He Shou Wu extract 20:1 | Polygonum multiflorum

Properties: He Shou Wu is an interesting plant surrounded by a plethora of legends kept alive by an unbroken chain of generations. Since the dawn of time this herb has been associated with beneficial influence on the organism. History keeps track of cases of people who maintained young appearance and performance thanks to this plant. Knotweed has antioxidative properties that help to detoxify the organism and get rid of the dangerous compounds. That means it neutralises free radicals that have adversarial effects on the body. Moreover, it makes the skin smoother and hair stronger. Apart from physical vitality, He Shou Wu increases libido and male sexual functions. It also benefits the production of testosterone and improves the sexual drive. Perhaps for these reasons its extract has already been popular in ancient China, where it has been known and used as a youth elixir. 

As it turns out, knotweed’s active compounds also influence the immune and cardiovascular systems. Supplementation of its extract helps to decrease blood cholesterol levels and prevents accumulation of dangerous fat deposits in blood vessels. Apart from that, it improves the oxygen transportation to the brain and thereby strengthens the memory and helps to maintain concentration. What is more, He Shou Wu successfully combats pathogenic microorganisms. As it can limit the spread of inflammation, it can be used as a remedy for infections and an excellent support for the whole organism.

Occurrence: Knotweed (Polygonum multiflorum) is a perennial climber from the knotweed family (Polygonaceae). It grows extraordinarily fast in thickets and in rocky areas. It has heart-shaped leaves and numerous tiny flowers. Its root is an elongated black and brown tuber that is a raw herbal material. Naturally it grows in China on the heights up to 3000 m above mean sea level, although it can be found in Japan and Taiwan too. First written notion of this plant comes from the era of the Tang dynasty (618 – 907 AD). 

The root of knotweed has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years. It belongs to the four main herbs that exhibit toning and rejuvenating properties. It is applied as a remedy for multiple ailments such as infertility, insomnia, muscle aches or constipation. According to folk tales, supplementation of the powder from Polygonum multiflorum root could increase vitality and longevity. There is a legend about mister He, who was starving. He gathered and ate wild plants with their roots. One of them was the bitter root of knotweed (fo-ti). This meal changed the whole course of his life. Until that point, elderly mister He had been rather weak – but after eating the root of knotweed his vitality was restored and his hair recovered their black tint. He lived a healthy life for another 100 years and had many strong sons. The Chinese name of knotweed – He Shou Wu – originates from this story and literally means “black hair of mister He”.

Biochemistry: Emodin, chrysophanic acid, and parietin are the substances that provide most of the knotweed’s healthy properties. Chemically they belong to the group of anthraquinones. Apart from them, this plant also contains: small amounts of lecithin, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannins, catechins and glycosides. The amount of glycosides is an indication of the plant’s quality. Knotweed is also the source of zinc and iron.

Fun fact: Knotweed is mentioned in the incredible story of Chinese herbalist Li Ching Yun who, as the story has it, lived 256 years. He claimed that his longevity is due to daily intake of herbs, including He Shou Wu. Although his statements were considered a myth in the West, this story appeared in the journal “Time” in the article “Tortoise-Pigeon-Dog”. It was published on 15. May 1993, one week after the death of Li Ching Yun.