Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Fo-Ti (Polygonum multiflorum or He Shou Wu) has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is reputed to promote longevity and youthful appearance, including reducing wrinkles and other signs of aging. Its use for wrinkles is primarily based on traditional beliefs and anecdotal reports rather than robust scientific evidence. TCM texts suggest that Fo-Ti can nourish the liver and kidneys, replenish "jing" (vital essence), and, by extension, help maintain youthful skin. However, the scientific studies investigating Fo-Ti’s effects on skin aging and wrinkle reduction are minimal and generally limited to laboratory or animal research focused on antioxidant effects or hair growth, rather than direct clinical trials on human skin aging or wrinkle formation.

A few in vitro and animal studies suggest that Fo-Ti contains antioxidant compounds (such as stilbene glycosides) that may help protect cells from oxidative stress, which is implicated in skin aging. Nevertheless, these findings have not been directly translated into clinical benefits for wrinkle reduction in humans. No high-quality, peer-reviewed clinical trials specifically support its efficacy for treating or preventing wrinkles. Thus, while Fo-Ti is traditionally used for this purpose in Chinese herbal medicine, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for wrinkles is currently weak.

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