He Shou Wu Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Pure Herbs
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking He Shou Wu against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
He Shou Wu is a dietary supplement by Pure Herbs with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for anti-aging and longevity, hair graying and hair loss, general tonic for vitality.Based on those ingredients, 1,257 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Fo-Ti Root Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against He Shou Wu by Pure Herbs
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of He Shou Wu by Pure Herbs
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: Fo-Ti Root Extract, a traditional herbal preparation used in Chinese medicine. There are no other active ingredients listed.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence for fo-ti's effectiveness is insufficient in the data we hold. Claims around age-related cognitive decline, hair loss, Alzheimer disease, bone health, and heart disease prevention all lack reliable evidence to establish whether fo-ti actually works for any of them.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Fo-ti has been linked to liver injury—sometimes serious—and should be used carefully and only under professional guidance. The medical literature documents around 450 cases of hepatitis tied to fo-ti (both processed and unprocessed forms), ranging from full recovery to cirrhosis and liver transplant.
These cases occurred across a wide range of doses, formulations, and treatment lengths. Most common side effects with unprocessed fo-ti are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
During pregnancy, the safety data advises against use. The same applies to breastfeeding—there is not enough safety information, so avoidance is recommended.
Talk with your own doctor or pharmacist before use if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (especially warfarin), heart medications like digoxin, diuretics, stimulant laxatives, anti-inflammatory drugs like sulindac, or any medication cleared by liver enzymes. Liver damage is fo-ti's most serious documented risk.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
He Shou Wu carries real risks, particularly to the liver and for anyone taking blood thinners, heart medications, or drugs that depend on liver enzymes. Unless your doctor or pharmacist has specifically cleared it alongside your current medications, this is one to approach cautiously.
Discuss it with your own healthcare provider before starting.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 13, 2022.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about He Shou Wu, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Pure Herbs |
|---|---|
| Net contents | 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Dec 13, 2022 |
| DSLD ID | 279778 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating) |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for He Shou Wu by Pure Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: For adults, mix 2 mL (abt. 1/2 tsp) of extract in 2 fl. oz (60 mL) water one time daily preferably with a meal.
Shake well before use
Formulation
Helps to enhance energy levels and supports a healthy circulatory system.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Precautions
Warning: Not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women. If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, consult your doctor prior to use.
Discontinue use and consult with your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.
Keep out of reach of children
Brand IP Statement(s)
Pure Herbs, Ltd. Natural Herbal Extracts
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
General Statements
"No expense has been spared to provide the finest nature has to offer."
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
He Shou Wu by Pure Herbs label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in He Shou Wu by Pure Herbs
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.
Fo-Ti Root Extract
Interacts with1,257 drugs
Fo-ti (He Shou Wu) is a root used in traditional Chinese medicine, often promoted for healthy aging and hair. High-quality human evidence for these be...
Fo-Ti Root Extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
He Shou Wu by Pure Herbs Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Pure Herbs He Shou Wu, a liquid extract of Fo-Ti Root, does interact with medications—through a fairly broad list of drug types.
The most serious documented case involved a patient on warfarin (a blood thinner) who developed acute liver failure after 90 days of fo-ti use, with his blood-clotting measure (INR) rising to a dangerous 14.98. The liver injury appears to be fo-ti's primary concern here.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Fo-ti may also interact with other blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs by a similar route: liver damage can reduce clotting factor production and amplify their effects. Additionally, fo-ti is thought to inhibit several liver enzymes (CYP2B6 and CYP2C8), which could raise levels of drugs those enzymes normally clear—including certain heart medications and other substrates.
Raw fo-ti in particular carries laxative compounds that may worsen the effects of blood thinners, diuretics (water pills), and stimulant laxatives themselves through diarrhea and potassium loss.
Additionally, fo-ti may theoretically alter levels of sulindac (Clinoril, an anti-inflammatory) and digoxin (Lanoxin, a heart medication), though these interactions haven't been confirmed in humans. Altogether, these interactions span 1,258 individual medications.
