Japanese Knotweed

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Introduction to Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed is a large, herbaceous perennial plant, native to eastern Asia in Japan, China and Korea.  In North America and Europe the species is very successful and has been classified as invasive in several countries.  A member of the family Polygonaceae, Japanese Knotweed has hollow stems with distinct raised nodes that give it the appearance of bamboo, though it is not closely related.  While stems may reach a maximum height of 3-4 meters each growing season, it is typical to see much smaller plants.

Japanese Knotweed can be found in 39 of the 50 United States and in six provinces in Canada. 

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Benefits of Japanese Knotweed
 
Japanese Knotweed is a highly concentrated source of the highly touted supplement, Resveratrol.  Many large supplement sources of Resveratrol now use Japanese Knotweed and use it scientific name (Fallopia japonica) on the supplement labels.  The plant is useful because of its year-round growth and robustness in different climates. 

Japanese Knotweed is also a concentrated source of emodin, used as a nutritional supplement to regulate bowel motility.  The roots of Japanese Knotweed are used in traditional Chinese and Japanese herbal medicines as a natural laxative.  The active principle responsible for the laxative effect is emodin, present in its natural form as a complex of its analogs.  Emodin has a mild laxative effect in doses of 20 to 50 mg per day. 

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Customary Uses of Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed flowers are valued by some beekeepers as an important source of nectar for honeybees, at a time of year when little else is flowering.  Japanese Knotweed is an important concentrated source of Resveratrol, replacing grape byproducts as the chemical's common source.  Prior to this change, the mainstream medical community had suggested drinking a glass of wine or two per day to keep a steady intake of Resveratrol. 

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How Does Japanese Knotweed Work?

Japanese Knotweed is the commercial source for supplemental Resveratrol, a powerful anti-oxidant.  Anti-oxidants are primarily known for their anti-aging properties and are believed to play a roll in more than 60 different health conditions ranging from cancer to atherosclerosis.  Many specialty supplements that are designed to delay and counter the affects of aging include an appropriate Resveratrol dosage. 

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How Much Japanese Knotweed is Typically Taken?

There is no established dosage as the opinions of natural health experts vary.  The traditional suggestion from the mainstream medical community of two glasses of red wine per day would yield a maximum of 26mg of Resveratrol.  Based on this data, a reasonable amount for dietary supplementation may be between 20 and 50mg depending on a person's age.  Consult your physician.

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What are the Possible Side Effects of Taking Japanese Knotweed?

There are no known hazards associated with Japanese Knotweed.  There have been reports that some plants in the same genus as Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia) can cause photo-sensitivity in susceptible people. Many species also contain oxalic acid which can bind up other minerals.  However, oxalic acid is also contained in many other common foods.

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