Fo-Ti
Botanical Description & Habitat
Polygonum Multiflorum
Family
Polygonaceae
Common Names
Chiense cornbind
Climbing knotweed
Flowery knotweed
Fo ti
He shou wu
Habitat
Japan, China
Medicinal parts
Root tubers, stems, and leaves
The commercial product Fo-ti-Tieng does not contain Fo-ti!
Historical Properties & Uses
Fo-Ti is used mainly as an aromatic, purgative and emetic. In India it is used against colic and enteritis; in Brazil, for hemorrhoids and gout; in China, for skin and stomach ulcerations and abscesses, and in geriatrics.
In China, Fo-Ti is one of the most popular herbal tonics among the elderly. Its use and value (but not properties) are comparable to goldenseal in the United States and chamomile in Europe.
The properties of the herb are often justly compared to those of ginseng, but it has not yet been rigourously studied. In Oriental philosophy, it is said to increase Yin, thereby improving physical and mental health.
Research indicates fo-ti does lower blood cholesterol levels, and prevents the formation of experimental atherosclerosis in animals. In studies with humans, fo-ti has been found to reduce hypertension, blood cholesterol levels and the incidence of coronary heart disease among individuals prone to those conditions.
Method of Action
Fo-Ti Lowers Blood Cholesterol Levels, is Hypotensive and is Cardiotonic. Recent studies have shown fo-ti can lower blood cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic rabbits, and can reduce the formation of atheromatous lesions of the arterial wall. Clinical studies in humans indicate fo-ti has good therapeutic effect on hypertension, hypercholesterolemica, and coronary heart diseases.
Chinese Research Supports a Variety of Uses for Fo-Ti
An important and reliable Chinese materia medica lists several classes of ailments and conditions for which fo-ti should be used:
1) neurasthenia, insomnia, sweating, dizziness
2) elevated serum cholesterol, coronary disease
3) weakness, pain, backache, etc.
4) tuberculous adenopathy
These uses conform to the traditional Chinese medical view fo-ti has antitoxic, anti-swelling and tranquilizing properties.
In addition, according to a recent report by the American Herbal Pharmacology Delegation which brought a great deal of information back from China, fo-ti is used by the Chinese for liver and spleen weakness, vertigo, scrofula, cancer, constipation, and insomnia.
The report also verified the plant is used outside of China for various reasons, including sedative effects, anticancer properties, anti-fever, and beneficial effects on fertility and other female functions involving ovulation and corpus luteum formation.
An intriguing hypothesis was offered by the delegation: since most polygonum species contain leucoanthrocyanidins (LAC), which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity, to decrease blood coagulability, and to have cardiotonic, hypotensive, and vasodilatory activity, much of fo-ti's activity would be explained if it also contained LAC.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Possible Interactions
Veratrum alkaloids may potentiate the activity of fo-ti (up to 50%).
Additive effects may occur between the hypotensive property of this herb and of dopamine receptor agonists such as bromocriptine mesylate.
Fo-ti should be used with caution in conjunction with CNS depressants or stimulants. The hypotensive effect of this herb may be potentiated by anoretic drugs such as fenfluramine whose effects are mediated by brainstem serotonin, and may be additive with the analgesics nalbuphine HCl and propoxyphene HCl.
Comments
The hypotensive property of this herb may be additive with the CNS depressant activity of the analgesic nalbuphine HCl. The same is true of the analgesic propoxyphene HCl.
Due to hypotensive principles, it would be wise to avoid using fo-ti with procarbazine antineoplastic agents, to eliminate the chance of CNS depression.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
Fo-ti has no known toxicity. It has been proven to be nonmutagenic.
It is considered to be contraindicated during pregnancy.
Preparation & Administration
Use three times daily
Infusion or Decoction
Use 2-6g of dried tubers, roots, stems or leaves
References
Cheung, S.C. & N.H. Li. eds. Polygonum Multiflorum. Chinese Medicinal Herbs of Hong Kong. Hong Kong, 1980.
Facts and Comparisons. The Lawrence Review of Natural Products. May, 1998.
Grech, J. J Nat. Prod. 1994, 57(12):1,682-1,687.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
Zhuo, D., et. al. Clinical Application of Traditional Chinese Drugs, p. 321, 322, 376, Guangzhou, Guangdong People's Press, 1975.
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