses of Polygonum multiflorum have been recorded in many provinces of China and Japan.
Traditional Processing: Raw vs. Prepared
TCM has long distinguished the actions of the raw and processed root as fundamentally different, not merely quantitatively distinct. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the processed PMT has high selectivity to liver, heart, and kidney, and its tonic effect is better than the raw product, which can tonify liver and kidney, nourish blood, and blacken hair.
The traditional processing method of Jiuzheng Jiushai ("nine cycles of steaming and sunning") refers to steaming PMT with black bean juice together for several hours and drying them, repeating the whole process for nine times until the epidermis and interior of PMT are dark brown.
The 2010 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia described detailed rules for this processing method: Mix the slices or pieces of Polygonum multiflorum thoroughly with black bean juice (prepared by boiling black beans), and stew or steam until brown on all sides, then dry and cut into slices. For each 100 kg of Polygonum multiflorum, 10 kg of black bean is used.
Modern studies have proved that processing can reduce PM's laxative effects and its ability to cause liver injury.
3. Key Constituents and Chemical Composition
Overview
Over 100 chemical constituents have been identified in PM, with variations in toxicity attributed to differences in these components.
Among these ingredients, stilbene glucosides and anthraquinones are recognized as two major characteristic constituents of PM. Forty-six biologically active components or quality markers mentioned in publications focused on the chemical analysis of PM have been summarized.
Stilbenes
2,3,5,4′-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG, C₂₀H₂₂O₉, FW = 406.38928) is one of the active components extracted from PM.
TSG is frequently referred to as the principal quality marker and primary bioactive compound of the root. Other stilbenes identified include polydatin, resveratrol, rhaponiticin, and cis-TSG. The structure of TSG is similar to that of resveratrol (3,4′,5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), which is well known for its numerous biological activities, especially in cardiovascular protection and neuroprotection.
Anthraquinones
Fo-ti contains natural plant compounds called anthraquinones, which are thought to be the main active ingredients. The most common anthraquinones in fo-ti include chrysophanol, emodin, and rhein.
Additional anthraquinones identified include physcion, aloe-emodin, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (EMG), physcion-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and sennosides A and B. These compounds can affect the body in several ways. For example, they can stimulate the intestines, which may help move stool through the bowel — which is why fo-ti is sometimes used for constipation.
Flavonoids and Other Constituents
The major constituents of fo-ti are anthraquinones, phospholipids (e.g., lecithin), tannins, and tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside.
Flavonoids identified in PM include catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, hyperin, rutin, astragalin, and proanthocyanidins B1 and B2. Stilbenes, namely resveratrol, are acknowledged for their cardioprotective and anticancer properties; flavonoids, such as quercetin and rutin, are known for their powerful antioxidant activities.
Changes During Processing
After multivariate statistical analysis, 49 differential compounds between raw and processed products were identified.
The main components of P. multiflorum were increased and toxic chemicals were decreased by co-steaming with black bean juice extract.
The addition of black beans and steaming times affects the content and composition of polysaccharides in PM significantly.
4. Mechanisms of Action
Antioxidant Activity
TSG is an antioxidant agent, which exhibits remarkable antioxidative activities in vivo and in vitro. The antioxidant effect of TSG is achieved by its radical-scavenging effects.
NADPH-quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a predominantly cytosolic enzyme providing multiple layers of protection against oxidative stress. The pretreatment of cells with TSG (5 and 10 μM) for 24 h can attenuate H₂O₂-induced ROS production and upregulate the expression of antioxidant enzymes HO-1 and NQO1 in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that TSG is a potent antioxidant.
Lipid Metabolism
In animal studies, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly decreased in raw PM treatment groups compared with the model group. Key enzymes involved in lipid metabolism — HMGR, fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) — were generally reduced after oral administration, consistent with the transcription levels of their target genes.
Neuroprotection
TSG neuroprotective effects against MPP⁺-induced damage and apoptosis in PC12 cells (0.1, 1, and 10 μM) are likely mediated by activation of the PI3K signaling pathway; stimulation of PI3K activity leads to downstream target Akt phosphorylation and subsequent inhibition of cell apoptosis.