Before you start this product, run your exact medications—especially any blood thinners, heart drugs, diuretics, or laxatives—through the interaction checker on this page, then confirm the results with your own doctor or pharmacist.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against He Shou Wu?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in He Shou Wu interact with 1,257 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in He Shou Wu interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Fo-Ti Root Extract
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAdo-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla
How Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interactionAbacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq
How Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interactionAbacavir, LamivudineEpzicom
How Abacavir, Lamivudine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Abacavir, Lamivudine interactionAbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Fo-ti has been linked to cases of acute liver failure which can decrease clotting factor production and increase the effects of anticoagulants.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Abciximab interactionAbemaciclibVerzenio
How Abemaciclib interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Abemaciclib interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Fo-ti has been linked to cases of acute liver failure which can decrease clotting factor production and increase the effects of anticoagulants.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Abrocitinib interactionAcalabrutinibCalquence
How Acalabrutinib interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acalabrutinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acarbose interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acebutolol interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Fo-ti has been linked to cases of acute liver failure which can decrease clotting factor production and increase the effects of anticoagulants.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acenocoumarol interactionAcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Fo-ti has been linked to cases of acute liver failure which can decrease clotting factor production and increase the effects of anticoagulants.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Fo-ti Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Fo-ti Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in He Shou Wu with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Fo-Ti Root Extract
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Fo-ti has been linked to cases of acute liver failure which can decrease clotting factor production and increase the effects of anticoagulants. In one case, a patient who had been stable on warfarin presented with acute hepatitis and an INR elevated to 14.98. The patient had been taking fo-ti for 90 days prior to admission. Discontinuation of warfarin and fo-ti lead to a decrease in the INR and full recovery. Theoretically, concomitant use of fo-ti with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs may increase the risk of bleeding in some patients. Until more is known, monitor patients taking fo-ti and drugs that affect bleeding.
Some of these drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), dipyridamole (Persantine), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Fo-ti reportedly has hypoglycemic effects.
Contraceptive Drugs
Theoretically, taking large amounts of fo-ti might interfere with contraceptive drugs due to competition for estrogen receptors.
In vitro research suggests that fo-ti extract has estrogenic activity.
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research suggests that fo-ti might inhibit CYP1A2. Additionally, in vitro research suggests that the degree of CYP1A2 inhibition depends on the type of fo-ti extract (i.e., the raw plant leads to greater inhibition than extensively processed extracts). However, in an animal study, an aqueous extract of fo-ti inhibited CYP1A2 while an alcoholic extract of fo-ti induced CYP1A2. Induction or inhibition of CYP1A2 by fo-ti has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
Animal research suggests that fo-ti might inhibit CYP2B6. One in vitro study suggests that the degree of CYP2B6 inhibition may depend on the type of fo-ti extract (i.e., the raw plant leads to greater inhibition than extensively processed extracts). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates
Theoretically, fo-ti may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
Animal and in vitro research suggests that fo-ti may inhibit CYP2C19. An in vitro study suggests that the degree of CYP2C19 inhibition may depend on the type of fo-ti extract (i.e., the raw plant leads to greater inhibition than extensively processed extracts). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2C8 (Cyp2C8) Substrates
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8.
In vitro research suggests that fo-ti might inhibit CYP2C8. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates
Theoretically, fo-ti may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Animal and in vitro research suggests that fo-ti may inhibit CYP2C9. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates
Theoretically, fo-ti may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Animal research suggests that fo-ti might inhibit CYP2D6. Additionally, an in vitro study suggests that the degree of CYP2D6 inhibition may depend on the type of fo-ti extract (i.e., the raw plant leads to greater inhibition than extensively processed extracts). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research suggests that fo-ti might inhibit CYP3A4. One in vitro study suggests that the degree of CYP3A4 inhibition may depend on the type of fo-ti extract (i.e., the raw plant leads to greater inhibition than extensively processed extracts). However, this evidence conflicts with animal research suggesting that fo-ti does not inhibit CYP3A4. This interaction has not been reported in humans.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Theoretically, fo-ti, particularly raw fo-ti root, might increase the risk of hypokalemia and cardiotoxicity when taken with digoxin.
