Polygonum multiflorum
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2008-05-31T13:03:59Z
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{{Taxobox
| name = ''Polygonum multiflorum''
| image = PolygonumMultiflorum.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| image_caption = ''Polygonum multiflorum''
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Caryophyllales]]
| familia = [[Polygonaceae]]
| genus = [[Polygonum]]
| species = '''''P. multiflorum'''''
| binomial = ''Polygonum multiflorum''
| binomial_authority = [[Carl Peter Thunberg|Thunb.]]
}}
''[[Polygonum]] multiflorum'', better known as '''Chinese knotweed''' or '''Flowery knotweed''', is a widely used [[Chinese herbology|Chinese herb]]. It is said to [[Rejuvenation (aging)|rejuvenate]] the body, and is also commonly known as '''fo-ti''', '''fo-ti-teng''', '''ho shou wu''', or '''he shou wu''' ([[wiktionary:何|何]][[wiktionary:首|首]][[wiktionary:乌|乌]]). He Shouwu, a Chinese man who is reputed to have lived until the age of 132, is the first consumer of this herb to be reported.
The Chinese patent medicine called [[Shou Wu Chih]] has ''Polygonum multiflorum'' as one of its primary ingredients.
As a herb specimen, it is a quickly spreading vine that will cover anything rapidly. There are delicate flowers that appear in the fall.
==Medicinal use==
[[Image:Polygonummultiflorumrootdried.jpg|thumb|right|190px|Dried sliced ''Polygonum multiflorum'' root]]
In [[traditional Chinese medicine]] (TCM), ''P. multiflorum'' is believed to:
* [[Tonic|Tonify]] the [[kidney]]s
* Balance a fragile ''[[yin]]''.
* Treat weak bones and premature [[graying of hair]]
* Protect the skin against UVB damage<ref>{{cite journal | author=I.K. Hwang, K.Y. Yoo, D.W. Kim, S.J. Jeong, C.K. Won, W.K. Moon, Y.S. Kim, D.Y. Kwon, M.H. Wo and D.W. Kim | year=2006 | month=Sep | title=An extract of Polygonum multiflorum protects against free radical damage induced by ultraviolet B irradiation of the skin | journal=Braz J Med Biol Res |volume=39 |issue=9 |pages=1181–1188 | url=http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0100-879X2006000900005 | doi=10.1590/S0100-879X2006000900005}}</ref>
When taken internally, ''P. multiflorum'' also has a [[laxative]] effect.
P. multiflorum contains stilbene glycosides similar to [[resveratrol]] and with superior antioxidant activity.<ref>{{cite journal | author=L.V. Li-Shuang, Xiaohong Gu, Chi-Tang Ho | year=2006 | month=June | title=Stilbene Glycosides from the Roots of Polygonum Multiflorum Thunb. and Their Antioxidant Activities | journal=Journal of Food Lipids |volume=13 |issue=2 |pages=131–144 |url =http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1745-4522.2006.00039.x | doi=10.1111/j.1745-4522.2006.00039.x}}</ref>
Resveratrol is extracted from P. multiflorum's close relative, [[Japanese knotweed]] (P.Cuspidatum). Resveratrol has been suggested to extend lifespan by a variety of mechanisms.
==See also==
*[[Chinese herbology]]
*[[Traditional Chinese medicine]]
*[[Shou Wu Chih]]
*[[Japanese knotweed | Polygonum Cuspidatum]]
==References==
<references/>
*Shinju, H., M. Higuchi, et al. (1994). Studies on cultivation of ''Polygonum multiflorum'' Thunberg (Part 1) on the methods of vegetative propagation. ''Natural Medicines'' 48(2): 126-130. Tsumura Cent. Res. Lab., 3586, Yoshihara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-11, Japan.
*[http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Polygonum+multiflorum Monograph in the '''''Plants For A Future''''' database]
==External links==
{{Commons|Polygonum multiflorum}}
*[http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/1042/ Several photos]
*[http://china.tyfo.com/int/art/medicine/pictures/polygonum-multiflorum.jpg Illustration of Fo Ti Teng]
*[http://www.morningsunherbfarm.com/images/catalogue/polygonum_multiflorum.JPG Fo Ti Teng can grow up to 4 meters (photo)]
*[http://www.itmonline.org/arts/hoshouwu.htm Extensive article, by Subhuti Dharmananda]
*[http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsWho/0,3923,4110%7CPolygonum+multiflorum,00.html Monograph, by '''''Drug Digest''''']
*[http://www.publix.com/wellness/notes/Display.do?id=Herb&childId=Fo-ti Monograph, by '''''Healthnotes''''']
*[http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_he_shou_wu.htm Monograph pertaining to traditional Chinese medicine, by '''''herbs2000.com''''']
*[http://alternativehealing.org/he_shou_wu.htm Monograph pertaining to traditional Chinese medicine, edited by Joe H. K. Chu]
*[http://www.yahwehsaliveandwell.com/polygonumroot.html Article pertaining to traditional Chinese medicine, by Ron Teeguarden]
*[http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/FoTi.htm Article pertaining to traditional Chinese medicine, by Cathy Wong]
*[http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&useSecondary=true&ssDocName=CON2023590&ssTargetNodeId=663 Reported warning of adverse liver reactions, by '''''MHRA''''' (2006)]
[[Category:Polygonaceae]]
[[Category:Plants used in Traditional Chinese medicine]]
[[Category:Dietary supplements]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[de:Vielblütiger Knöterich]]
[[es:Polygonum multiflorum]]
[[ja:ツルドクダミ]]
[[sv:Kinabinda]]
[[vi:Hà thủ ô đỏ]]
[[zh:何首烏]]