Fo-Ti (Polygonum multiflorum · He Shou Wu)

This study aimed to optimize the extraction and purification of TSG-enriched Polygonum multiflorum extract and evaluate its therapeutic potential against androgenetic alopecia. P. multiflorum Thunb. has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote hair growth and preserve hair pigmentation. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was optimized to obtain a 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG)-enriched P. multiflorum extract (PME). The crude extract was further purified by medium-pressure liquid chromatography and semipreparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Phytochemical profiling by HPLC demonstrated a 3.75-fold increase in TSG content, from 22,770.0 ± 815 ppm to 85,387.5 ± 192 ppm, and the identity of the enriched TSG was confirmed by LC-MS and 1H NMR spectroscopy. PME exhibited potent dose-dependent inhibition of 5α-reductase activity, reaching 92.7% inhibition at 1 μg/mL, comparable to that of finasteride. In a testosterone (TES)-induced androgenetic alopecia (AGA) mouse model, PME markedly accelerated hair regrowth and increased both the number and size of hair follicles. Mechanistically, PME suppressed the conversion of TES to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) through 5α-reductase inhibition and promoted GSK3β inactivation, β-catenin stabilization, and nuclear translocation, indicating activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Consequently, the expression of hair growth-related proteins, including Ki67 (1.98-fold), epidermal growth factor (EGF, 1.54-fold), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1, 1.21-fold), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, 1.34-fold), was significant

Seborrheic alopecia (SA) is one of the most common forms of hair loss with a complex pathogenesis involving multiple etiological factors. Although the scalp microbiome has been implicated in various scalp disorders, its specific role in the development and progression of SA remains incompletely understood. To characterize the scalp microbiome in SA, we performed high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and ITS region on scalp samples from 41 Chinese SA participants before and after a 12-week intervention with a shampoo containing herbal extracts (ginger root, Polygonum multiflorum, and Platycladus orientalis leaf) and 29 healthy controls. The untreated SA group exhibited significant microbial dysbiosis compared to the healthy controls, characterized by reduced bacterial and fungal alpha diversity and increased relative abundances of Staphylococcus, Cutibacterium, and Malassezia. LEfSe analysis confirmed the significant enrichment of these three genera. Correlation network analysis revealed a substantial restructuring of microbial interactions in the untreated SA group: Staphylococcus and Malassezia lost all positive correlations with other genera, whereas Cutibacterium displayed relatively stable topological relationships. Following the 12-week intervention, the treated SA group showed significant clinical improvement (reduced hair loss and scalp sebum content), along with a restoration of microbial diversity to levels comparable to the healthy group and a normaliza

INTRODUCTION: Polygonum multiflorum (PM), a traditional medicinal herb, is renowned for its regenerative effects on hair growth; however, its therapeutic application has been largely confined to crude extracts. Recent advances have highlighted plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) as natural carriers of bioactive molecules. This study aimed to evaluate the hair growth-promoting potential of nanovesicles derived from the roots of Polygonum multiflorum (PM-NVs). METHODS: PM-NVs were isolated from fresh PM roots using differential and density gradient ultracentrifugation. Their morphology was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) were treated with PM-NVs to assess proliferation using the CCK-8 assay and β-catenin activation via Western blot and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Ex vivo cultured human hair follicles (HFs) were treated with PM-NVs to evaluate hair shaft elongation. RESULTS: PM-NVs were spherical and efficiently internalized by DPCs. Treatment with PM-NVs significantly increased DPC proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, upregulated β-catenin protein levels,

Polygonum multiflorum is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used to nourish the blood, promote hair growth, and support neurological health. Its key bioactive component, 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (THSG), has shown potent antioxidant and anti-aging properties, making it a representative marker compound in modern pharmacological studies. We aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of THSG against cadmium (Cd)-induced neurotoxicity and to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms using both in vitro cellular models and an in vivo murine model. Male mice, 8 weeks of age, were randomly assigned to four groups: control, Cd-exposed, THSG-treated, and Cd+THSG co-treated. After 30 days of Cd exposure with or without THSG, behavioral tests, histological analysis, and assays for oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were conducted. In vitro, SH-SY5Y, BV2, and GL261 cells were used to investigate the cytoprotective and mechanistic effects of THSG against Cd-induced neurotoxicity via WST-1, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, LDH release, and immunofl

