Ho Shou Wu

Ho shou wu, also known as “he shou wu” or “fo-ti,” is among the most popular herbs in traditional Chinese medicine and has been widely used as a rejuvenating tonic and anti-aging remedy. Clinical studies have confirmed that ho shou wu can improve health problems commonly associated with aging such as cardiovascular diseases and hypercholesterolemia—abnormally high concentrations of cholesterol in the bloodstream.1-5

In traditional Chinese medicine, ho shou wu is known for its tonifying action on the liver and kidneys; its ability to moisten the intestines and unblock the bowels; its effectiveness for reducing cholesterol levels and decreasing hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis); and its immune system-enhancing properties. Practitioners of Chinese medicine have used ho shou wu for a variety of health concerns, including angina (chest pain), blurred vision, carbuncles (skin abscesses) and sores, constipation, dizziness, impotence, insomnia, premature aging and graying hair, soreness/numbness in the extremities, vaginal discharges, and weakness in the lower back and knees. Ho shou wu is also said to “calm the spirit” and “nourish the heart” (the seat of the emotions); thus, ho shou wu is considered particularly useful for dream-disturbed sleep, especially in cases of repeated nightmares.1-9

Both animal and human studies have found ho shou wu root to be effective at lowering cholesterol levels and decreasing hardening of the arteries. Ho shou wu contains lecithin, a B-vitamin that aids in fat metabolism and lowers cholesterol. Ho shou wu also contains lectins that appear to help prevent or delay heart disease by blocking the formation of plaques in blood vessels—plaques are accumulations of cholesterol and fatty material within blood vessels that restrict their size and limit their flexibility. A recent study found that mice fed ho shou wu extracts showed significantly lower total cholesterol and triglyceride values than the other groups. In another study involving test animals fed large amounts of cholesterol, an extract of ho shou wu prevented cholesterol from forming blood vessel plaques. Ho shou wu has also been shown to reduce the amount of fat deposited in the liver. Research conducted in China found that ho shou wu inhibited experimentally-induced triglyceride accumulations in the livers of mice. Reports also indicate that ho shou wu exhibits vasorelaxation properties—the ability to reduce the tension of blood vessel walls, which may help reduce blood pressure.1-3,5,7-9,11,12,14

In addition, ho shou wu may protect the liver from damage by toxins. Chinese researchers found that ho shou wu root reduced enlargement of the liver in mice exposed to CCI4 (carbon tetrachloride)—the liver is especially sensitive to CCI4 because it swells and cells are damaged or destroyed.1,13,15

Ho shou wu has also been studied for its effects on immune function and red blood cell formation, and for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor properties.2,5,7,8,10,16,17

Root extracts of ho shou wu have exhibited significant antioxidant activity both in vitro and in vivo, and have been found to increase the function of SOD—an antioxidant enzyme that protects cells against free radical damage. Ho shou wu has also been shown to inhibit the formation of oxidized lipids (fats), which is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. In addition, ho shou wu’s antioxidant activity was tested against hepatotoxicity (liver damage) induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats. Results demonstrated that pretreatment with ho shou wu extracts produced a dose-dependent protection that correlated with the enhancement of the liver’s antioxidant status. Furthermore, animal research has shown that the antioxidant activity of ho shou wu extracts may help prevent brain degeneration and inhibit age-related deficits in motor learning and memory ability. Mice fed ho shou wu extracts had significantly better learning and memory ability and less brain degeneration than the control group. Results from another study indicate that long-term pretreatment of ho shou wu is neuroprotective (prevents damage to the brain) and may protect the brain against focal cerebral ischemia—a deficiency in blood supply to the brain, which can cause brain damage.4,5,12,17-19

Ho shou wu also shows promise as an adjunctive form of herbal therapy in cancer treatment. Ho shou wu has antitumor and antimutagen properties, which may be due to the presence of emodin and rhein, two laxative agents that have shown promising anti-cancer activity. Researchers have also isolated a flavonoid in ho shou wu called catechin, which demonstrates tumor-inhibiting effects, as well as antioxidant activity.2,5,9,20-22

Lastly, recent research has discovered surprisingly high estrogen activity in extracts of ho shou wu not previously reported. In fact, ho shou wu had higher “estradiol equivalents” than red clover—estradiol is the main estrogen influencing the menstrual cycle—and is being investigated as an alternative source of estrogen for menopausal women.23-25

No interactions with drugs have been reported for ho shou wu. According to some traditional sources, ho shou wu should not be taken with onion, chives or garlic. Although ho shou wu is generally a safe herb, it is not recommended for people with spleen deficiency, diarrhea or heavy phlegm in the respiratory tract. Those who are particularly sensitive to ho shou wu may develop a skin rash. Reported side effects with ho shou wu are generally rare and include diarrhea, flushing of the face and skin rashes. However, taking an excessive dosage (more than 15 grams) of ho shou wu can cause numbness in the extremities.1-3,6,8

Each capsule of Ho Shou Wu provides 600mg of ho shou wu root (Polygonum multiflorum).