Polygonum multiflorum
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| Polygonum multiflorum | ||||||||||||||
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 Polygonum multiflorum
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| Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. |
Polygonum multiflorum, better known as Chinese knotweed or Flowery knotweed, is a widely used Chinese herb. It is said to rejuvenate the body, and is also commonly known as fo-ti, fo-ti-teng, ho shou wu, or he shou wu (何首乌). He Shouwu, a Chinese man who is reputed to have lived until the age of 132, is the first consumer of this herb to be reported.
The Chinese patent medicine called Shou Wu Chih has Polygonum multiflorum as one of its primary ingredients.
As a herb specimen, it is a quickly spreading vine that will cover anything rapidly. There are delicate flowers that appear in the fall.
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[edit] Medicinal use
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), P. multiflorum is believed to:
- Tonify the kidneys
- Balance a fragile yin.
- Treat weak bones and premature graying of hair
- Protect the skin against UVB damage[1]
When taken internally, P. multiflorum also has a laxative effect.
P. multiflorum contains stilbene glycosides similar to resveratrol and with superior antioxidant activity.[2]
Resveratrol is extracted from P. multiflorum's close relative, Japanese knotweed (P.Cuspidatum). Resveratrol has been suggested to extend lifespan by a variety of mechanisms.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ I.K. Hwang, K.Y. Yoo, D.W. Kim, S.J. Jeong, C.K. Won, W.K. Moon, Y.S. Kim, D.Y. Kwon, M.H. Wo and D.W. Kim (Sep 2006). "An extract of Polygonum multiflorum protects against free radical damage induced by ultraviolet B irradiation of the skin". Braz J Med Biol Res 39 (9): 1181–1188. doi:.
- ^ L.V. Li-Shuang, Xiaohong Gu, Chi-Tang Ho (June 2006). "Stilbene Glycosides from the Roots of Polygonum Multiflorum Thunb. and Their Antioxidant Activities". Journal of Food Lipids 13 (2): 131–144. doi:.
- Shinju, H., M. Higuchi, et al. (1994). Studies on cultivation of Polygonum multiflorum Thunberg (Part 1) on the methods of vegetative propagation. Natural Medicines 48(2): 126-130. Tsumura Cent. Res. Lab., 3586, Yoshihara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-11, Japan.
- Monograph in the Plants For A Future database
[edit] External links
- Several photos
- Illustration of Fo Ti Teng
- Fo Ti Teng can grow up to 4 meters (photo)
- Extensive article, by Subhuti Dharmananda
- Monograph, by Drug Digest
- Monograph, by Healthnotes
- Monograph pertaining to traditional Chinese medicine, by herbs2000.com
- Monograph pertaining to traditional Chinese medicine, edited by Joe H. K. Chu
- Article pertaining to traditional Chinese medicine, by Ron Teeguarden
- Article pertaining to traditional Chinese medicine, by Cathy Wong
- Reported warning of adverse liver reactions, by MHRA (2006)
