fo-ti

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

fo-ti, or Polygonum multiflorum, is a traditional Chinese herb used for centuries to treat various ailments. 

The herb is believed to have a various range of actions and benefits, including: 

• Rejuvenating and Tonifying: fo-ti is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body adapt to stress and promotes overall health and vitality. It is often used to support healthy aging and to promote longevity. 
• Blood Tonic: fo-ti is traditionally used as a blood tonic and is believed to improve circulation, nourish the blood, and promote healthy liver function. 
• Immune Support: fo-ti has been shown to have immune-modulating effects, which help regulate the immune system and support overall immune function. 
• Antioxidant: fo-ti contains compounds with antioxidant properties, which can help protect against oxidative stress and promote overall health. 
• Anti-inflammatory: fo-ti has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation and pain. 

In terms of its spectrum of action, fo-ti is traditionally believed to have a broad range of effects on the body, including: 

• Liver and Kidney: fo-ti is believed to nourish the liver and kidney, two critical organs in traditional Chinese medicine. It is often used to support healthy liver and kidney function. 
• Cardiovascular: fo-ti improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces cholesterol levels. It is often used to support cardiovascular health. 
• Digestive: fo-ti is believed to support healthy digestion and may be helpful for constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. 
• Nervous System: fo-ti is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system and may be helpful for anxiety and insomnia. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Diarrhea 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

fo-ti, or Polygonum multiflorum, is generally considered safe when used appropriately. However, there is a potential for liver toxicity associated with its use, particularly with long-term or high-dose use. 

As a result, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned about the potential for liver injury associated with using fo-ti. The warning states that individuals who use fo-ti should be aware of the signs and symptoms of liver injury, such as jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, and fatigue. 

In addition, the FDA recommends that individuals taking medications that can cause liver damage, such as acetaminophen or statins, should use caution when using fo-ti, as the combination may increase the risk of liver injury. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication 

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: fo-ti has not been extensively studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so its safety in these populations is unknown. As a precaution, it’s generally recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women avoid using fo-ti. 
• Children: fo-ti has not been extensively studied in children, so its safety in this population has yet to be discovered. As a precaution, it’s generally recommended that fo-ti not be used in children. 
• Liver disease: fo-ti has been associated with rare cases of liver toxicity, particularly with long-term or high-dose use. As a result, individuals with a history of liver disease or elevated liver enzymes should use fo-ti with caution. 
• Medications: fo-ti may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, diabetes medications, and medications that can affect liver function. If you take any medications, talking to your healthcare provider before using fo-ti is essential. 
• Allergies: fo-ti may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. If you experience any of allergic reaction, such as itching, hives, or difficulty breathing, stop using fo-ti immediately and seek medical attention. 

Caution 

• Dosage: fo-ti should be used in moderation and at recommended dosages. Excessive or long-term use of fo-ti can potentially lead to liver toxicity, which has been reported in rare cases. 
• Quality: A high-quality fo-ti product from a reputable manufacturer is essential. Adulteration of fo-ti with other substances has been reported, which can potentially lead to adverse effects. 
• Interactions: fo-ti may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diabetes medications. If you take any medications, talking to your healthcare provider before using fo-ti is essential. 
• Allergic reactions: fo-ti may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. If you experience any of allergic reaction, such as itching, hives, or difficulty breathing, stop using fo-ti immediately and seek medical attention. 
• Traditional use: fo-ti has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, but its safety and efficacy have yet to be extensively studied in Western scientific research. As with any herbal product, it’s crucial to approach fo-ti cautiously and talk to your healthcare provider before using it. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Pregnancy Category: N/A 

Lactation: N/A 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women        
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

The pharmacology of fo-ti, also known as Polygonum multiflorum, is complex and needs to be fully understood. Some active components in fo-ti include anthraquinones, stilbenes, and flavonoids, which may be responsible for their pharmacological effects. 

fo-ti has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its various health benefits. It may also have immunomodulatory effects, which may help to enhance immune function and protect against infections. 

fo-ti has been shown to have hepatoprotective effects, meaning it can protect the liver from damage caused by toxins or other substances. It may also have hypolipidemic effects, which means it can help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. 

In animal studies, fo-ti has been found to have neuroprotective effects, which can help protect the brain from damage and improve cognitive function. It may also have anti-cancer effects, although more research is needed to understand this potential benefit fully. 

Overall, the pharmacology of fo-ti is complex and not fully understood, but it appears to have a range of potential health benefits. However, further research is needed to understand effects on the body and its potential interactions with medications and other substances. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Mechanism of action: The action of fo-ti, also known as Polygonum multiflorum, is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of different mechanisms. 

One of the main active components in fo-ti is resveratrol, a type of polyphenol shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Resveratrol may contribute to the various health benefits of fo-ti by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, which can contribute to various health conditions. 

Another active component in fo-ti is emodin, which has been found to have antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer effects. Emodin may also contribute to the hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic effects of fo-ti by reducing liver damage and lowering levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. 

fo-ti also contains various other active components, including anthraquinones, stilbenes, and flavonoids, which may have various pharmacological effects on the body. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

Some studies suggest that the active components in fo-ti are poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract due to their low water solubility. However, other studies have found that specific components of fo-ti, such as emodin, may be more readily absorbed. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, it is believed that the active components of fo-ti are distributed throughout the body, although the extent of distribution needs to be better understood. 

Metabolism 

fo-ti undergoes metabolism in the liver through various enzymes, including cytochrome P450 enzymes. However, the specific metabolic pathways and metabolism’s extent are poorly understood. 

Elimination and Excretion 

fo-ti is believed to be excreted primarily through urine and feces. However, the extent of excretion and the specific excreted metabolic products needs to be better understood. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

fo-ti, known as Polygonum multiflorum, is commonly available in different forms, including capsules, tablets, tinctures, and teas. The appropriate dosage and form of fo-ti depend on the individual’s health status, age, and reason for use. 

There is no established standard dosage for fo-ti, but typical dosages range from 500 to 1,000 milligrams per day, divided into two or three doses. However, following the manufacturer’s recommended dosage instructions is essential, as they vary depending on the product’s strength and form. 

fo-ti tea can produce 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried fo-ti root in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. The tea can be consumed 1 to 3 times per day. Tinctures and extracts of fo-ti can also be added to beverages, such as smoothies or juice, or taken directly. 

It’s important to note that fo-ti has a cumulative effect, and it may take several weeks of regular use to see any benefits. However, as with any herbal supplement, it’s crucial to approach fo-ti cautiously and talk to your healthcare provider before using it, especially if you have any underlying health conditions / taking any medications. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: fo-ti 

Why do we use fo-ti? 

fo-ti, known as Polygonum multiflorum, has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for various health conditions. Some of the most common uses of fo-ti include: 

• Promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss: fo-ti is commonly used to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. It’s believed to work by enhancing blood circulation to the scalp and promoting the growth of hair follicles. 
• Supporting liver function: fo-ti is believed to support liver function by protecting the liver from damage and helping to detoxify the body. It may also help reduce liver enzyme levels in individuals with liver disease. 
• Enhancing cognitive function: fo-ti has been traditionally used to enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. 
• Boosting immune function: fo-ti is believed to have immune-boosting properties, which may help to protect the body from infections and illnesses. 
• Improving cardiovascular health: fo-ti may help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. 
• Anti-aging properties: fo-ti is believed to have anti-aging properties and may help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.