Condition
    Preliminary
    Effectiveness 1/5

    Fo-Ti for Hair Thinning & Loss

    Fo-Ti is sold on a centuries-old story about restored black hair. The modern literature contains no controlled trial supporting that, and a large hepatotoxicity case series arguing against casual use.

    Overview

    Fo-Ti is sold on a centuries-old story about restored black hair. The modern literature contains no controlled trial supporting that, and a large hepatotoxicity case series arguing against casual use.

    Verdict

    Not supported

    No controlled human evidence that Fo-Ti restores hair colour or reverses hair loss, set against a substantial published record of liver injury.

    How It Works

    Proposed effects on hair follicles and 5-alpha-reductase come from rodent and cell studies of the stilbene glycoside fraction; none of this has been reproduced as clinical hair outcomes in people.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    No recommended dose — we advise against use for this purpose
    Expected timeframe
    Not applicable — no demonstrated benefit

    Protocol

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    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Searches for controlled trials of Reynoutria multiflora for androgenetic alopecia or hair greying return animal work, in-vitro follicle assays and uncontrolled traditional reports. Nothing that would qualify as evidence of efficacy. The safety literature is far denser: systematic reviews have collected well over 400 published cases of Polygonum multiflorum-associated liver injury, predominantly hepatocellular, with a minority progressing to acute liver failure. HLA-B*35:01 has been identified as a susceptibility marker, meaning risk is idiosyncratic rather than dose-driven. The UK MHRA, Australian TGA and several Asian regulators have issued warnings. Given proven alternatives for hair loss (minoxidil, finasteride, treating iron and thyroid causes), the risk-benefit is not close.

    HLA-B*35:01 allele is a potential biomarker for predicting Polygonum multiflorum-induced liver injury in humans

    Score: 8/10
    2019
    cohort
    n=230

    Li C, Rao T, Chen X +2 more

    This study aimed to identify the genetic basis of susceptibility to PM-drug-induced liver injury (PM-DILI) and to develop biological markers for predicting the risk of PM-DILI in humans.

    View source

    Phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and detoxification of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.

    Score: 6/10
    2024
    systematic_review

    Qian J, Feng C, Wu Z +2 more

    While, PM also has some toxicity, its clinical drug safety has been concerned.

    View source

    The hepatotoxicity of Polygonum multiflorum: the emerging role of the immune-mediated liver injury

    Score: 7/10
    2021
    systematic_review

    Rao T, Liu YT, Zeng XC +2 more

    However, most epidemiological and clinical evidence demonstrate that PM-DILI is immune-mediated idiosyncratic liver injury.

    View source

    Hair growth promotion activity and its mechanism of Polygonum multiflorum

    Score: 4/10
    2015
    observational

    Li Y, Han M, Lin P +2 more

    However, several crucial problems in its clinic usage and mechanisms are still unsolved or lack scientific evidences.

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    Idiosyncratic liver injury can occur at traditional doses within weeks. Stop immediately and seek care for jaundice, dark urine, itching or unexplained fatigue. Never combine with alcohol or other hepatotoxic drugs.

    Less likely to help if

    Everyone - no controlled trial supports it, and liver injury has been reported.

    Medical Disclaimer

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    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.