Herbs (Global Traditional) · Traditional Chinese Medicine
Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu)
Moderate Evidencebotanical2 PubMed Studies
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu) contains anthraquinones and stilbene glycosides that provide antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering effects. The compound 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG) modulates lipid metabolism through HMG-CoA reductase inhibition.
He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.) is sourced from the dried roots of a perennial climbing plant native to China and other east Asian regions. The roots are typically harvested and processed either raw or steamed, then used as powder, decoction, or extract, with water and alcohol extractions being common preparation methods.
Despite traditional use and preclinical data, the research dossier reveals a significant lack of human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses with no PubMed PMIDs provided for human studies. While one review summarizes clinical studies of Polygonum multiflorum and its isolated compound tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside, specific trial designs, sample sizes, or outcomes are not detailed in the available research.
No clinically studied dosage ranges for extracts, powders, or standardized forms are specified in the available research. Animal studies used He Shou Wu powder in diets with compositional details like 47.448-50.448% corn starch mix, but human dosages and standardization for active compounds are absent. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu) is not consumed as a macronutrient food source; its pharmacological value derives from its bioactive phytochemical profile. **Key Bioactive Compounds:** • **Stilbene glycosides:** 2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (THSG) is the principal active marker compound, typically standardized at 1.0–3.0% in dried root preparations (Chinese Pharmacopoeia requires ≥1.0% THSG in processed root). Raw/unprocessed root may contain higher THSG levels (~2–7% dry weight depending on source and age of root). • **Anthraquinones:** Emodin (0.1–1.5% dry weight), physcion, rhein, chrysophanol, and their glycosides (e.g., emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside). The ratio of free anthraquinones to combined (glycoside-bound) anthraquinones shifts significantly with processing (Pao Zhi): raw root is richer in free anthraquinones (associated with laxative and hepatotoxic effects), while processed root contains reduced free anthraquinone content. • **Tannins & Polyphenols:** Catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid, and condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins); total polyphenol content reported at approximately 5–12% dry weight depending on extraction. These contribute significant DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. • **Phospholipids:** Lecithin is present in notable amounts (~1.2–3.7% dry weight), historically cited as contributing to lipid-modulating effects. • **Polysaccharides:** Water-soluble polysaccharides (~3–5% dry weight), including rhamnose, arabinose, and galactose units, with reported immunomodulatory activity in vitro. **Minerals (approximate, per dried root):** Iron (Fe) ~50–150 mg/kg, zinc (Zn) ~15–40 mg/kg, manganese (Mn) ~10–30 mg/kg, selenium (Se) trace amounts variable by soil. Calcium and potassium present but not in pharmacologically significant quantities. **Vitamins:** Not a meaningful source of vitamins; trace amounts of B-vitamins may be present but are not clinically relevant at typical dosage (3–12 g dried root/day in decoction). **Fiber/Protein:** Crude fiber ~10–15% and crude protein ~5–8% are present in the whole dried root but are incidental to its medicinal use. **Bioavailability Notes:** THSG demonstrates moderate oral bioavailability in animal models (~30–50% in rats), with rapid absorption (Tmax ~0.5–1 hr) and glucuronide/sulfate conjugation as primary Phase II metabolites. Emodin has poor oral bioavailability (~<5% in rats) due to extensive first-pass glucuronidation. Processing (steaming with black soybean juice, Pao Zhi) significantly alters the chemical profile: it reduces free anthraquinone and tannin content while increasing THSG stability, gallic acid release, and sugar-conjugated forms, which is believed to reduce toxicity and improve tolerability. Co-administration with lipid-rich meals or formulations may modestly enhance absorption of lipophilic anthraquinones.
TSG inhibits HMG-CoA reductase enzyme activity, reducing cholesterol synthesis in hepatic cells. Anthraquinones including emodin and physcion provide antioxidant effects through DPPH radical scavenging and metal chelation. The stilbene compounds also activate AMPK pathways involved in lipid metabolism regulation.
Animal studies demonstrate 20-30% reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides with standardized extracts containing 10-20% TSG. In vitro antioxidant studies show IC50 values of 15-25 μg/mL for DPPH scavenging activity. Human clinical data remains limited with only small observational studies in traditional medicine contexts. Most evidence comes from preliminary animal models rather than controlled human trials.
Raw Polygonum multiflorum contains hepatotoxic compounds and has caused liver injury requiring hospitalization. Processed forms (prepared He Shou Wu) appear safer but liver function monitoring is recommended. May interact with warfarin due to anthraquinone content affecting vitamin K metabolism. Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential teratogenic effects.
