TLDR Polygonum multiflorum is used for health benefits but may cause liver issues.
Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM), known as "He shou wu" or "Fo-ti," was a traditional Chinese medicinal plant used for liver and kidney health, longevity, and hair blackening. It contained compounds like stilbenes, quinones, and flavonoids, which were utilized for their anti-aging, anti-alopecia, and other health benefits. PM products, such as root powder and extracts, were commercially available, but concerns about hepatotoxicity limited their long-term use. The review detailed the bioactive compounds, their biological activities, efficacy, toxicity, and future prospects of PM.
October 2017 in “The American journal of gastroenterology” Taking He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) caused liver injury in a woman using it for hair loss.
March 2023 in “International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology” Various medicinal plants like Polygonum multiflorum, Red ginseng extract, and Zizyphus jujuba can potentially treat hair loss, offering benefits like low cost and multiple ways of working. Other effective natural substances include Pygeum africanum, Seneroa, Urtica dioica, and more.
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January 2010 in “Springer eBooks” Certain micronutrients may improve hair and nail health, but more research is needed to confirm their benefits.
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July 2015 in “Current Drug Discovery Technologies” Some plants may help with hair growth and have fewer side effects than synthetic drugs, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
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May 2020 in “BMC complementary medicine and therapies” Polygonum multiflorum extract helps hair grow longer and fights the effects of hormones that cause hair loss.