Botanical Name: Polygonum Multiflorum
Ho shou wu is widely used in China for the traditional purpose of restoring hair and other signs
of youth. The treatment of alopecia has been investigated. The treatments often contain hoshou-
wu. According to the English-Chinese Encyclopedia of Practical Traditional Chinese
Medicine, "alopecia is mostly caused by deficiency of liver and kidney with subsequent failure
of [blood to go up and nourish] the hair. The hair pores are open when the hair is poorly
nourished, and wind invades the pores on the occasion. Therefore, deficient blood with wind
[invasion] leads to hair loss. However, stagnation of liver qi and impaired qi mechanism will also
result in hair loss because of the malnutrition of hair due to stagnation of qi and stasis of blood."
Botanical Name: Eclipta Prostrata syn.: eclipta alba
This Ayurvedic herb is found throughout India as well as the southwestern part of the United
States. This is the main herb for the hair and cirrhosis in Ayurvedic medicine. It is believed to
prevent aging, maintain and rejuvenate hair, teeth, bones, memory, sight, and hearing. It is a
rejuvenative for pitta, kidneys, and liver. The root powder is used in Ayurvedic medicine for
hepatitis, enlarged spleen, and skin disorders.
Examples of tonic preparations containing ho-shou-wu and eclipta claimed useful for alopecia:
1) Shengfa Wan (literally, pill to generate hair) was reported in the Sichuan Journal of
Traditional Chinese Medicine (1987). Treatment time was 1-3 months, with an effective rate
reported to be 62%1;
2) A similar formula Shengfa Yin in the Hubei Journal of Traditional
Chinese Medicine (1988) was reported to cure 30 of 36 persons affected by alopecia areata,
with 4 others improved (2).
A double-blind placebo-controlled study of an anti-aging mixture containing ho-shou-wu was
conducted with 507 persons and reported in the Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and
Western Medicine (1986). A number of symptoms and signs associated with aging were
monitored. The herb treatment group had nearly 77% of patients showing improvements,
including a reduction in alopecia during a 3 month trial3. The Hospital of Prevention (713 study),
results over 6 months reported over 90% of patient's had noticeable re-growth to varying
degree's and approx. 95% of patient's tested, of all ages, experienced excessive hair loss
stoppage.
Botanical Name: Poria Cocos
A widely used and important herb in Chinese pharmacopoeia. This herb has been used in TCM
for lowering blood sugar and controlling stomach acids. Poria has anti-emetic activity, anticarcinogenesis,
anti-edema effect, and prevents toxicity. These medicinal activities may be
related to its immune modulating function. The polysaccharides are responsible for this
modulating function.
Botanical Name: Hydrocotyle Asiatica syn.: centella asiatica
According to pharmacological studies, one outcome of gotu kola’s complex actions is a
balanced effect on cells and tissues participating in the process of healing, particularly
connective tissues. One of its constituents, asiaticoside, works to stimulate skin repair and
strengthen skin, hair, nails and connective tissue (Kartnig, 1988)4. Recent studies show that
the herb has positive effects on the circulatory system. It seems to improve the flow of blood
throughout the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries. In a study, its effects on
metabolism in the connective tissue of the vascular wall and on the microcirculation are
presented and discussed. The compound, TTFCA, found in centella asiatica. is effective in
venous insufficiency, reducing ankle edema, foot swelling, capillary filtration rate and by
improving microcirculatory parameters. The compound was well tolerated and no unwanted
effects were observed (5).
PRIMARY SOURCES
1. Jiang Haiyan, Treatment of 21 cases of alopecia with Shengfa Wan, Sichuan Journal of
Traditional Chinese Medicine 1987; 5(4): 47-48.
2. Lan Ke and Chen Huiren, Treatment of 36 cases of alopecia areata with Shengfa Yin, Hubei
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1988; 6: 19.
3. Du Xin, et al., Anti-aging effect of Huolisu -A controlled, double-blind study of 507 subjects of
middle and old age, Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine 1986;
6(5): 271-274.
4. Kartnig T. (1988), Clinical applications of Centella asiatica (L) Urb. Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal
Plants: Recent Advances in Botany, Horticulture, and Pharmacology, vol. 3., ed. LE Craker,
JE Simon. Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press, 1986, 145–73.
5. Cesarone MR, Laurora G, De Sanctis MT, Incandela L, Grimaldi R, Marelli C, Belcaro G. The
microcirculatory activity of Centella asiatica in venous insufficiency. A double-blind study.
Minerva Cardioangiol. 1994 Jun; 42(6): 299-304. Pathak S. (1999), Tonics. Br J Gen Pract. 1999
Jun; 49(443): 486.
See a more detailed list of research material here: Bao Shi Research |
