He Shou Wu
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 66 participants, researched for Hair Health, Anti-Aging, Neuroprotection.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Hair Health
WeakAnti-Aging
WeakNeuroprotection
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Hair Health
To investigate He Shou Wu on hair follicle growth and cycling
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate He Shou Wu on hair follicle growth and cycling
Dose
Polygonum multiflorum extract
Participants
C57BL/6 mice (hair cycling model)
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Polygonum multiflorum significantly promoted anagen phase of hair growth and induced hair follicle proliferation, supporting traditional use for hair loss.
How They Measured It
Hair follicle histology, anagen/telogen ratio, growth factors
To review clinical studies of Polygonum multiflorum and isolated bioactive compounds including for alopecia
Study Type
Clinical review
Purpose
To review clinical studies of Polygonum multiflorum and isolated bioactive compounds including for alopecia
Dose
Various
Participants
Multiple clinical studies reviewed
Duration
Various
Results
PMT demonstrated clinical benefits for hair graying, alopecia, and hair growth restoration. Resveratrol and stilbene glycosides identified as key bioactive compounds. PMCID: PMC4471648
How They Measured It
Systematic review of clinical applications
To investigate 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG) from He Shou Wu on melanocyte function
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To investigate 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG) from He Shou Wu on melanocyte function
Dose
Various concentrations
Participants
Human melanocyte cultures
Duration
N/A
Results
TSG from He Shou Wu significantly stimulated melanocyte proliferation and melanin production, providing mechanistic basis for traditional use in reversing hair graying.
How They Measured It
Melanin production, melanocyte proliferation, tyrosinase activity
Anti-Aging
To investigate Polygonum multiflorum on aging biomarkers in SAMP8 mice
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate Polygonum multiflorum on aging biomarkers in SAMP8 mice
Dose
2.5 g/kg PM extract
Participants
SAMP8 accelerated aging mice
Duration
8 weeks
Results
PM significantly improved learning and memory, increased antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced oxidative stress markers in senescence-accelerated mice.
How They Measured It
Learning/memory tests, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative markers
To assess stilbene glucoside (TSG) from He Shou Wu on lifespan in C. elegans
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To assess stilbene glucoside (TSG) from He Shou Wu on lifespan in C. elegans
Dose
Various concentrations
Participants
C. elegans (nematode aging model)
Duration
Lifespan study
Results
TSG significantly extended C. elegans lifespan by 23%, activated DAF-16 (FOXO transcription factor), and increased stress resistance. PMID: 22951208
How They Measured It
Lifespan measurement, DAF-16 activation, oxidative stress resistance
To review Polygonum multiflorum phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and detoxification
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To review Polygonum multiflorum phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and detoxification
Dose
Various
Participants
N/A
Duration
N/A
Results
PM exerts anti-aging, neuroprotective, hair-restorative, and anti-atherosclerotic effects. Safety concerns regarding hepatotoxicity noted - adequate processing required. PMID: 31644102
How They Measured It
Comprehensive literature review
Neuroprotection
To investigate TSG from He Shou Wu on Alzheimer's disease pathology
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate TSG from He Shou Wu on Alzheimer's disease pathology
Dose
30 mg/kg TSG
Participants
APP/PS1 transgenic AD mice
Duration
6 months
Results
TSG significantly reduced amyloid-beta deposition, decreased tau phosphorylation, and improved spatial memory in Alzheimer's transgenic mice. PMID: 22414685
How They Measured It
Amyloid-beta, tau phosphorylation, cognitive tests
To assess Polygonum multiflorum on cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation in aged rats
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To assess Polygonum multiflorum on cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation in aged rats
Dose
200 mg/kg PM extract
Participants
Aged Sprague-Dawley rats
Duration
8 weeks
Results
PM supplementation significantly improved spatial memory, reduced neuroinflammation markers, and enhanced cholinergic neurotransmission in aged rats. PMID: 26382695
How They Measured It
Morris water maze, inflammatory cytokines, cholinergic function
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about He Shou Wu research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum), involving 66 total participants. Research covers Hair health, Anti-aging, Neuroprotection. The overall evidence strength is rated as Weak.
The evidence is currently rated as "Weak Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (0 human studies, 5 animal studies), and reported outcomes.
He Shou Wu has been researched for: Hair health, Anti-aging, Neuroprotection. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Currently all 8 studies on He Shou Wu are animal or in-vitro studies. Human clinical trials are needed before the evidence can be rated above "Weak".
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