How Much Fo-Ti Will Benefit Hair Growth?

Fo-ti is a perennial Chinese herb, the roots of which are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Known by many names, such as climbing knotweed, he shou wu, and shou wu pian, fo-ti has been used for centuries to treat skin problems, constipation, liver disease, and graying of hair. But can it benefit hair growth, and what dosage is necessary?

Recommended Fo-Ti Dosage for Hair Loss

Fo-ti can be used in the form of raw extracts, as a decoction, in capsules, and as tea.

Studies on fo-ti relating to the hair show that raw extracts made with ethanol as well as a steamed decoction made with black soybean have been used. These are classified as raw radix P multiflorum (RPM) and P. multiflorum preparata (PMP).

The Chinese Pharmacopeia (2015 edition) specifies that the dose of RPM should not exceed 3–6 g per day, while that of PMP is a maximum of 3–12 g per day to avoid toxicity and adverse effects (1).

A practitioner can recommend the most appropriate dosage for use of fo-ti depending on an individual’s age, medical conditions, and requirements for desired results.

How Does Fo-Ti Improve Hair Growth?

Modern research affirms that fo-ti is effective in dealing with early graying and pigmentation problems (2).

It is proven that fo-ti works on the FGF-7 gene, a secreted protein that helps repair cells leading to regeneration of hair growth. Fo-ti helps to enhance the growth (anagen) stage and increases hair follicles for better hair growth and development.

Sometimes, hair loss can occur due to increased sex hormones (androgens) such as DHT (dihydrotestosterone) that weaken hair shafts and cause hair loss. Studies show that fo-ti displays anti-androgenic properties that help minimize the effects of these androgens to prevent hair loss (3).