11 Best Benefits Of Polygonum Multiflorum
Polygonum multiflorum, also known as He Shou Wu, is a type of flowering plant that is native to East Asia.
The bioactive compounds present in this plant, including polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol derivatives and ferulic acid, are responsible for its medicinal properties.
Studies have shown that Polygonum multiflorum has several health benefits, including the ability to lower cholesterol levels, heal liver cirrhosis, and improve cardiovascular health.
The plant's bioactive compounds work together to reduce inflammation, improve liver function, and prevent the formation of blood clots, making it a valuable natural remedy for those seeking to improve their overall health.
Featured Study
According to the study, Polygonum multiflorum showed significant antioxidant properties, with a total antioxidant capacity of 14.34 mmol trolox/100 g dry weight, making it a potential resource of natural bioactive antioxidants.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Polygonum multiflorum.
Table of Contents
1. Lowers cholesterol levels
Polygonum multiflorum lowers cholesterol levels by reducing the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, which is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol.
This benefit is crucial as high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis, which can be life-threatening and significantly impact quality of life.
The plant's ability to lower cholesterol levels is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, saponins, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol and reduce the production of cholesterol in the liver.
To reap the cholesterol-lowering benefits of Polygonum multiflorum, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal teas, capsules, or tinctures, as these preparations allow for optimal absorption of the plant's bioactive constituents.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Fu ling capsules ()
- He shou wu powder ()
The following table displays the major constituents of Polygonum multiflorum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Lowers cholesterol levels.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Paeoniflorin | Hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension |
| Rehmannioside b | Hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease |
| Polygynin c | Elevated ldl, reduced hdl, cardiovascular risk |
2. Heals liver cirrhosis
Polygonum multiflorum heals liver cirrhosis, a condition characterized by the scarring and inflammation of liver tissue, which can lead to liver failure if left untreated.
This benefit is crucial because liver cirrhosis can cause a range of complications, including jaundice, ascites, and coagulation disorders, which can be life-threatening and significantly impact a person's quality of life.
The plant's ability to heal liver cirrhosis is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects.
To harness this benefit, Polygonum multiflorum can be used in the form of herbal preparations, such as decoctions or capsules, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, and in combination with a balanced diet and lifestyle.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Taishan powder (huai shan powder)
- Yin chen hao powder
The following table displays the major constituents of Polygonum multiflorum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Heals liver cirrhosis.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Emodin | Liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver |
| Polygonum multiflorum saponin | Liver fibrosis, liver inflammation, liver regeneration |
| Forscolin | Liver regeneration, liver function improvement, liver detoxification |
| Baicalein | Liver protection, liver damage repair, liver regeneration |
| Glycosides | Liver cirrhosis prevention, liver function improvement, liver regeneration |
3. Improves cardiovascular health
Polygonum multiflorum improves cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart disease, which is a leading cause of death worldwide.
Maintaining cardiovascular health is crucial as it helps to prevent conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and heart failure, which can lead to complications such as stroke and cardiac arrest.
The plant's cardiovascular benefits can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects.
To harness the cardiovascular benefits of Polygonum multiflorum, it can be consumed as a herbal tea, capsule, or tablet, or used as a topical application, in moderation and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- He shou wu tincture
- Fo ti root capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Polygonum multiflorum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves cardiovascular health.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Emodin | Hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Rhein | Heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy, thrombosis |
| Polygonum multiflorum saponin | Cardiovascular inflammation, cardiac fibrosis, myocardial ischemia |
4. Improves bone density
Polygonum multiflorum improves bone density, which refers to the strengthening of bones through increased mineralization and density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
This benefit is crucial as it can prevent conditions such as osteoporosis, which may lead to brittle bones, hip fractures, and other mobility-related issues, especially in the elderly.
The Polygonum multiflorum plant has been found to possess bioactive constituents, including flavonoids and polysaccharides, which are believed to contribute to its bone-strengthening properties.
To harness the bone-density improving benefits of Polygonum multiflorum, it is best used in herbal preparations such as tea, capsules, or extracts, which can be taken orally to promote bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Fu ling wan ( tincture)
- He shou wu ( powder)
The following table displays the major constituents of Polygonum multiflorum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves bone density.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Emodin | Osteoporosis, rickets, spinal fractures |
| Paeoniflorin | Osteopenia, bone pain, fracture risk |
| Astragalin | Osteoporosis, bone loss, low bone mass |
| Falcarinol | Bone fractures, bone weakness, osteoporosis prevention |
5. Treats osteoporosis
Polygonum multiflorum treats osteoporosis, a condition characterized by a decrease in bone density and strength, leading to an increased risk of fractures and bone-related disorders.
This benefit is crucial as osteoporosis affects millions of people worldwide, causing severe health issues such as hip fractures, spinal compression, and loss of mobility, as seen in elderly individuals and those with a family history of the condition.
The bioactive constituents present in Polygonum multiflorum, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, are responsible for its osteoprotective properties, which help in regulating bone metabolism and promoting bone growth.
To harness the osteoprotective benefits of Polygonum multiflorum, it is best to consume it in herbal preparations such as tea, capsules, or tablets, after consulting with a healthcare professional, and in moderation, as part of a balanced diet and regular exercise routine.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Huai shan granule
- Capsule
The following table displays the major constituents of Polygonum multiflorum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Treats osteoporosis.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Forsythoside b | Osteoporosis, bone loss, osteopenia |
| Polygonum multiflorum saponins | Osteoporosis, bone fractures, osteoporotic fractures |
| Emodin | Osteoporosis, bone metabolism, osteoclastic activity |
6. Supports liver detoxification
Polygonum multiflorum supports liver detoxification by facilitating the removal of toxins and waste products from the liver, thereby promoting optimal liver function and overall health.
