He Shou Wu / Fo-Ti: The Anti-Ageing Hair Herb
He Shou Wu — the root of Polygonum multiflorum (also known as Reynoutria multiflora) — is one of the most important anti-ageing herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine and one of the most fascinating examples of a traditional herb that carries genuine pharmacological activity alongside a critically important safety consideration. Its name — “He Shou Wu” means “Mr He’s Black Hair” — comes from the legendary story of an old man who consumed the root and had his white hair restored to black, his vitality renewed, and his lifespan extended.
At Herba Naturalle, He Shou Wu is listed in the comprehensive herb index as a specialist anti-ageing and liver herb requiring informed clinical use — an herb of genuine therapeutic interest that demands respect for its hepatotoxicity potential at inappropriate doses.
Active Compounds
- Stilbene glycosides — 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-glucoside (THSG); the primary active compound with antioxidant, anti-ageing, neuroprotective, and cholesterol-modulating activity
- Emodin and physcion — anthraquinone compounds providing the mild laxative action
- Resveratrol — a potent antioxidant stilbene shared with red wine and grapes
- Lecithin — contributing to the cholesterol-modulating action
Processing: Raw vs Prepared Root
A critical clinical distinction:
- Raw (unprepared) root: Higher emodin content; stronger laxative and detoxifying effect; higher hepatotoxicity risk
- Prepared (processed) root (zhì hé shǒu wū): Steamed with black bean juice in the traditional preparation; reduced emodin content; much lower hepatotoxicity risk; the form used for tonic and anti-ageing applications
Always use the prepared form for tonic applications.
Clinical Applications
Anti-Ageing and Longevity
THSG demonstrates genuine anti-ageing mechanisms — telomere-protective activity, antioxidant protection at the cellular level, and mitochondrial energy-production support.
Hair Health
Traditional use for premature greying and hair loss — THSG appears to support melanocyte function (the cells that produce hair pigment) and hair follicle health.
Cholesterol Management
The lecithin and THSG content reduces LDL oxidation and total cholesterol — relevant in cardiovascular risk management.
Liver Tonic (Prepared Form)
The prepared root has hepatoprotective properties — protecting against liver toxicity when used at appropriate doses in the prepared form.
Nervous System
Neuroprotective effects from THSG and resveratrol — relevant to cognitive support and nervous system health.
Safety — Critical Information
- Hepatotoxicity: He Shou Wu is one of the most commonly reported causes of herb-induced liver injury worldwide. The risk is dose-dependent and significantly higher with the raw form. The MHRA in the UK has issued warnings about He Shou Wu products.
- Only use prepared (processed) root from reputable suppliers
- Short-course use — not appropriate for indefinite long-term daily use
- Liver function monitoring if using regularly
- Pregnancy: Contraindicated
- Pre-existing liver disease: Contraindicated
- Quality control: Source only from verifiably authenticated products
Contact Herba Naturalle for qualified guidance on He Shou Wu. Browse all products and the full herb index.
This article is for informational purposes only. He Shou Wu should only be used under the guidance of a qualified medical herbalist due to hepatotoxicity risk.