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Fo-Ti (polygonum multiflorum), also known as Chinese climbing knotweed or “he shou wu,” is a popular, nutrient-rich herbal remedy common in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used in creams, supplements, and ointments for various skin ailments and medical conditions for centuries.
How does Fo-Ti promote overall hair health?
Fo-Ti is regarded in Chinese medicine as the holy grail of hair health due to its powerful anti-aging and longevity properties. While Fo-Ti can reap numerous benefits on the body, the most popular is its effect on hair health.
What are the potential benefits of Fo-Ti root for the hair?
Promotes healthy hair growth
Fo-Ti root contains compounds that may help to promote healthy hair growth. In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers found that Fo-Ti root extract promoted hair growth in mice by increasing the number and size of hair follicles. The researchers suggested that Fo-Ti root extract may be a beneficial natural remedy for hair loss.
Reduces premature graying
Fo-Ti root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to reduce premature graying for centuries. In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, researchers found that Fo-Ti root extract increased melanin production. This pigment gives hair its color in human hair follicle cells. The researchers suggested that Fo-Ti root extract may be a beneficial natural remedy for premature graying.
Protects the hair from damage
Fo-Ti root contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can damage the hair follicles, leading to hair loss and thinning. In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers found that Fo-Ti root extract had strong antioxidant activity and may be a useful natural remedy for hair health.
Improves blood circulation in the scalp
Improved blood circulation in the scalp can help deliver more nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth. In a study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, researchers found that Fo-Ti root extract improved blood circulation in the scalp of rats. The researchers suggested that Fo-Ti root extract may be a beneficial natural remedy for hair loss.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Fo-Ti root has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce scalp inflammation. Inflammation can damage the hair follicles, leading to hair loss and thinning. In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, researchers found that Fo-Ti root extract reduced inflammation in human hair follicle cells. The researchers suggested that Fo-Ti root extract may be a useful natural remedy for hair health.
How does Fo-Ti help reduce hair graying?
Fo-Ti neutralizes the effect of hydrogen peroxide.
Small amounts of hydrogen peroxide molecules are naturally formed in our cells. With time, this molecule is believed to damage the hair melanocytes, reduce the production of melanin, and thus, cause premature graying of the hair. One study found that taking Fo-Ti prevented hair bleaching effects of hydrogen peroxide and thus prevented and reversed hair graying.
Fo-Ti increases blood circulation and melanin production.
In another study, Polygonum multiflorum root extract has been shown to stimulate melanin synthesis by activating plasma membrane receptors MC1R. Fo-Ti can also stimulate proper blood circulation throughout the body, including the scalp, which improves hair growth rate and nourishment by increasing melanin production, feeding, and supporting hair follicles.
Fo-Ti stimulates the hair growth cycle.
Studies have shown that Fo-Ti (polygonum multiflorum) can help speed up the transition of hair follicles from the dormant stage of hair growth (telogen phase) to the growth stage (anagen phase) by working on the FGF0-7 gene, which encodes proteins particular to epithelial cell growth. This is especially important to those suffering from hair thinning or hair loss.
In a recent study, researchers found that oral administrations of Fo-Ti and topical Fo-Ti could promote hair growth. According to their results, the hair growth promotion effect of oral Fo-Ti was most probably mediated by the expression of Fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF-7). At the same time, topical Fo-Ti promotes hair growth by stimulating the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) gene expression. This founding enhanced our confidence in natural products application in the field of hair promotion in the future.
In one study, 26 pre-and postmenopausal women used Fo-ti for six months. After six months, of 26 participants, 25 (97%) have seen a significant improvement in hair loss, and 20 of the 26 participants (77%) reported a “significant” and “dramatic” improvement in hair thickness.
In another study, 24 men and 24 women (30–60) (n = 24) with different types of hair loss (age-related, stress- and medication-induced, and postpartum) received Fo-ti extract twice a day. After one month of treatment, 91% of men and 87% of women reported improvement. None of the study participants reported any side effects during the treatment period.
How to use Fo-Ti for hair health?
There are two common ways to use this herb - orally and topically.
Oral consumption of Fo-Ti.
Like many herbs, Fo-Ti can be taken orally in its raw form as a powder, extract, or capsule. While it is traditionally consumed as tea, it can be eaten as a soup or taken as a supplement. A typical dose is 2 - 3 grams, two to three times daily. Since this can have a mild sedative effect on some individuals, it is recommended to take it in the evening before bed.
Serums, Shampoos, and conditioners with Fo-TI.
Serums containing Fo-Ti can be applied directly to the scalp to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health. Fo-Ti serums can improve blood circulation and promote healthy hair growth. They can also help to reduce inflammation and protect the scalp from damage caused by free radicals.
Shampoos and conditioners containing Fo-Ti can promote healthy hair growth and improve hair texture. They can also help to reduce premature graying and protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals. Fo-Ti shampoos and conditioners can help to nourish and strengthen the hair and can be used regularly to promote healthy, strong hair.
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Shop Fo-ti hair treatment conditioner.
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References
- Hair Growth Promotion Activity and Its Mechanism of Polygonum multiflorum
- Topical application of Polygonum multiflorum extract induces hair growth of resting hair follicles through upregulating Shh and β-catenin expression in C57BL/6 mice.
- Mechanistic Studies on the Use of Polygonum multiflorum for the Treatment of Hair Graying
- Hair Growth Promotion Activity and Its Mechanism of Polygonum multiflorum
- Polygonum multiflorum root extract is a potential candidate for the treatment of early graying hair
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