Polygonum multiflorum

Polygonum multiflorum, better known as Chinese knotweed or Flowery knotweed, is a widely used Chinese herb. It is said to rejuvenate the body, and is also commonly known as fo-ti, fo-ti-teng, ho shou wu, or he shou wu (何首乌). He Shouwu, a Chinese man who is reputed to have lived until the age of 132, is the first consumer of this herb to be reported.

The Chinese patent medicine called Shou Wu Chih has Polygonum multiflorum as one of its primary ingredients.

The roots contain considerable amounts of lecithin.

As a herb specimen, it is a quickly spreading vine that will cover anything rapidly. There are delicate flowers that appear in the fall.

Medicinal use
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), P. multiflorum is believed to:


 * Tonify the kidneys
 * Balance a fragile yin.
 * Treat weak bones and premature graying of hair
 * Protection of skin against UVB damage

When taken internally, P. multiflorum also has a laxative effect.

P. multiflorum contains stilbene glycosides similar sex to resveratrol and with superior antioxidant activity. Resveratrol is extracted from P. multiflorum's close relative, Japanese knotweed (P.Cuspidatum) Resveratrol has been suggested to extend lifespan by a variety of mechanisms.