Polygonum multiflorum ethyl acetate extracts (0.1–10 μg/mL) may exert neuroprotective effects through activation of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 via MAPK and the calpain-STEP signaling pathways, and may be used as therapeutic interventions for treatment of oxidative neuronal death.
Vasoactive Effects
Laboratory studies show that emodin, a compound in Polygonum multiflorum, relaxes blood vessels. However, animal studies reveal that phenylephrine blocks the action of emodin. Controlled studies are needed to determine whether Polygonum multiflorum helps people with high blood pressure.
Inhibition of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)
THSG (TSG), the major bioactive compound from Polygonum multiflorum, can efficiently inhibit the formation of AGEs in a dose-dependent manner by trapping reactive methylglyoxal (MGO) under physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 37°C). More than 60% MGO was trapped by THSG within 24 h, which was much more effective than resveratrol and its methylated derivative, pterostilbene.
Anti-inflammatory Activity
TSG is the main active ingredient of Polygonum multiflorum and has a wide range of biological properties, including anti-inflammation. Studies focused on the function and regulatory mechanism of TSG in Aβ-induced N9 and BV2 cells showed that Aβ treatment induced activation of microglia and production of inflammatory molecules — including inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase 2, and prostaglandin E2 — which were significantly inhibited by TSG pretreatment.
Multi-target Anti-aging Mechanisms
TSG exhibits comprehensive anti-aging effects, including lifespan extension, neuroprotection (ameliorating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases), cardiovascular protection (reducing atherosclerosis and hypertension), delay of gonadal aging, reduction in bone loss (mitigating osteoporosis), and promotion of hair regrowth. Mechanistically, TSG alleviates oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis while enhancing mitophagy, mitochondrial function, telomerase activity, and epigenetic regulation.
5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use
PMT is officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and is one of the most popular perennial Chinese traditional medicines. Mounting pharmacological studies have stressed out its key benefits for the treatment of various diseases and medical conditions such as liver injury, cancer, diabetes, alopecia, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Various clinical studies have been retrieved, providing information relevant to pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics analysis, sleep disorders, dyslipidemia treatment, and neurodegenerative diseases.
An important caveat applies throughout this section: the body of human clinical evidence for fo-ti specifically is limited and methodologically weak, and the majority of mechanistic data derives from in vitro and animal studies.
5.1 Dyslipidemia and Cardiovascular Health
The processed root has been used to lower cholesterol levels in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In preclinical research, basal plasma lipids such as LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly decreased in raw PM treatment groups compared with the model group, especially in the high-dose group in animal models. Modern pharmacological studies and clinical practice have indicated that PM has various biological activities, including anti-hyperlipidemia and anti-atherosclerosis effects.
Evidence strength: Preclinical (animal) evidence supports lipid-lowering potential. Several clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the traditional therapeutic claims and to study the potential therapeutic activity of PM in dyslipidemia and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting available clinical evidence. However, these clinical studies are generally small and not sufficiently rigorous by modern standards. Large randomized controlled trials in humans are lacking.
5.2 Neurological and Cognitive Conditions
Therapeutic potential of Polygonum multiflorum has been demonstrated in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, attributed to the presence of various stilbenes, quinones, flavonoids, phospholipids, and other compounds in the drug.
The primary candidate compound for these effects is TSG. TSG can inhibit apoptosis and protect neuronal cells against injury through multifunctional cytoprotective pathways. TSG performs prophylactic and therapeutic activities against Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Pharmacological studies of PMT extract claimed that this medicinal plant may be beneficial in preventing Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Evidence strength: The available neuroprotection evidence is predominantly from in vitro cell studies and animal models. Human clinical trials specifically investigating fo-ti for cognitive decline or neurodegeneration are very limited, and no robust randomized controlled trials have confirmed these effects in humans. This remains an active but preliminary area of research.
