Hu zhang (Polygonum cuspidatum) is a plant native to Asia. The root is commonly used as part of traditional medicine in countries throughout Asia.
Hu zhang contains chemicals that might reduce symptoms of allergies. It also contains chemicals that might have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
People use hu zhang for hay fever, diabetes, gout, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using hu zhang for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hu zhang is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hu zhang is safe to use when pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Hu zhang might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use hu zhang until more is known.
Surgery: Hu zhang contains resveratrol. Resveratrol is a chemical that might slow blood clotting. Hu zhang might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using hu zhang at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Hu zhang might slow down how quickly the body breaks down carbamazepine. This might increase the amount of carbamazepine in the body and increase the risk of side effects. If you take carbamazepine, talk to your healthcare provider before taking hu zhang.
Estrogens
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Hu zhang seems to have some of the same effects as estrogen. Taking hu zhang along with estrogens might decrease the effects of estrogens.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Hu zhang might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Hu zhang might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Hu zhang might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Hu zhang might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Hu zhang might slow blood clotting. Taking hu zhang along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Hu zhang might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of hu zhang might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Bambou Japonais, Bambou Mexicain, Extrait de Hu Zhang, Fallopia japonica, Fleece Flower, Giant Knotweed, He Shou Wu, Hojang-geun, Huzhang, Hu Zhang Extract, Hu Zhang Root, Itadori, Itadori-Kon, Japanese Bamboo, Japanese Knotweed, Japanese Knotwood, Mexican Bamboo, PCWE, Persicaire Cuspidée, Polygoni Multiflora, Polygonum cuspidatum, Racine de Hu Zhang, Renouée à Feuilles Pointues, Renouée du Japon, Renouée Japonaise, Reynoutria japonica, Tiger Cane.
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