Polygonum multiflorum

Polygonum multiflorum, better known as Chinese knotweed or Flowery knotweed, is a widely used Chinese herb. It is said to rejuvenate the body, and is also commonly known as fo-ti, fo-ti-teng, ho shou wu, or he shou wu (何首乌). He Shouwu, a Chinese man who is reputed to have lived until the age of 132, is the first consumer of this herb to be reported.

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The Chinese patent medicine called Shou Wu Chih has Polygonum multiflorum as one of its primary ingredients.

As a herb specimen, it is a quickly spreading vine that will cover anything rapidly. There are delicate flowers that appear in the fall.

Medicinal use

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), P. multiflorum is believed to:

• Tonify the kidneys
• Balance a fragile yin.
• Treat weak bones and premature graying of hair
• Protection of skin against UVB damage^[1]

When taken internally, P. multiflorum also has a laxative effect.

P. multiflorum contains stilbene glycosides similar to resveratrol and with superior antioxidant activity.^[2]

Resveratrol is extracted from P. multiflorum's close relative, Japanese knotweed (P.Cuspidatum). Resveratrol has been suggested to extend lifespan by a variety of mechanisms.

See also

• Chinese herbology
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Shou Wu Chih
• Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed)

References

1. ^ I.K. Hwang, K.Y. Yoo, D.W. Kim, S.J. Jeong, C.K. Won, W.K. Moon, Y.S. Kim, D.Y. Kwon, M.H. Wo and D.W. Kim (Sep 2006). "An extract of Polygonum multiflorum protects against free radical damage induced by ultraviolet B irradiation of the skin". Braz J Med Biol Res 39 (9): 1181-1188.
2. ^ L.V. Li-Shuang, Xiaohong Gu, Chi-Tang Ho (June 2006). "Stilbene Glycosides from the Roots of Polygonum Multiflorum Thunb. and Their Antioxidant Activities". Journal of Food Lipids 13 (2): 131-144.

• Shinju, H., M. Higuchi, et al. (1994). Studies on cultivation of Polygonum multiflorum Thunberg (Part 1) on the methods of vegetative propagation. Natural Medicines 48(2): 126-130. Tsumura Cent. Res. Lab., 3586, Yoshihara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-11, Japan.
• Monograph in the Plants For A Future database