5.3 Hair and Scalp Conditions
The association between fo-ti and hair health is among its most recognized traditional applications. In a study on mice, P. multiflorum extracts promoted hair growth by stimulating hair follicles. Torachrysone-8-O-β-D-glucoside, a compound found in P. multiflorum, can significantly increase the number of dermal papilla cells, which play a role in hair growth and hair fiber length.
TSG has been reported to promote hair regrowth in the context of anti-aging effects studied in preclinical models.
Evidence strength: Evidence for hair effects is confined to animal and cell studies. No high-quality clinical trials in humans have established fo-ti as an effective treatment for alopecia or hair graying.
5.4 Constipation and Gastrointestinal Effects
Fo-ti contains anthraquinones, which are thought to be the main active ingredients. The most common include chrysophanol, emodin, and rhein. These compounds can stimulate the intestines, which may help move stool through the bowel — the basis for fo-ti's use in constipation.
This laxative effect is primarily associated with the raw, unprocessed root. Raw root of Reynoutria multiflora (Polygonum multiflorum) has the effect of detoxification, carbuncle elimination, and relaxing bowel.
Evidence strength: The anthraquinone-mediated laxative mechanism is pharmacologically plausible and well-established for this class of compounds generally. However, no large human clinical trials specifically on fo-ti for constipation have been identified. The mechanism parallels that of other anthraquinone-containing herbs (e.g., senna).
5.5 Anti-aging and Longevity
Extracts of the roots of Polygonum multiflorum have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for a multitude of conditions and as an agent to prevent aging.
Modern research has focused on TSG as the primary anti-aging constituent. TSG, the primary bioactive component of Polygonum multiflorum, has emerged as a promising agent for combating aging and age-related diseases. A systematic review evaluates the anti-aging properties of TSG and its protective effects against age-related pathologies, demonstrating comprehensive anti-aging effects including lifespan extension, neuroprotection, cardiovascular protection, delay of gonadal aging, reduction in bone loss, and promotion of hair regrowth.
Evidence strength: Anti-aging findings are based primarily on in vitro studies and animal models (including C. elegans lifespan studies). Human clinical evidence is absent or extremely limited. The traditional basis is rich, but the scientific validation is preliminary.
5.6 Sleep and Mood
The stem of P. multiflorum (Ye Jiao Teng) is the traditional plant part used for insomnia. People take fo-ti for many reasons, such as constipation, hair loss, graying hair, and trouble sleeping, although its benefits are not well defined.
Clinical studies retrieved include information relevant to sleep disorders.
Evidence strength: Weak. Human trials are sparse and methodologically limited. Claims related to sleep and mood remain largely at the level of traditional use and preliminary investigation.
5.7 Immune Modulation
Crude extracts and pure compounds of this plant are used as effective agents in pre-clinical and clinical practice due to their anti-aging, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects and to promote immunomodulation.
Modern pharmacological studies and clinical practice have indicated these medicines have various biological activities, including immunomodulating effects.
Evidence strength: Immunomodulatory activity has been identified in laboratory and animal settings. Robust human data are lacking.
5.8 Bone Health
In a cell-culture study of processed P. multiflorum steamed in black bean juice, the expression of RANKL was decreased, whereas that of osteoprotegerin, alkaline phosphatase, Runx2, and osterix was increased. These results support the possibility that processed P. multiflorum could be used as an alternative treatment for bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
Evidence strength: Preclinical (cell-line) study only. No human trials on bone outcomes have been identified.
6. Dosage Forms and Reported Dosages
Fo-ti is available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement in various forms that are taken by mouth and forms that are applied to the skin or scalp.
Preparations include crude powdered root, standardized extracts in capsule or tablet form, water decoctions (tea), and topical products. Tablets sold as "Shou Wu Pian" are a traditional Chinese patent medicine form.
Dosages reported in the scientific literature derive from specific studies rather than from consensus guidelines. In one pediatric case, 3 tablets daily of Shou Wu Pian were administered.