Raw fo-ti root contains anthraquinone derivatives, which might have stimulant laxative effects. In vitro research shows that fermented and processed fo-ti root have reduced laxative effects compared with raw fo-ti root.
Diuretic Drugs
Theoretically, fo-ti, particularly raw fo-ti root, might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with diuretic drugs.
Raw fo-ti root contains anthraquinone derivatives, which might have stimulant laxative effects and compound diuretic-induced potassium loss. In vitro research shows that fermented and processed fo-ti root have reduced laxative effects compared with raw fo-ti root.
Estrogens
Theoretically, taking large amounts of fo-ti might interfere with hormone replacement therapy through competition for estrogen receptors.
In vitro research suggests that fo-ti extract has estrogenic activity.
Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Fo-ti has been linked to liver damage in many reports.
Stimulant Laxatives
Theoretically, fo-ti, particularly raw fo-ti root, might increase the risk of fluid and electrolyte depletion when taken with stimulant laxatives.
Raw fo-ti root contains anthraquinone derivatives, which might have stimulant laxative effects. However, in vitro research shows that fermented and processed fo-ti root have reduced laxative effects compared with raw fo-ti root.
Sulindac (Clinoril)
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of sulindac.
Animal research suggests that the type of fo-ti extract might affect the levels of sulindac differently; the raw plant may increase levels, but processed parts may decrease levels. Induction or inhibition of CYP1A2 by fo-ti has not been reported in humans.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the effects and adverse effects of warfarin.
Fo-ti may have stimulant laxative effects and cause diarrhea, especially when the raw or unprocessed fo-ti root is used. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding. Also, fo-ti has been linked to cases of acute liver failure which can decrease clotting factor production and increase the effects of warfarin. In one case, a patient who had been stable on warfarin presented with acute hepatitis and an INR elevated to 14.98. The patient had been taking fo-ti for 90 days prior to admission. Discontinuation of warfarin and fo-ti lead to a decrease in the INR and full recovery.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for He Shou Wu, from the product label.
Pure Herbs
See all Pure Herbs products- Name
- Pure Herbs, Ltd.
- City
- Sterling Heights
- State
- MI
- Phone Number
- (800) 860-4372
- Web Address
- www.pureherbs.com
He Shou Wu by Pure Herbs: Common Questions
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Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind He Shou Wu’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
He Shou Wu's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 28 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Fo-ti 28 references
- Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
- Park GJ, Mann SP, Ngu MC. Acute hepatitis induced by Shou-Wu-Pian, a herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2001;16:115-7.
- But PP, Tomlinson B, Lee KL. Hepatitis related to the Chinese medicine Shou-wu-pian manufactured from Polygonum multiflorum. Vet Hum Toxicol 1996;38:280-2.
- Oerter Klein KO, Janfaza M, Wong JA, Chang RJ. Estrogen bioactivity in Fo-Ti and other herbs used for their estrogen-like effects as determined by a recombinant cell bioassay. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2003;88:4077-9.. PubMed
- Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;1 PubMed
- UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Polygonum multiflorum and liver reactions. April 2006. Available at: www.mhra.gov.uk/home/idcplg?IdcService= SS_GET_PAGE&useSecondary=true&ssDocName= CON2023590&ssTargetNodeId= 833 (Accessed 10 May 2
- Panis B, Wong DR, Hooymans PM, De Smet PA, Rosias PP. Recurrent toxic hepatitis in a Caucasian girl related to the use of Shou-Wu-Pian, a Chinese herbal preparation. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2005;41:256-8. PubMed
- Mazzanti G, Battinelli L, Daniele C, et al. New case of acute hepatitis following the consumption of Shou Wu Pian, a Chinese herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. Ann Intern Med 2004;140:E589-90.
