He Shou Wu
Polygonum multiflorum root used in traditional preparations and marketed for hair or longevity. Proposed benefits are supported mainly by mechanistic and animal work, whereas human case literature documents a meaningful risk of liver injury.
Pharmacokinetic model
A route-level PK model for he shou wu is being prepared from published data. Dosing references, studies, and documented interactions are below; the app catalog is updated as models are validated.
Key facts
- Category
- Herb
- Suggested cadence
- once daily
Research behind this entry
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Mechanistic Studies on the Use of Polygonum multiflorum for the Treatment of Hair Graying
Laboratory study explored cellular mechanisms proposed for hair pigmentation. It is preclinical evidence and does not demonstrate that He Shou Wu prevents or reverses hair graying in humans.
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Liver Damage Associated with Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series
Systematic review assembled hundreds of reported liver-injury cases associated with Polygonum multiflorum products. Case reports cannot quantify incidence, but the volume and severity establish a clinically important…
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Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of trans-emodin dianthrones in rats.
This citation reports an animal study involving a formulation related to He Shou Wu, not the isolated identity. The study investigated trans-emodin dianthrones associated with Polygonum multiflorum rather than a…
3 published studies referenced in the app, each with a plain-language summary.