This benefit is crucial as the liver plays a vital role in detoxifying the body, and impaired liver function can lead to conditions such as liver disease, jaundice, and even cancer.
The plant's ability to support liver detoxification is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids, which have been shown to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
To harness the liver detoxifying properties of Polygonum multiflorum, it is best to use it in the form of herbal preparations such as capsules, teas, or decoctions, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as high-quality products and proper dosing are essential for optimal efficacy.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- He shou wu tincture
- Capsules
- Tea
- Infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Polygonum multiflorum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Supports liver detoxification.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Emodin | Hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, jaundice |
| Rhein | Liver damage, fatty liver, toxic liver |
| Polygonumic acid | Liver inflammation, hepatic failure, toxicity |
7. Reduces blood pressure
Polygonum multiflorum reduces blood pressure, which is a decrease in the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries.
This benefit is important because high blood pressure can lead to cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, kidney disease, and stroke, and can also cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
Polygonum multiflorum has this benefit due to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and saponins, which have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory properties.
To harness the blood pressure-lowering effects of Polygonum multiflorum, it is best to consume it in herbal preparations such as teas, capsules, or decoctions, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, and in combination with a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Hu po decoction
- Fu zi capsule
- Tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Polygonum multiflorum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces blood pressure.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Emodin | Hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, thrombosis |
| Polygonum multiflorum saponin | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis |
| Kaempferol | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Quercetin | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Naringenin | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, thrombosis |
8. Treats type 2 diabetes
Polygonum multiflorum treats type 2 diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
This benefit is crucial as type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications such as kidney damage, nerve damage, and increased risk of heart disease, which can severely impact an individual's quality of life.
The plant's ability to treat type 2 diabetes is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including isoflavones, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
To harness this benefit, Polygonum multiflorum can be consumed in herbal preparations such as tea, capsules, or decoctions, typically in dosages of 2-4 grams per day, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- He shou wu tablet
- Fo-ti capsule
- Tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Polygonum multiflorum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Treats type 2 diabetes.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Emodin | Insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, pancreatitis |
| Rhein | Diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, microangiopathy |
| Saponin | Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease |
9. Treats anemia
Polygonum multiflorum treats anemia, a condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to a lack of oxygen being delivered to the body's tissues.
This benefit is important because anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, making everyday activities challenging, such as working, exercising, or even carrying groceries; it can also exacerbate conditions like heart disease and stroke.
Polygonum multiflorum has been found to have this benefit due to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which have been shown to stimulate the production of red blood cells and improve iron absorption.
To harness the anemia-treating properties of Polygonum multiflorum, it is best used in herbal preparations such as teas, capsules, or tinctures, which can be consumed orally after consulting with a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- He shou wu granules
- Fo-ti tincture
- Tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Polygonum multiflorum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Treats anemia.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Emodin | Iron deficiency, ferric deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia |
| Polygonum multiflorum a | Anemia in pregnancy, anemia in chronic disease, anemia in chronic kidney disease |
| Polygonum multiflorum b | Hypochromic anemia, normocytic anemia, microcytic anemia |
| Polysaccharide | Anemia due to gastrointestinal disease, anemia due to blood loss, anemia due to chronic disease |
10. Improves cognitive function
Polygonum multiflorum improves cognitive function by enhancing mental clarity, memory, and concentration, ultimately leading to better cognitive processing and decision-making abilities.
This benefit is crucial as it can help individuals with age-related cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia, to maintain their independence and quality of life, and also aid students and professionals in improving their academic and work performance.
The cognitive-enhancing properties of Polygonum multiflorum can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and saponins, which have been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
To reap the cognitive benefits of Polygonum multiflorum, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or tea, made from the dried roots and rhizomes of the plant, which can be taken in moderation as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Huang qi granule
- Capsule
- Huang qi tablet
The following table displays the major constituents of Polygonum multiflorum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves cognitive function.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Emodin | Alzheimer's disease, dementia, brain fog |
| Emodin chrysophanic acid | Parkinson's disease, stroke, cerebral ischemia |
| Puerarin | Depression, anxiety, schizophrenia |
11. Improves immune system
Polygonum multiflorum improves immune system by enhancing the body's natural defenses against pathogens and diseases.
This benefit is crucial as a strong immune system helps to prevent and recover from illnesses such as the flu, common colds, and even more severe conditions like HIV/AIDS, reducing the need for antibiotics and other medications.
The immune-boosting properties of Polygonum multiflorum are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides, which have been shown to stimulate immune cells and modulate the immune response.
To harness the immune-boosting effects of Polygonum multiflorum, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal preparations such as teas, capsules, or tinctures, which can be prepared from the dried root or rhizome of the plant.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Tincture
- He shou wu capsule
- Tea
- Powder
The following table displays the major constituents of Polygonum multiflorum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves immune system.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Emodin | Tuberculosis, malaria, measles |
| Emodin-3-o-β-d-glucoside | Sepsis, pneumonia, influenza |
| Polygonatin | Cytomegalovirus, herpes, hiv |