Polygonum multiflorum is good for men with erectile dysfunction.

For men with erectile dysfunction and difficulty conceiving, use 20g of Polygonum multiflorum, 16g each of mistletoe, Lycium barbarum, and Achyranthes bidentata, decocted and drunk.

Red Polygonum multiflorum plant. Photo: thaoduocducthinh.

Vietnam has two types of Polygonum multiflorum: red and white. The type most commonly used in medicine is red Polygonum multiflorum. According to Dr. Vo Van Chi, author of the Dictionary of Vietnamese Medicinal Plants, red Polygonum multiflorum has the scientific name Fallopia multiflora (Thunb.) Haradson (Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.), belonging to the Polygonaceae family.

This is a perennial climbing herbaceous plant with twining stems. The stems are 5-7 meters long, growing in a spiral pattern, purplish-green in color, and hairless. The roots are swollen and tuberous, brown on the outside and red on the inside. The leaves are alternate with long petioles; the leaf blades resemble those of water spinach, with a narrow heart-shaped base, a long pointed tip, and entire margins. The small white flowers grow in clusters of many panicles in the leaf axils or at the tips of the branches. The fruit is a triangular, black achene.

Polygonum multiflorum grows wild in shady places, along streams, rocky ravines, shrub forests, valleys, and at the foot of mountains at altitudes from 500 to 1,600 meters. It is widely distributed in Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Son La, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Hanoi, Hoa Binh, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh provinces. It is also found in some other countries such as China and Japan.

Traditional Chinese medicine uses the root of the plant, known as Polygonum multiflorum, as a medicinal herb. It is harvested in winter when the plant has withered. The roots are washed, the small rootlets are removed, small roots are left whole, and large roots are sliced ​​and dried for medicinal use. It can be used fresh, unprocessed, or cooked with black beans. The stem is also used. The leaves can be used as a vegetable, and the vines can also be used medicinally.

Polygonum multiflorum has a bitter, astringent, slightly sweet taste, and is neutral in nature. Its effects include nourishing the blood, preserving essence, harmonizing qi and blood, strengthening the liver and kidneys, strengthening tendons and bones, and lubricating the intestines. Some texts state: The root has a bitter, slightly astringent taste and is cool in nature; the stem has a sweet, astringent taste and is neutral in nature. Its effects include clearing heat, detoxifying, relieving pain, stopping bleeding, regulating menstruation, nourishing the liver and kidneys, and nourishing the blood and dispelling wind.

Polygonum multiflorum is commonly used to treat kidney failure, liver weakness, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, chronic malaria, anemia, back pain, knee pain, nocturnal emissions, vaginal discharge, blood in urine and stool, dryness, constipation, and skin diseases. Long-term use helps to darken beards and hair in people with premature graying, making hair less dry and reducing hair loss.

Sketch of the red Polygonum multiflorum plant and tuber.

Pharmacological analysis revealed that the root of Polygonum multiflorum contains 1.7% antraglucosides, including emodin, chysophanol, rhein, and physcion. It also contains lecithin, rhaponticin, and 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystibene-2-o-β-D-glucoside. Before processing, Polygonum multiflorum contains 7.68% tannin, 0.25% free anthraquinone derivatives, and 0.8058% total anthraquinone derivatives. After processing, it contains 3.82% tannin and 0.1127% total anthraquinone derivatives.

A decoction of Polygonum multiflorum helps lower blood sugar levels and is beneficial for cases of nervous exhaustion and neurological disorders. Additionally, it helps increase heart activity, produce blood, increase intestinal contractions, improve digestion, and fight inflammation.

Dr. Vo Van Chi introduces several herbal remedies using Polygonum multiflorum as follows:

- For elderly people with arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, or men with weak sperm and difficulty conceiving: Use 20g of Polygonum multiflorum, 16g each of mulberry mistletoe, goji berries, and Achyranthes root, decoct and drink.

- For high blood cholesterol: Roast 900g of fresh Polygonum multiflorum root until crispy, then grind into a powder. Take 15g each time, with warm boiled water. Twice a day for 30 consecutive days.

According to VNE