"Does He Shou Wu Truly Stimulate Hair Growth?"

Polygonum Multiflorum's Role in Hair Growth and Gray Hair Prevention

Polygonum multiflorum, while not directly promoting hair growth, holds significance in preventing and treating gray hair. Here's why:

1. Research Insights:

The primary effects of Polygonum multiflorum encompass anti-aging, blood lipid reduction, and enhancement of the body's disease resistance. Given that gray hair prevention and treatment are intertwined with anti-aging, Polygonum multiflorum contributes to this endeavor.

2. Computer-Aided Analysis of Traditional Remedies:

Extensive screening of folk remedies, prescriptions, and traditional formulas for hair loss prevention, hair growth promotion, and gray hair management reveals that Polygonum multiflorum's usage within these formulations comprises only a portion, not ranking among the top ingredients. Additionally, follicle organ culture studies affirm that Polygonum multiflorum's impact on follicle growth is significantly inferior to that of Ligustrum lucidum, Astragalus, and other hair growth-stimulating agents. Consequently, Polygonum multiflorum's hair growth effects are not as remarkable as folklore suggests.

Presumably, the improvement of hair loss and graying, often viewed as aging markers, has been overstated, fostering a misconception that Polygonum multiflorum's primary pharmacological and therapeutic focus lies in hair growth and gray hair treatment, overshadowing its genuine anti-aging benefits. Aging manifests diversely, primarily impacting vital organ functions, with hair being a superficial manifestation. Strengthening the functions of essential organs like the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys naturally leads to improved hair health. This underscores Polygonum multiflorum's true efficacy.

3. Conclusion on Polygonum Multiflorum's Efficacy:

Standalone, Polygonum multiflorum's effectiveness in addressing hair-related issues is limited. Within the hierarchy of traditional Chinese medicine ingredients, where the primary ingredient is designated as the "Jun" (君主), followed by secondary and tertiary ingredients based on their relative potency, Polygonum multiflorum typically assumes a secondary or tertiary role. Folk beliefs positioning it as the primary ingredient in such formulations are scientifically inaccurate.