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Despite fo-ti's long history of use, there have been numerous cases of hepatitis reported following the use of fo-ti. In a review of 450 case reports about liver damage associated with fo-ti, researchers concluded that fo-ti "causes liver toxicity and may cause liver damage in different degrees and even lead to death; most of them are much related to long-term and overdose of drugs."
While this correlation is cause for concern, this study failed to show that fo-ti was isolated as the cause of liver damage, and the study also shows some bias.
The report's authors also stated the liver damage associated with fo-ti is reversible and that after active treatment, the majority could be cured.
Rarely, people develop an allergic skin rash after taking fo-ti. A stimulant laxative, fo-ti may cause side effects including loose stools and diarrhea.
One study tested 32 plants used for menopause in traditional Chinese medicine. They found that fo-ti had the greatest estrogenic activity. People with estrogen-related cancers of the breast, ovary, uterus, and prostate, in particular, should avoid fo-ti, as the effect of hormonal effect in humans isn't known.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women and children shouldn't use fo-ti.
Fo-ti may affect blood sugar levels, particularly in people with diabetes. It shouldn't be taken in the weeks prior to surgery.
Fo-ti may interact adversely with medications such as digoxin, stimulant laxatives, and diabetes drugs. It can also interact with drugs that affect the liver, such as ibuprofen, warfarin, and amitriptyline.
Supplements haven't been tested for safety and due to the fact that dietary supplements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from what is specified on the product label. *