In a case series reviewed in LiverTox, 18 patients with suspected fo-ti hepatotoxicity were seen at a referral hospital in China, with bilirubin levels of 0.6–16.8 mg/dL and ALT values of 601–4,095 U/L noted across the group.
A study that evaluated the hepatotoxicity of aqueous and acetone extracts of Polygonum multiflorum on mice used doses of 5, 10, and 20 g/kg/day orally for 28 days, indicating that the hepatotoxicity of the aqueous decoction was much higher than that of the acetone extract.
In the absence of established clinical dosing standards, no universally validated safe or effective dose has been determined for any indication.
7. Safety Considerations and Drug Interactions
Hepatotoxicity: The Primary Safety Concern
Polygonum multiflorum has been implicated in numerous reports of clinically apparent acute liver injury which can be severe and even fatal.
This is the most thoroughly documented and clinically significant adverse effect associated with fo-ti. The NIH LiverTox database assigns fo-ti a likelihood score of A, indicating it is a "well-established cause of clinically apparent liver injury."
In a reported case series, 18 otherwise healthy, non-viral hepatitis patients developed liver dysfunction following consumption of P. multiflorum alone. Concurrent and retrospective analysis was used, and causality was graded by the CIOMS toxicity scale. From 2005 to 2012, 18 cases of hepatotoxicity were identified. The median age was 42 years old (range 18–63). Median time of onset of symptoms was 27 days (1–120). Prevailing clinical symptoms were fatigue, loss of appetite, and jaundice. Sixteen patients had elevated total bilirubin; liver enzymes elevated markedly in all patients.
P. multiflorum products can be associated with hepatotoxicity in otherwise healthy patients without viral hepatitis infection, regardless of herbal processing.
Hepatotoxicity from Polygonum multiflorum is usually self-limited but can be prolonged and is occasionally fatal. Recurrence with restarting the herb is common and rechallenge should be avoided.
Multiple cases of hepatotoxicity due to P. multiflorum have been reported in patients from Australia, China, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and Slovakia who were taking the product for hair loss, chronic prostatitis, or to boost their health.
Despite growing evidence demonstrating the hepatotoxicity of P. multiflorum, the mechanisms by which it and its metabolites harm the liver remain unclear. In reported cases, hepatic injury appears to differ in natural history from patient to patient, raising the question of whether poor clinical outcomes can be attributed to a direct toxic effect on the liver or a potential immune response.
Mechanism of Hepatotoxicity
The primary toxicity of PM is hepatotoxicity, with mechanisms involving intrinsic and idiosyncratic factors.
Research has implicated the interaction of specific compounds in this effect. PM is a famous traditional Chinese medicine with a liver tonic effect but has aroused great concerns for its hepatotoxicity. A study elucidated the contribution of two major compounds — emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (EG) and 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxyl diphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside (TSG) — in PM-induced liver injury. Both compounds were detected simultaneously in the sera of patients with PM-induced liver injury.
However, the specific components of PM responsible for hepatotoxic effects have not yet been definitively identified. Moreover, many of the reports are contradictory, while studies on the mechanism of PM-induced liver damage are not comprehensive.
The adverse effects — hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and embryonic toxicity — of this plant were caused by the quinones, such as emodin and rhein.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Common side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Other potential side effects include gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea and nausea. These digestive reactions are more common when the raw, unprocessed root is consumed.
Drug Interactions
Some researchers have found that Polygonum multiflorum shows not only hepatotoxicity and kidney toxicity, particularly in long-term use, but also a possible drug interaction with warfarin, resulting in bone marrow suppression.
The herb may also interact with certain medications like warfarin, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding, or digoxin, by decreasing potassium levels.
Fo-ti may have significant interactions with other drugs that are metabolized by the liver, anti-diabetes drugs, and laxatives.
Because fo-ti contains anthraquinones, co-administration with stimulant laxatives raises potential additive concerns for electrolyte imbalance. Hepatically metabolized drugs in general may be affected given the herb's documented liver effects.
