Effective Dosage: There is currently no clinical evidence that Fo-Ti is effective as a weight loss supplement at any dosage.
Fo-ti, also known as Chinese Knotweed, Climbing Knotweed, Flowery Knotweed, He Shou Wu and Polygonum multiflorum,
is a plant native to China that is also found in Japan and Taiwan. The medicinal part of the plant is the root. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is often boiled in a liquid made with black beans—this is known as red fo-ti. White fo-ti is the unprocessed root.
Unprocessed fo-ti (also known as "white" fo-ti, because its color is usually much lighter than the processed form) contains a relatively high percentage of chemicals in the anthraquinone class – particularly one known as emodin. When they are taken orally, these chemicals act as laxatives by slightly irritating the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The resulting muscle contractions in the intestines promote the emptying of intestinal contents. In animal studies, unprocessed fo-ti has showed some ability to improve memory, affect immune function, and protect the liver from toxins. All these effects are probably due to antioxidant properties of unprocessed fo-ti. Antioxidants are thought to protect body cells from damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation. Oxidation produces oxygen free radicals, natural chemicals that may alter immune function and damage tissues. Study evidence from laboratory, animal, and human studies and human case reports supports the use of unprocessed fo-ti as a laxative, but evidence for its other oral uses is lacking.
Unprocessed fo-ti possibly could increase the laxative effects of other herbal laxatives including:
- Aloe
- Rhamnus cathartica
- Rhamnus frangula
- Rhamnus purshiana
- Rhubarb
- Senna
- Yellow Dock
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals.
In Chinese herbal medicine, Red fo-ti is considered a tonic to increase vitality and energy, strengthen the blood, kidneys and liver. White fo-ti is used for constipation.
Doses typically range from 5g to 15g.
These statements about Fo-ti have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Fo-ti are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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