Fo-Ti: Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Safety
Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by the FactoWiki Editorial Team for clarity and source accuracy
Quick summary
Fo-ti (He Shou Wu) is a Chinese tonic herb traditionally linked to anti-ageing and hair. Modern evidence is limited, and there are real reports of liver injury.
What is Fo-Ti?
Fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum, He Shou Wu) is a root used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a longevity and tonic herb, often for hair and vitality.
What Fo-Ti is commonly used for
In supplements, Fo-Ti is most often included for skin & anti-aging, men's vitality support. It is used as nutritional support, not as a treatment for any medical condition — the distinction matters, because the claims on a sales page are often stronger than the evidence allows.
How Fo-Ti works
Fo-ti contains stilbenes and anthraquinones with antioxidant activity in laboratory studies; the traditional 'prepared' form is processed to alter its properties, but mechanisms behind its claimed effects are unclear.
What the evidence says
Here's an honest snapshot of what published research suggests about Fo-Ti — including where the evidence is limited.
- Human evidence for fo-ti's anti-ageing, hair or cholesterol claims is weak and largely traditional. More notable in the modern literature are case reports of liver toxicity.
- Study quality and doses vary, and a result seen in research doesn't guarantee the same for any individual — use the sources below to check the current evidence on Fo-Ti rather than relying on marketing claims.
Typical dosage used in studies
Traditional dosing varies by preparation; standardised modern dosing is not well established. This is general information from research, not a personal recommendation or a dosing instruction.
Side effects and safety
Fo-ti has been linked to multiple cases of liver injury, sometimes serious. It should be used cautiously if at all, avoided in liver disease and pregnancy, and stopped if signs of liver problems appear. As with any supplement, it's sensible to introduce Fo-Ti on its own, use a trusted brand, and stop if you notice any reaction.
Medication interactions and who should avoid Fo-Ti
Medication & safety check
Herbs interact with prescription medicines more often than people expect — affecting drug levels, bleeding, blood pressure, blood sugar or sedation — and Fo-Ti is no exception. If you take any regular medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or manage a health condition, confirm Fo-Ti is appropriate for you before starting.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. If you take any medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition, confirm it's safe to use Fo-Ti with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Sources & further reading
For authoritative background and the current research base on Fo-Ti, consult:
- PubMed — search the research on Fo-Ti
- NCCIH — Herbs at a Glance
- MedlinePlus — herbs & supplements
- MedlinePlus — drugs, herbs & supplements
Frequently asked questions
Does Fo-Ti actually work?
Human evidence for fo-ti's anti-ageing, hair or cholesterol claims is weak and largely traditional. More notable in the modern literature are case reports of liver toxicity. As with most supplements, results vary between people and the marketing is often stronger than the evidence — so it's worth checking the research before relying on it.
Is Fo-Ti safe to take?
For most healthy adults at normal doses it's generally well tolerated, but there are real cautions. Fo-ti has been linked to multiple cases of liver injury, sometimes serious. It should be used cautiously if at all, avoided in liver disease and pregnancy, and stopped if signs of liver problems appear. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition, check with a doctor or pharmacist first.
What is Fo-Ti used for?
In supplements, Fo-Ti is mainly included for skin & anti-aging, men's vitality support — as nutritional support, not as a treatment for any medical condition.
Where you'll find Fo-Ti
On FactoWiki, Fo-Ti is the kind of ingredient you'll see discussed in these supplement categories. Each category guide breaks down what the evidence does and doesn't support.
Related ingredients to explore
Ingredients often studied or formulated alongside Fo-Ti — useful for understanding the full picture of a formula.