Fo-Ti: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum) is the root of a climbing plant native to east Asia. It's one of the most popular herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Fo-ti might affect levels of various chemicals in the body that are thought to have anti-aging effects. Fo-ti might also increase the number of hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.

People use fo-ti for aging, decline in memory and thinking skills, hair loss, Alzheimer disease, heart disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse fo-ti with knotweed or hu zhang. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Fo-Ti overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Fo-ti is possibly unsafe. Fo-ti has been linked to several cases of liver damage.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough information available to know if fo-ti is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy: Fo-ti is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Fo-ti contains chemicals that can act like a strong laxative. The chemicals work by stimulating the intestine. Bulk-forming laxatives are a safer choice in pregnancy. There isn't enough reliable information to know if fo-ti is safe to apply to the skin when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: Fo-ti is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding. Chemicals in fo-ti can act like a laxative. These chemicals can pass into breast milk and cause diarrhea in the infant. There isn't enough reliable information to know if fo-ti is safe to apply to the skin when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Fo-ti is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth by children. At least one case of liver damage has been linked with fo-ti use in a 5-year-old child.

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Fo-ti extract might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use fo-ti.

Liver disease: Fo-ti has been linked to multiple cases of liver damage. Fo-ti might make existing liver disease worse and may also increase the risk of bleeding in patients with liver disease.

Surgery: Fo-ti might affect blood sugar levels and slow blood clotting. This might interfere with blood sugar control and blood clotting during and after surgery. Stop using fo-ti at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Fo-Ti
Fo-ti is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects from digoxin.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Fo-Ti
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Fo-ti might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with Fo-Ti
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Fo-ti might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with Fo-Ti
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Fo-ti might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Fo-Ti
Fo-ti might lower blood sugar levels. Taking fo-ti along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with Fo-Ti
Fo-ti might harm the liver. Some medications can also harm the liver. Taking fo-ti along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage.
Stimulant laxatives interacts with Fo-Ti
Fo-ti is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Taking fo-ti with other stimulant laxatives might cause more diarrhea and very low potassium levels.
Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Fo-Ti
Fo-ti can work as a laxative. In some people, fo-ti can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. Fo-ti can cause damage to the liver, which also can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. If you take warfarin, avoid fo-ti.
Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with Fo-Ti
Fo-ti is a laxative. Some laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking fo-ti along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Fo-Ti
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Fo-ti might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates) interacts with Fo-Ti
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Fo-ti might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with Fo-Ti
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Fo-ti might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs) interacts with Fo-Ti
Some birth control pills contain estrogen. Fo-ti might have some of the same effects as estrogen. Taking fo-ti along with birth control pills might decrease the effects of birth control pills. If you take birth control pills along with fo-ti, use an additional form of birth control such as a condom.
Estrogens interacts with Fo-Ti
Large amounts of fo-ti might have some of the same effects as estrogen. Taking fo-ti along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of estrogen pills.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) substrates) interacts with Fo-Ti
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Fo-ti might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Sulindac (Clinoril) interacts with Fo-Ti
Fo-ti might change the effects and side effects of sulindac. Depending on the plant part used, some extracts might increase effects while others might decrease the effects.

Dosing

Some fo-ti products use the raw root of the plant (sometimes called white fo-ti). Other products use a processed form of the root (sometimes called red fo-ti). These products have different effects. There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of fo-ti might be. It might also be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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Fo-Ti - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Fo-Ti

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Fo-Ti

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with Fo-Ti

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with Fo-Ti

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Fo-Ti

Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with Fo-Ti

Stimulant laxatives interacts with Fo-Ti

Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Fo-Ti

Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with Fo-Ti

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Fo-Ti

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates) interacts with Fo-Ti

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with Fo-Ti

Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs) interacts with Fo-Ti

Estrogens interacts with Fo-Ti

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) substrates) interacts with Fo-Ti

Sulindac (Clinoril) interacts with Fo-Ti

Dosing