- Cardenas A, Restrepo JC, Sierra F, Correa G. Acute hepatitis due to shen-min: a herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. J Clin Gastroenterol 2006;40:629-32. PubMed
- Zhang CZ, Wang SX, Zhang Y, et al. In vitro estrogenic activities of Chinese medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of menopausal symptoms. J Ethnopharmacol 2005;98:295-300. PubMed
- Laird AR, Ramchandani N, deGoma EM, et al. Acute hepatitis associated with the use of an herbal supplement (Polygonum multiflorum) mimicking iron-overload syndrome. J Clin Gastroenterol 2008;42:861-2. PubMed
- Jung KA, Min HJ, Yoo SS, et al. Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Twenty Five Cases of Acute Hepatitis Following Ingestion of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. Gut Liver 2011;5(4):493-9. PubMed
- Kang, S. C., Lee, C. M., Choi, H., Lee, J. H., Oh, J. S., Kwak, J. H., and Zee, O. P. Evaluation of oriental medicinal herbs for estrogenic and antiproliferative activities. Phytother Res 2006;20(11):1017-1019. PubMed
- Yuen, M. F., Tam, S., Fung, J., Wong, D. K., Wong, B. C., and Lai, C. L. Traditional Chinese medicine causing hepatotoxicity in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: a 1-year prospective study. Aliment.Pharmacol.Ther 10-15-2006;24(8):1179-1186. PubMed
- Zhang, L., Yang, X., Sun, Z., and Qu, Y. [Retrospective study of adverse events of Polygonum multiflorum and risk control]. Zhongguo Zhong.Yao Za Zhi. 2009;34(13):1724-1729.
- Bae, S. H., Kim, D. H., Bae, Y. S., Lee, K. J., Kim, D. W., Yoon, J. B., Hong, J. H., and Kim, S. H. [Toxic hepatitis associated with Polygoni multiflori]. Korean J.Hepatol. 2010;16(2):182-186. PubMed
- Furukawa, M., Kasajima, S., Nakamura, Y., Shouzushima, M., Nagatani, N., Takinishi, A., Taguchi, A., Fujita, M., Niimi, A., Misaka, R., and Nagahara, H. Toxic hepatitis induced by show-wu-pian, a Chinese herbal preparation. Intern.Med. 2010;49(15):1537-1 PubMed
- McGuffin, M., Hobbs, C., Upton, R., and Goldberg, A. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC;1997.
- Dong H, Slain D, Cheng J, Ma W, Liang W. Eighteen cases of liver injury following ingestion of Polygonum multiflorum. Complement Ther Med 2014;22(1):70-4. PubMed
- Lei X, Chen J, Ren J, et al. Liver damage associated with Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.: a systematic review of case reports and case series. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015;2015:459749.
- Ma KF, Zhang XG, Jia HY. CYP1A2 polymorphism in Chinese patients with acute liver injury induced by Polygonum multiflorum. Genet Mol Res 2014;13(3):5637-43. PubMed
- Zhang Y, Ding T, Diao T, Deng M, Chen S. Effects of Polygonum multiflorum on the activity of cytochrome P450 isoforms in rats. Pharmazie 2015;70(1):47-54. DOI
- Yu J, Xie J, Mao XJ, et al. Comparison of laxative and antioxidant activities of raw, processed and fermented Polygoni multiflori radix. Chin J Nat Med 2012;10(1):63-7. DOI
- Shao YL, Ma CM, Wu JM, Guo FC, Zhang SC. Concurrent severe hepatotoxicity and agranulocytosis induced by Polygonum multiflorum: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2022;10(27):9921-9928.
- Xing Y, Yu Q, Zhou L, et al. Cytochrome P450-mediated herb-drug interaction (HDI) of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. based on pharmacokinetic studies and in vitro inhibition assays. Phytomedicine 2023;112:154710. PubMed
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC