He Shou Wu Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Sun Potion
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 Sun Potion 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 Polygonum multiflorum Root Extract, Powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against He Shou Wu by Sun Potion
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AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of He Shou Wu by Sun Potion
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 in powder form. Fo-ti is a traditional botanical used in herbal practice, prepared here as a concentrated powder.
There are no inactive ingredients listed.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence for fo-ti's effectiveness isn't established in our data. The product's claimed uses — including age-related cognitive decline, hair loss, Alzheimer disease, bone health, and heart health — all carry insufficient evidence to rate.
That means studies either aren't robust enough yet or we simply don't have reliable human trial data for these claims.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Fo-ti carries real safety concerns. It's been linked to liver damage in around 450 documented medical cases, occurring across a wide range of doses, durations, and formulations — both processed and unprocessed.
The liver injury can range from mild hepatitis to cirrhosis or liver failure. Common side effects with unprocessed fo-ti include stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Safety during pregnancy is not established — the data advises against use. Breastfeeding safety is also unknown, so it's best to avoid it while nursing.
Because of the liver injury risk, this supplement should only be used under professional guidance.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Check with your pharmacist before taking this if you use blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin — fo-ti has caused dangerous interactions and acute liver failure in documented cases. Also double-check if you take heart medications like digoxin, drugs broken down by your liver's CYP2B6 or CYP2C8 pathways, sulindac, diuretics, or stimulant laxatives.
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.
If you take blood thinners, heart medications, or diuretics, talk to your pharmacist before considering this product. The liver injury risk is documented and serious.
The evidence for its effectiveness isn't strong enough to rely on yet, and pregnancy and breastfeeding are off the table. Your pharmacist can review your exact medications and help you decide whether it's right for you.
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 Mar 22, 2024.
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 | Sun Potion |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 045635343498 |
| Net contents | 2.8 Ounce(s); 80 Gram(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Mar 22, 2024 |
| DSLD ID | 307994 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Powder |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
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 Sun Potion, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Polygonum multiflorum Root Extract, Powder | 1 Gram(s) | -- |
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.
Formula
He Shou Wu Extract Traditional Toaist herb & Jing Tonic
He Shou Wu Prepared root 10:1 extract
10:1 Cold-water extract of prepared He Shou Wu root.
Formulation
He Shou Wu holds a history of use as a longevity, beauty, and rejuvenation food. May support and nourish healthy hair, skin, nails, nervous system, sexual center, Shen (spirit) and Jing (primary essence/life force).
Di Tao Rejuvenation tonic
Our source Product of China. Sustainably wild harvested in the "Di Tao" region of origin.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Invitations for use Add 1/2 teaspoon (1g) in warm water or tea! Excellent addition to potions, elixirs, smoothies.
General Statements
In joy! Thank you for being here This is an amazing time on the planet. Participate in the shift. Experience transformational foods with Sun Potion!
We want you to feel amazing. For daily alchemy + recipes Find us @sunpotion #sunpotion We invite you to reuse this glass jar. Thank you.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Supplement
Precautions
Keep out of reach of children.
Consult your healthcare practitioner before use if pregnant.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
He Shou Wu by Sun Potion 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 Sun Potion
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container80 Amounts shown are per serving.
Polygonum multiflorum Root Extract, Powder
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...
Polygonum multiflorum Root Extract, Powder monograph & interactionsHe Shou Wu by Sun Potion Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
He Shou Wu by Sun Potion contains fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum), an ingredient with documented interactions affecting a large number of medications.
The most serious concern is with blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin — fo-ti has been linked to cases of acute liver failure that can dangerously increase bleeding risk. In one documented case, a patient stable on warfarin developed severe hepatitis with a critically elevated clotting measure after 90 days of fo-ti use.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Fo-ti also interacts with several other drug categories. It may increase levels of drugs broken down by your liver's CYP2B6 and CYP2C8 enzymes (Moderate severity).
