3 Benefits of He Shou Wu
He Shou Wu, also known as Fo-Ti, or is a popular Chinese herb that has been studied for a host of health benefits. While it is found mostly in China, this climbing plant can also be found in parts of Japan and Taiwan.
In this post we cover some of the most frequently sited benefits, along with some potential side effects, and common dosages. (1)
Like all herbal supplements, He Shou Wu may not be suitable for everyone, so make sure to discuss it with your physician prior to adding it to your superfood regimen.
What is He Shou Wu
The supplemental forms of He Shou Wu are derived from the leaves and roots of Polygonum multiflorum?Thunb plant (2)
The name “He Shou Wu” is believed to mean, “the black-haired Mr. He.” as it is believed to help restore a youthful appearance and promote healthy aging, including preventing premature greying of hair (more below).
Benefit #1: Hair Growth and Potential Effect on Grey of Hair
He Shou Wu is believed to improve hair growth and reduce premature greying by supporting optimal nutrition and helping support other mechanisms responsible for hair growth.
One particular study, applied a topical extract of Fo-Ti to mice and determine if in fact, hair growth could be stimulated by directly applying the herb the dorsal skin of the mouse's body (3). According to the researchers:
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Polygonum multiflorum extract promoted hair growth by inducing anagen phase in telogenic C57BL6/N mice. In Polygonum multiflorum extract treated group, we observed increase in the number and the size of hair follicles that are considered as evidence for anagen phase induction. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that earlier induction of β-catenin and Shh were observed in Polygonum multiflorum extract treated group compared to that in control group.
It is important to note that most people consume the oral form of He Shou Wu in capsule form or by mixing the raw powder into teas, smoothies, etc. Because of this, it is difficult to say if oral consumption would have a similar effect. However, the study is interesting none the less.
Benefit #2: Anti-Inflammatory Bioactivity
Inflammation is responsible for a whole host of physiological and pathological processes that activate of the cardiovascular and immune systems. It is well established that chronic inflammation can damage the body and lead to a host of physical ailments. Because of this, suppressing pro-inflammatory molecules and signaling mechanisms is important for maintaining optimal health.
A meta-analysis looking at the various studies on He Shou Wu found it have profound effects on the inflammation pathways in the body. Specifically, researchers noted:
...In vivo?and/or?in vitro?studies have demonstrated that anti-inflammatory effects of He Shou Wu and/or its bioactive constituents occur by inhibition of the expression of pro-inflammatory signaling factors such as nuclear factor-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, chemokines (e.g.,: CCL2) and cytokines (e.g.: Interleukin-1 beta). (1)... Good therapeutic evidences of?Fo-Ti?and/or its bioactive constituents have been shown in these aforementioned clinical studies to be used as anti-inflammatory agents.
Benefit #3: Blood Health and Lipids
Dyslipidemia
The hepatocytes play important role in the distribution, biosynthesis, transferring and removal of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and other related lipoproteins.[80 ] In normal human liver, the mean contents of TC and TG are 3.9 and 19.5 mg/g wet weight, respectively. Traditionally, liver fat content >50 mg/g (5% by wet weight) is diagnostic of hepatic steatosis.[81 ] Dyslipidemia, defined as any abnormality of serum lipids and lipoproteins, including low levels of HDL-cholesterol that is associated with increased coronary heart diseases (CHD) risk, is a substantial contributor to the incidence of CHD.[37 ] In developed countries, most dyslipidemias are hyperlipidemias; that is, an elevation of lipids in the blood. This is often due to diet and lifestyle. Prolonged elevation of insulin levels can also lead to dyslipidemia. Similarly, increased levels of O-GlcNAc transferase may cause dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia can be treated with dietary alterations and medications that affect lipid metabolism via a variety of mechanisms.[82 ] Being the first-line therapies for reducing LDL-C serum levels, statins also have adverse effects, including muscle myopathy and derangements in hepatic function.[83 ] Fibrates are second-line drugs that are used for the treatment of dyslipidemia and reduce serum TG levels by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha. However, fibrates increase serum creatinine concentrations[84 ] and have been correlated with sudden death, pancreatitis, and venous thrombosis.[85 ]
Traditional Chinese medicine plays a very important role in the treatment of dyslipidemic patients.[86 ] An early uncontrolled clinical study of 50 hyperlipidemic patients suggested that PMT has lipid-lowering effect which may be related to its regulatory effect on the genes involved in cholesterol synthesis and lipoprotein metabolism.[87 ] In a very recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the therapeutic effect of?P. multiflorum?in patients with dyslipidemia was investigated.[88 ] The findings concluded that being a considerable composition of the multiherb formula,?P. multiflorum?showed marginal beneficial effect on reducing plasma LDL cholesterol levels in patients with dyslipidemia. In order to validate the claimed dyslipidemia therapeutic action of?P. multiflorum?and/or its bioactive compounds, further well-designed clinical studies with solid evidence are warranted to investigate this mechanism.
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1 年Mikey, Thank you for sharing! ??