Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu) for Anti-Aging

Research suggests that Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu), and particularly its main bioactive compound TSG, shows a range of potential anti-aging properties in preclinical studies, including lifespan extension, neuroprotection, cardiovascular benefits, reduced bone loss, and hair regrowth promotion, operating through mechanisms such as reduced oxidative stress, improved mitochondrial function, and enhanced telomerase activity. A 2025 systematic review of TSG broadly supports these findings, while a 2019 narrative review of the plant's overall chemistry acknowledges similar reported biological activities including antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects. However, the evidence base is largely preclinical, standardized methods for evaluating efficacy are lacking, and both reviews flag that hepatotoxicity associated with Polygonum multiflorum products is a meaningful safety concern that complicates any straightforward endorsement of long-term use. No robust human clinical trial data were represented in the reviewed literature, meaning findings cannot yet be directly extrapolated to human anti-aging outcomes.