Ancient Chinese Root Polygonum multiflorum Shows Multi-Target Potential Against Androgenetic Alopecia
核心洞察
A scientific review finds Polygonum multiflorum (搜索) (Fo Ti), a traditional Chinese medicinal root used for over 1,000 years, may combat androgenetic alopecia (搜索) through multiple biological pathways simultaneously.
The root's active components—emodin, physcion, and TSG—may activate Wnt (搜索)/Shh signaling, prevent follicle cell death, improve scalp blood flow, and reduce dihydrotestosterone impact.
Researchers emphasize that properly processed Fo Ti shows a favorable safety profile compared to finasteride and minoxidil, though liver injury risks from improper preparation require standardized processing.
A team of researchers from across China has published a comprehensive scientific review suggesting that Polygonum multiflorum (搜索)—an ancient Chinese medicinal root used for more than a millennium—could offer a novel, multi-target approach to treating androgenetic alopecia (搜索), a condition affecting approximately 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States alone. The review, published in December 2025 in the peer-reviewed Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy, bridges traditional herbal knowledge with modern pharmacological evidence.
The root, also known as Chinese climbing knotweed or Fo Ti, has historically been prescribed for hair loss, hair graying, and a range of other conditions. Traditionally prepared in teas, tonics, ointments, or pills, Fo Ti is native to China but has been cultivated elsewhere, including the United States.
A Multi-Component, Multi-Pathway Mechanism
Unlike current standard treatments that target single biological routes—finasteride acting on hormones involved in follicle shrinkage and minoxidil applied topically to encourage growth—Polygonum multiflorum (搜索) appears to work through several mechanisms simultaneously. The review identifies multiple active components, including emodin, physcion, and TSG (2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside), which are common in plants and fungi.
Research cited in the review suggests that emodin and physcion are responsible for "hair-darkening" and "hair-nourishing" effects, while TSG demonstrates impressive regenerative properties, with studies showing "significantly increased" hair growth and length in mice.
The root may also "influence several processes involved in hair loss and regrowth at the same time," according to the researchers. Specifically, the team believes Fo Ti activates key signaling pathways including Wnt (搜索) and Shh—both closely linked to the shift from resting phases into active growth in hair follicles—prevents follicle cells from dying prematurely, and improves blood flow to the scalp, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to follicles. The review further indicates that Polygonum multiflorum (搜索) may help reduce the impact of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone that gradually shrinks hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia (搜索).
"Our analysis bridges ancient wisdom and modern science," said Bixian Han, the first author of the review. "What surprised us was how consistently historical texts—from the Tang Dynasty onward—described effects that align perfectly with today's understanding of hair biology. Modern studies now confirm that this isn't folklore; it's pharmacology."
Safety Profile and Processing Considerations
The review highlights that properly processed Polygonum multiflorum (搜索) demonstrates a favorable safety profile, particularly when compared to existing pharmacotherapies. Finasteride has been associated with sexual side effects, while minoxidil can cause scalp irritation—concerns that drive many patients to seek alternatives perceived as safer or more natural.
"When properly processed—a key step in traditional preparation—the herb shows a favorable safety profile, making it more acceptable to patients wary of side effects like sexual dysfunction or scalp irritation linked to current medications," the article notes.
However, the authors acknowledge reports of liver injury associated with the root in previously healthy patients, attributing these instances to improper processing and individual genetic susceptibility. The researchers emphasize that future investigation should focus on precision application in controlled settings with standardized processes to mitigate potential toxicity risks.
Emerging Corroborative Evidence
Four months after the review's publication, an unrelated team in South Korea tested Polygonum multiflorum (搜索) on dermal papilla cells ex vivo, with results published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Physiology. That team found that plant-derived vesicles—tiny vehicles that transport bioactive components—significantly enhanced human hair follicle elongation, indicating stimulation of the hair growth phase.
The Road Ahead
Despite the promising findings, the researchers stress that much more clinical testing is needed before Fo Ti could approach replacing modern treatments. Much of the current support comes from laboratory studies, historical records, and limited clinical observations. Large, carefully designed human trials would be necessary to confirm efficacy and safety across different patient populations.
The review points to a broader scientific implication: traditional remedies may contain biologically active compounds capable of inspiring new therapies when rigorously studied with modern methods. For the millions affected by androgenetic alopecia (搜索), the research offers a cautiously hopeful message—a root used for over a thousand years may not yet replace today's treatments, but it could help guide the next generation of hair regrowth therapies.