Fallopia Japonica
Fallopia japonica is a synonym of Reynoutria japonica, commonly known as Japanese knotweed, a large, herbaceous perennial plant of the knotweed and buckwheat family Polygonaceae. It is native to East Asia in Japan, China and Korea. Other English names for Japanese knotweed include fleece flower, Himalayan fleece vine, monkey weed, monkey fungus, Hancock's curse, elephant ears, pea shooters, donkey rhubarb, sally rhubarb, Japanese bamboo, American bamboo, and Mexican bamboo. In Chinese medicine, it is known as Huzhang, which translates to "tiger stick“
The root of Japanese Knotweed is richer in resveratrol than any other known plant and now it is the primary natural source of resveratrol, which is considered to have a number of beneficial effects, including anticancer, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and estrogenic activity
Benefits of resveratrol include
Antioxidant – Resveratrol may prevent aging by protecting cellular DNA from free-radical damage.
Cardiovascular – Due to the high content of resveratrol in Japanese Knotweed root, the plant offers benefits for treating cardiovascular disease. Resveratrol decreases the viscosity of the blood and acts as anticoagulant to thin blood, effective in treating cardiovascular disease by reducing thrombosis and embolisms that can block arteries and lead to myocardial and cerebral infarctions.
Cancer – Japanese Knotweed root has been used as an anti-cancer agent due to its high concentration of resveratrol and corresponding metabolite.
Weight Loss – Resveratrol is the most potent natural polyphenolic compound able to enhance lipid oxidation for fat burning.
Diabetes – Resveratrol helps prevent insulin resistance, a condition in which the body becomes less sensitive to the blood sugar-lowering hormone insulin. The condition can lead to diabetes.