Fleeceflower Root Fo-Ti root Benefits.

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Available forms,safety of Fo-ti root.

Fo-Ti Root Extract INCI Name Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract Fleeceflower Root Ho-Shou-Wu Extract Maltiflower Knotweed Tuber Fleeceflower Radix Polygoni MuItiflori photo picture image Available forms,safety of Fo-ti root:

 Processed and powdered fo ti root can be found in many health food stores. Most stores also sell fo ti tablets and capsules.

 What can happen if I take too much fo ti? Are there any interactions I should be aware of? What precautions should I take?

 Taking more than 15 grams of processed fo ti root powder may cause numbness or tingling in the arms and legs. Unprocessed root may cause mild diarrhea in some individuals.

 There are currently no known drug interactions with fo ti. However, patients should consult with a health care provider before taking fo ti supplements

 Side Effects:Unprocessed fo-ti?s laxative effect may lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels) if it is taken for longer than a few days at a time. Processed fo-ti has been associated with hepatitis in at least one documented case. Either form of fo-ti may cause an allergic reaction, usually seen as a skin rash.

 Preparations:The whole root, sliced root, root powder, capsules, tablets, and tinctures are found in the American market, mostly in tonics. Unfortunately, few American herb books (and even the scientific literature) make a distinction between the unprocessed and processed forms of the roots. The processed forms have been boiled in a special black bean liquid according to traditional methods. This "curing" process changes the action of the root. Most American products contain the cheaper unprocessed root, which is mildly laxative. The unprocessed root is light brown to brown in color while the processed or cured root is dark reddish brown.

 Precautions:Potential adverse effects of this herb are mainly digestive canal reaction, with thin stool seen in the majority of cases, and occasional light abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

 Cautions:The unprocessed root can cause loose stools or diarrhea, sometimes with intestinal pain and nausea. The unprocessed root is considered potentially more toxic than the processed form. One case of allergic reaction to the cured root has been reported, although this form of fo-ti is considered to be minimally toxic when taken in proper doses. Large doses have resulted in numbness of the extremities as well as skin rashes.

 In cases of loose stool or profuse damp phlegm, fleece flower root should not be prescribed. Also, people with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.

 Excessive doses can cause skin rash and numbness of the extremeties. Although no specific mention has been made for this species, there have been reports that some members of this genus can cause photosensitivity in susceptible people.

 Many species also contain oxalic acid (the distinctive lemony flavor of sorrel) - whilst not toxic this substance can bind up other minerals making them unavailable to the body and leading to mineral deficiency. Having said that, a number of common foods such as sorrel and rhubarb contain oxalic acid and the leaves of most members of this genus are nutritious and beneficial to eat in moderate quantities. Cooking the leaves will reduce their content of oxalic acid.

 Safety:The unprocessed roots may cause mild diarrhea. Some people who are sensitive to fo-ti may develop a skin rash. Very high doses may cause numbness in the arms or legs.
 Fo-Ti Root Extract INCI Name Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract Fleeceflower Root Ho-Shou-Wu Extract Maltiflower Knotweed Tuber Fleeceflower Radix Polygoni MuItiflori photo picture image

 Side Effects,Adverse Reactions:

 The unprocessed roots may cause mild diarrhea.Some people who are sensitive to fo-ti may develop a skin rash. Taking more than 15 grams of processed root powder may cause numbness in the arms or legs.Mild side effects such as skin rash and diarrhea may occur while taking fo-ti. Numbness in the arms and legs can occur when an excess of 15 processed grams of fo-ti are taken daily. Side effects are considered minimal.The unprocessed roots may cause mild diarrhea.Some people who are sensitive to fo-ti may develop a skin rash.One case report describes herb-induced hepatitis in a 31-year-old pregnant Chinese woman from medicine prepared from the plant. The use of these compounds in pregnant women should be discouraged.

 At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with fo-ti.

 Summary:Unprocessed fo-ti may be taken by mouth as a laxative. It may also be applied to relieve minor skin conditions. Processed fo-ti is purported to prevent or slow plaque formation in blood vessels and it may protect the liver from damage, as well. Both forms of fo-ti may reduce cholesterol levels.

 Risks:Taking fo-ti may worsen bowel, liver, or stomach conditions. Pregnant and breast-feeding women are advised to avoid its use.

 Ho-shou-wu is essentially non-toxic and without any serious side-effects. However, it contains anthraquinones which tend to cause soft stool and may even cause slight diarrhea in some users. The processed ho-shou-wu has less of this effect than the dried ho-shou-wu. Because of this effect, it is recommended that persons who already suffer from loose stool use this herb cautiously. There is a very slight chance of liver hypersensitivity to intestinal metabolites of the ho-shou-wu active ingredients. Recently, a clinical report of one such case was published. However, given the very wide-spread use of this herb, it is reasonable to assume that the chances of such an adverse response are quite small.

 Toxicity:

 Acute Toxicity.LD50: 50g/kg (mice/oral-feeding/alcohol-based raw herb percolate); 2.7g/kg (mice/abdominal injection/alcohol-based raw herb percolate); processed, the herb has a much lower toxicity.Reference:Shen Dao Xiu, et al. Journal of Chinese Patent Formulas. 1982;(1):21.

 There is little information in the area of toxicology from fo-ti. However, all plants that contain anthraquinone cathartic compounds should be used cautiously to prevent developing dependence on their laxative effects.

 Raw fleece-flower root is more toxic than prepared one. In general, there are no side effects in clinical applications. But some people will have more times of stool, slight diarrhea and abdominal pain after administration. A few will feel chest distress and intense heat inside.

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Reference:

citations1.Fleeceflower Root Fo-Ti root Benefits.

last edit date:1st,June.2009.