Fo-Ti
Fo-Ti - also known as Polygonum multiflorum, He Shou Wu (Pinyin), Hoshouwu, Fleeceflower, Ye Jiao Teng, Flowery Knotweed, Yemiao, Jiaojing. Note - Fo-Ti should not be confused with Fo Ti Tieng, a Chinese Herbal Medicine made with Gotu Kola.
Fo-Ti is a Chinese Herbal Medicine derived from the roots of Polygonum multiflorum, a spreading vine native to parts of South East Asia. [1] Fo-Ti has a very long history of herbal medicinal use, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine it is regarded as having anti-aging properties. It also exhibits strong antioxidant activity and contains compounds similar to resveratrol. [1] In unprocessed form it has also been applied to the skin to treat skin conditions such as dermatitis and acne. It has also been used as a treatment for erectile dysfunction - hence its aphrodisiac reputation. [2]
The root of Fo-Ti is found in various forms in the market such as powdered root, whole root and tinctures - but there is a distinction to be noted between the unprocessed and processed product. The processed product has been cured according to traditional formulas. [3]
Fo-Ti: History
The name Fo-Ti was given to the plant in the 1970s but a product marketer in the Herbal Supplement business - and it is not known by this name in China; it is known there as He Shou Wu. [3]
The plant was first mentioned in the Tang Dynasty text Ri Huazi Bencao and was originally named jiaoteng.
The name He Shou Wu means "Mr. He's hair is black" and this is a testament to the belief that Fo-Ti can reverse the effects of hair turning grey. This name stems from a 9th century tale about an old man named He Tianer who took Fo-Ti and restored his black hair - as well as his youthful vitality and appearance. In the tale he went from being impotent to fathering several children, became more youthful, and lived to be 160. The tale said that after several weeks of taking the herb, he could "barely control his sexual desire". The teller of the tale, the Buddhist priest Wenxiang, also states that his wife took the herb and that they "attained the greatest happiness". [4]
Is Fo-Ti an Aphrodisiac?
A search of Pubmed showed that Polygonum multiflorum has been the subject of much scientific research - with 90 search results appearing. It has been investigated in HIV research and Alzheimers, has shown to protect against free radical damage caused by UVB rays and has shown encouraging results in cognitive enhancement and protection against cognitive impairment in old age.
No studies report on any aphrodisiac qualities of the plant - however, a 2009 study at the School of Medicine, Nantong University, China showed that an active component extracted from Polygonum multiflorum, preserved nitric oxide bioactivity in Rats. Nitric oxide is a factor in erectile function - but whether there is a possible connection here was not the subject of the study. [5]
Conclusions:
Science once again needs to catch up with ancient legends - and discover whether there is truth in the ancient tales about Fo-Ti.
Fo-Ti is listed in the AHPA's "Herbs of Commerce", p.117. [6]
Sources:
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygonum_multiflorum
[2] http://www.nutralegacy.com/blog/general-healthcare/fo-ti-root-as-a-dietary-supplement/
[3] http://www.allnatural.net/herbpages/fo-ti.shtml
[4] http://www.itmonline.org/arts/hoshouwu.htm
[5] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19350477
[6] "Herbs of Commerce" (AHPA) (2000 edition) - Michael McGuffin, John T. Kartesz, Albert Y Leung, Arthur O. Tucker p.117
Note - the information on this website is not medical advice, is not a substitute for medical consultation or care, has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure any disease. Please seek advice from a medical professional if you have symptoms, are concerned about your health, or before using supplements or aphrodisiac products.
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