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hair plays an important roles in both local protection and information transmission. But as a widespread problem, the existing therapies of hair loss are limited. 2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-Glucoside (Tetrahydroxy stilbene glucoside, TSG) is the main active compound of a hair promoting herb, Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., that has been used in China for over 1000 years. However, its role and mechanism of action remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the promoting effect of TSG on hair growth and elucidate the mechanism by which TSG affects hair regeneration via Th22. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mouse skin explants and 3D ex vivo culture systems were employed to screen substances of P. multiflorum for promoting hair growth. The hair regeneration effect of TSG was explored via mice model by subcutaneous injection. The changes of biological dynamics, hair regeneration, histomorphology of skin, and morphology of hair follicle were observed. T cell subsets in peripheral blood was analyzed by Flow cytometry. Network pharmacology was used to predict the mechanism of TSG, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were u

This study aims to research and discuss the molecular mechanism of Polygonum multiflorum (PM) to treat androgenic alopecia (APA). The target network and protein interaction network of APA of PM were established using traditional Chinese medicine molecular mechanism bioinformatics databases and disease gene databases. The core subnetworks were screened based on topological analysis, and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed, molecular docking of the 10 genes with the highest connectivity. According to the intersection of active components and potential targets of PM, 1325 common target factors were obtained. The core subnetwork composed of 66 genes was screened by topological analysis. The results of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment showed that PM mainly exerts biological functions by regulating inflammatory response, oxidation stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and other pathways. The result of molecular docking shows that the binding energies of HRAS, PIK3CA, PIK3CB, and RHOA -resveratrol, -polygonin, -chrysophanol, -rheum emodin, and -rhein were all <-9 kcal/mol. PM's mechanism in treating APA may regulate the expression of PIK3CA and PIK3CB through the emodin-mediated phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway to regulate cell apoptosis. In addition, some processes, such as inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and inducing melanin production, are also involved. PM has application value in treating APA and can be popularized after testing.

This study examines the synergistic effects of extracts from Rhynchosia nulubilis (RN) and Polygonum multiflorum (PM) on the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and the alleviation of testosterone-induced cytotoxicity. Human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) were treated with varying concentrations of RN and PM extracts, administered both individually and in multiple combinations at different ratios. The findings indicated that a 4:1 combination of RN and PM extracts significantly enhanced hDPC proliferation relative to the individual extracts, particularly in the presence of testosterone, which induced cytotoxicity. A significant synergistic effect was observed at a 4:1 ratio, resulting in the creation of a human growth factor array to identify targets associated with this synergy. The combined-extract group exhibited elevated levels of two significant growth factors: insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3

RATIONALE: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a prevalent condition with progressive miniaturization of hair follicles. Currently, reliable treatments have remained limited, and complementary medications for AGA are still being investigated. Traditional Chinese medicine formulas have conspicuous advantages in the treatment of AGA with good development prospects. Zimmer aqueous spray (ZAS) is a water spray containing Zimmer herbal extract powder (ZMWP), which consists of Ligustri lucidi Fructus, Ecliptae Herba, Fallopia multiflora (Thunb.) Harald. and Polygonatum sibiricum Delar. ex Redoute, etc. ZMWP is an active ingredient in the prevention of hair loss. Our aim is to provide evidence for the effectiveness of ZAS in the treatment of AGA. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 41-year-old man had suffered from hair loss for 8 years. INTERVENTIONS: The patient with moderate AGA received 3 to 4 mL ZAS daily or every other day for 3 months. OUTCOMES: The hair density obviously increased after 3 months of therapy. The improvement of hair diameter, vellus hair rate, and 1 hair pilosebaceous unit rate were observed with a trichoscopy and quantitatively analyzed. Besides, honeycomb pigment pattern mitigated and arborized red lines. LESSONS: The results suggested that ZMWP might have the capability of improving hair growth and attenuating AGA, which can be a promising alternative treatment of AGA.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (exosomes) possess regeneration, cell proliferation, wound healing, and anti-senescence capabilities. The functions of exosomes can be modified by preconditioning MSCs through treatment with bio-pulsed reagents (Polygonum multiflorum Thunb extract). However, the beneficial effects of bio-pulsed small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) on the skin or hair remain unknown. This study investigated the in vitro mechanistic basis through which bio-pulsed sEVs enhance the bioactivity of the skin fibroblasts and hair follicle cells. Avian-derived MSCs (AMSCs) were isolated, characterized, and bio-pulsed to produce AMSC-sEVs, which were isolated, lyophilized, characterized, and analyzed. The effects of bio-pulsed AMSC-sEVs on cell proliferation, wound healing, and gene expression associated with skin and hair bioactivity were examined using human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) and follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs). Bio-pulsed treatment significantly enhanced sEVs production by possibly upregulating RAB27A expression in AMSCs. Bio-pulsed AMSC-sEVs contained more exosomal proteins and RNAs than the control. Bio-pulsed AMSC-sEVs significantly augmented cell proliferation, wound healing, and gene expression in