Regulatory Status and Warnings
Retrospective analysis of safety reports published abroad regarding Polygonum multiflorum and its preparations in terms of drug use and liver damage found that foreign drug regulatory authorities lack in-depth analysis and investigation of the safety information of P. multiflorum and its preparations.
Traditional Chinese Medicine employs processing and compatibility techniques to reduce toxicity and enhance therapeutic effects, which are practical for daily use and deserve further research.
Special Populations
Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women, are advised to avoid this herb due to its potential to mimic estrogen in the body.
The pediatric hepatotoxicity case documented in LiverTox — in which a 5-year-old girl developed jaundice and dark urine 4 months after her parents started her on Shou Wu Pian (3 tablets daily) for hair loss — illustrates that children are also susceptible. The case is somewhat typical of herb-induced liver injury, in that the family did not inform the physicians that the child was receiving the preparation and did not consider it harmful or imagine that it was the cause of the hepatitis. The clinical features resembled acute hepatitis, but the recurrence on restarting the herbal makes this a convincing case of Polygonum multiflorum-induced acute liver injury.
8. Summary of Evidence and Research Gaps
Fo-ti (P. multiflorum) is used for various reasons, although its benefits are not well defined.
Though clinical trials lack supporting claims for therapeutic purposes, He Shou Wu is used by practitioners of traditional medicine to treat several health conditions, dating back to 713 AD.
The overall landscape of fo-ti research reflects a significant gap between the richness of its traditional use and the scarcity of high-quality human clinical evidence. A large body of in vitro and animal research has generated numerous hypotheses regarding mechanisms of action — particularly for TSG — but these have rarely been validated in well-designed, adequately powered clinical trials. Pharmacokinetic data in humans are limited. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that the main components of Polygonum multiflorum, such as 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and emodin, are distributed among many organs and tissues.
Against the backdrop of promising preclinical findings, the well-established hepatotoxic risk — documented across multiple countries and populations, and given the highest likelihood score (A) by the NIH LiverTox database — represents a significant clinical safety concern that must be weighed against any potential benefit. The identity and mechanism of hepatotoxic compounds, the dose-response relationship, and the comparative safety of raw versus processed preparations all remain incompletely characterized.
References
- NIH LiverTox: Polygonum Multiflorum — NCBI Bookshelf
- Review of clinical studies of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. and its isolated bioactive compounds — PMC
- Phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and detoxification of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.: a comprehensive review — PMC (Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024)
- Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.: A Review on Chemical Analysis, Processing Mechanism, Quality Evaluation, and Hepatotoxicity — Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2018
- Traditional usages, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.: a review — PubMed (J Ethnopharmacol. 2015)
- Traditional usages, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.: A review — PMC
- Biological Effects of Tetrahydroxystilbene Glucoside: An Active Component of a Rhizome Extracted from Polygonum multiflorum — PMC (Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018)
- 2,3,5,4′-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG) from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.: A Systematic Review on Anti-Aging — PMC
- Polygonum multiflorum-Induced Liver Injury: Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors, Material Basis, Action Mechanism and Current Challenges — PMC
- Eighteen cases of liver injury following ingestion of Polygonum multiflorum — PubMed (Complement Ther Med. 2014)
- Diagnosis and Management of Drug-Induced Liver Injury After the Use of Polygonum multiflorum — PMC
- Components synergy between stilbenes and emodin derivatives contributes to hepatotoxicity induced by Polygonum multiflorum — PubMed
- The Anti-hyperlipidemia Effects of Raw Polygonum multiflorum Extract In Vivo — PubMed
- Stilbene Glucoside from Polygonum multiflorum: A Novel Natural Inhibitor of Advanced Glycation End Product Formation — Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
- Transformation of Stilbene Glucosides From Reynoutria multiflora During Processing — Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2022
- Chemical changes of Polygonum multiflorum under nine cycles of steaming and sunning — PubMed
- Fo-Ti — PeaceHealth Health Information Library
- Fo-Ti: Overview, Uses, Side Effects — WebMD Vitamins
- Ho-Shou-Wu — Institute for Traditional Medicine (ITM Online)
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