It can amplify the heart-related risks of digoxin by affecting potassium levels, and it may unpredictably alter sulindac levels. Raw fo-ti has laxative properties that can compound the potassium loss caused by diuretics or stimulant laxatives — a risky combination (Moderate severity).
Altogether, these interactions span 1,236 individual medications. Before you start this product, run your exact medications through the interaction checker on this page — especially if you take any blood thinners, heart medications, or drugs for blood pressure or fluid balance.
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. Polygonum multiflorum Root Extract, Powder
Amphotericin, TetracyclineMysteclin-F
How Amphotericin, Tetracycline interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Amphotericin, Tetracycline interactionAmprenavirAgenerase
How Amprenavir interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderCytochrome 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 Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Amprenavir interactionAnacaulase-bcdbNexoBrid
How Anacaulase-bcdb interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderAnticoagulant/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 Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Anacaulase-bcdb interactionAnagrelideAgrylin
How Anagrelide interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates 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 Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Anagrelide interactionAnidulafunginEraxis
How Anidulafungin interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Anidulafungin interactionAnisindioneMiradon
How Anisindione interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderAnticoagulant/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 Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Anisindione interactionAntidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi
How Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interactionAntithrombin IiiThrombate III
How Antithrombin Iii interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderAnticoagulant/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 Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Antithrombin Iii interactionApalutamideErleada
How Apalutamide interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderCytochrome P450 2c8 (cyp2c8) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Apalutamide interactionApixabanEliquis
How Apixaban interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates 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 Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Apixaban interactionApremilastOtezla
How Apremilast interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderCytochrome 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 Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Apremilast interactionAprepitantCinvanti, Emend
How Aprepitant interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderCytochrome 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 Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Aprepitant interactionAprobarbital, Butabarbital, PhenobarbitalTriple Barbital
How Aprobarbital, Butabarbital, Phenobarbital interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderCytochrome P450 2b6 (cyp2b6) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Aprobarbital, Butabarbital, Phenobarbital interactionAprocitentanTryvio
How Aprocitentan interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Aprocitentan interactionArgatrobanArgatroban
How Argatroban interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderAnticoagulant/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 Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Argatroban interactionAripiprazoleAbilify, Abilify Maintena, Abilify Mycite
How Aripiprazole interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Aripiprazole interactionAripiprazole LauroxilAristada, Aristada Initio Kit
How Aripiprazole Lauroxil interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Aripiprazole Lauroxil interactionArmodafinilNuvigil
How Armodafinil interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Stimulant Laxatives Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Armodafinil interactionAsenapineSaphris, Secuado
How Asenapine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Asenapine interactionAsparaginase Erwinia Chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywnRylaze
How Asparaginase Erwinia Chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Asparaginase Erwinia Chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn interactionAspirinAngettes 75, ASA, Asaphen, Aspirin, Caprin, Cartia +8 more
How Aspirin interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderAnticoagulant/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 Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Aspirin interactionAspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
How Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates 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 Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAspirin, ButalbitalAxotal
How Aspirin, Butalbital interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderAnticoagulant/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 Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Aspirin, Butalbital interactionAspirin, Butalbital, CaffeineFiorinal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) 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 Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateFiorinal w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, PhenacetinMarnal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interactionAspirin, CaffeineAnacin
How Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateAnacin w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine BitartrateSynalgos DC
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Dover's PwdAcedoval, Dovacet
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's Pwd interacts with He Shou Wu — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, PowderCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, fo-ti might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Powder + Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's Pwd 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.
Polygonum multiflorum Root Extract, Powder
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.
Sun Potion
See all Sun Potion products- Name
- Sun Potion, LLC Transformational Foods
- Street Address
- 430 E. Gutierrez Street
- City
- Santa Barbara
- State
- CA
- Phone Number
- 866.676.8466
- Web Address
- www.SunPotion.com
He Shou Wu by Sun Potion: Common Questions
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Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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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