BACKGROUND: Finasteride and minoxidil are two commonly used drugs for the treatment of hair loss. However, these two drugs have certain side effects. Thus, the further elucidation of treatments for hair loss, including those using Chinese herbal medicine, remains important clini

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) has a high incidence. Excess dihydrotestosterone in blood capillaries, which is converted from testosterone by 5α-reductase, is an AGA causative factor. We identified the inhibitory activity of four Polygonum multiflorum compounds against 5α-reductase via high-performance liquid chromatography, and the results showed that Physcion was a potent 5α-reductase inhibitor. Additionally, we found that through inhibiting 5α-reductase expression, Physcion could shorten the time of dorsal skin darkening and hair growth, improve hair follicle morphology, and significantly increase hair follicle count. Eventually, through molecular docking study, we found the binding energy and molecular interactions between Physcion and 5α-reductase type II. These results suggested that Physcion is a potent 5α-reductase inhibitor, as well as a new na

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Polygonum multiflorum (Thunb.) (PMT) is a member of Polygonaceae. Traditional Chinese medicine considers that the processed PMT can tonify liver, nourish blood and blacken hair. In recent years, the processed PMT and its active ingredients have significant therapeutic effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis and liver cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY: The main purpose of this review is to provide a critical appraisal of the existing knowledge on the clinical application, hepatoprotective pharmacology and hepatotoxicity, it provides a comprehensive evaluation of the liver function of the processed PMT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A detailed literature search was conducted using various online search engines, such as Pubmed, Google Scholar, Mendeley, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. The main active components of the processed PMT and the important factors in the occurrence and development of liver diseases are used as key words to carry out detailed literature retrieval. RESULTS: In animal and cell models, the processed PMT and active components can treat various liver diseases, such

BACKGROUND: Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) play a key role in hair growth among the various cell types in hair follicles. Especially, DPCs determine the fate of hair follicle such as anagen to telogen transition and play a pivotal role in androgenic alopecia (AGA). This study was performed to elucidate the hair growth promoting effects of Polygonum multiflorum extract (PM extract) in cultured human DPCs and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The effects of PM extract on cultured DPCs were investigated. Cell viability and mitochondrial activity were measured by CCK-8 and JC-1 analysis, respectively. Western blotting, dot blotting, ELISA analysis, immunocytochemistry and real-time PCR analysis were also performed to elucidate the changes in protein and mRNA levels induced by PM extract. 3D cultured DPC spheroids were constructed for mimicking the in vivo DPs. The hair growth stimulatory effect of PM extract was evaluated using human hair follicle organ culture model. RESULTS: PM extract increased the viability and mitochondrial activity in cultured human DPCs in a dose dependent manner. The expression of Bcl2, an anti-apoptotic protein expressed dominantly in anagen was significantly increased and that of BAD, a pro-apoptotic protein expressed in early catagen was decreased by PM extract in cultured DPCs and/or 3D DPC spheroid culture. PM extract also decreased the expression of catagen inducing protein, Dkk-1. Growth factors

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA)-based nanoparticles draw remarkable attention as drug delivery agents due to their controlled release characteristics, low toxicity, and biocompatibility. 4HGF is an herbal mixture of Phellinus linteus grown on germinated brown rice, Cordyceps militaris grown on germinated soybeans, Polygonum multiflorum, Ficus carica, and Cocos nucifera oil. Here, we encapsulated 4HGF within PGA-based hydrogel nanoparticles, prepared by simple ionic gelation with chitosan, to facilitate its penetration into hair follicles (HFs). In this study, we report the hair promoting activity of 4HGF encapsulated with PGA nanoparticles (PGA-4HGF) and their mechanism, compared to 4HGF alone. The average size of spherical nanoparticles was ~400 nm in diameter. Continuous release of PGA-4HGF was observed in a simulated physiological condition. As expected, PGA-4HGF treatment increased hair length, induced earlier anagen initiation, and elongated the duration of the anagen phase in C57BL/6N mice, compared with free 4HGF treatment. PGA-4HGF significantly increased dermal papilla cell proliferation and induced cell cycle progression. PGA-4HGF also significantly increased the total amount of β-catenin protein expression, a stimulator of the anagen phase, through induction of cyclinD1 and CDK4 protein levels, compared to free 4HGF treatment. Our findings underscore the potential of PGA nanocapsules to efficiently deliver 4HGF into HFs, hence promoting hair-growth. Therefore, PG

A vast array of plant-based compounds has enriched red biotechnology to serve the human health and food. A peculiar medicinal plant which was an element of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries as a liver and kidney tonic, for life longevity and hair blackening, is Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM) which is popularly known as "He shou wu" or "Fo-ti" and is rich in chemical components like stilbenes, quinones, and flavonoids which have been used as anti-aging, anti-alopecia, anti-cancer, anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-atherosclerosis, and immunomodulating and hepatoprotective agents in the modern medicine. The health benefits from PM are attained since long through commercial products such as PM root powder, extract, capsules, tincture, shampoo, and body sprays in the market. Currently, the production of these pharmaceuticals and functional foods possessing stilbenes, quinones, and flavonoids is through cell and organ cultures to meet the commercial demand. However, hepatotoxic effects of PM-based products are the stumbling blocks for its long-term usage. The current review encompasses a comprehensive account of bioactive compounds of PM roots, their biological activities as well as efficacy and toxicity issues of PM ingredients and future perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Although alopecia affects the quality of life, its pathogenesis is unknown, because cellular interactions in the hair follicle are complex. Several authors have suggested using herbal medicine to treat alopecia, and bioinformatics and network pharmacology may constitute a new research strategy in this regard because herbal medicines contain various chemical components. This study used association rule mining (ARM) and network analysis to analyze the combinat

The effect of Polygonum multiflorum against hair loss has been widely recognized. 2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG) is the main component of Polygonum multiflorum; however, its role in hair regeneration has not been established. To evaluate the hair growth-promoting activity of TSG, depilated C57BL/6J mice were topically treated with normal saline, TSG, Pifithrin-α, Minoxidil for 2 weeks. In this study, we identified that p53, Caspase-3, Active Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 were obviously upregulated in the skin of human and mice with hair loss by western blot analysis. Depilated mice treated with TSG showed markedly hair regrowth. TUNEL+ cells were also reduced in mice with TSG. These changes were accompanied with inhibition of Fas, p53, Bax, Active Caspase-3, and Procaspase-9 activities. These results demonstrated that TSG exerts great hair regrowth effect on hair loss, which was probably mediated by inhibition of p53, Fas, and Bax induced apoptosis.

2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (THSG) is active component of the Chinese medicinal plant Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (THSG). Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that THSG exhibits numerous biological functions in treating atherosclerosis, lipid metabolism, vascular and cardiac remodeling, vascular fibrosis, cardiac-cerebral ischemia, learning and memory disorders, neuroinflammation, Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases, diabetic complications, hair growth problems, and numerous other conditions. This review focuses on the biological effects of THSG in antiaging and antiaging-related disease treatments and discusses its molecular mechanisms.

Polygonum multiflorum is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history in hair growth promotion and hair blackening. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect and the mechanism of Polygonum multiflorum in hair blackening. C57BL/6 mice hair fade was induced with H2O2 and used in this research. Hair pigmentogenesis promotion activities of Polygonum Multiflorum Radix (PMR, raw crude drug), Polygonum Multiflorum Radix Preparata (PMRP, processed crude drug), and their major chemical constituent TSG were investigated. The regulation effects of several cytokines and enzymes such as POMC, α-MSH, MC1R, ASIP, MITF, TYR, TRP-1, and TRP-2 were investigated. PMR group gave out the most outstanding black hair among all groups with the highest contents of total melanin, α-MSH, MC1R, and TYR. Promotion of hair pigmentogenesis was slightly decreased after processing in the PMRP group. TSG as the major constituent of PMR showed weaker hair color regulation effects than both PMR and PMRP. PMR, but not PMRP, should be used to blacken hair. The α-MSH, MC1R, and TYR were the major targets in the medicinal use of PMR in hair graying. Chemical constituents other than TSG may contribute to the hair color regulation activity of PMR.

Polygonum multiflorum Radix (PMR) has long history in hair growth promotion and hair coloring in clinical applications. However, several crucial problems in its clinic usage and mechanisms are still unsolved or lack scientific evidences. In this research, C57BL/6J mice were used to investigate hair growth promotion activity and possible mechanism of PMR and Polygonum multiflorum Radix Preparata (PMRP). Hair growth promotion activities were investigated by hair length, hair covered skin ratio, the number of follicles, and hair color. Regulation effects of several cytokines involved in the hair growth procedure were tested, such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF-7), Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), β-catenin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Oral PMR groups had higher hair covered skin ratio (100 ± 0.00%) than oral PMRP groups (48%~88%). However, topical usage of PMRP had about 90% hair covered skin ratio. Both oral administration of PMR and topically given PMRP showed hair growth promotion activities. PMR was considered to be more suitable for oral administration, while PMRP showed greater effects in external use. The hair growth promotion effect of oral PMR was most probably mediated by the expression of FGF-7, while topical PMRP promoted hair growth by the stimulation of SHH expression.