Botanical Overview
Stephania tetrandra is a medicinal plant from the Menispermaceae family, commonly known as Fen Fang Ji or Han Fang Ji. The root is the primary part used therapeutically. It is native to China and widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Energetics
Temperature: Cooling
Moisture: Drying
Tastes: Bitter, Acrid
Directionality: Descending
Tonicity: Relaxing
Qi/Blood/Fluid: Qi
Primary Actions
- Diuretic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antirheumatic
- Analgesic
- Antihypertensive
Indications
Western
- Edema
- Hypertension
- Joint pain
- Rheumatism
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Hypertension-related edema
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic inflammation
TCM
- Edema
- Arthralgia
- Soreness of limbs
- Painful obstruction syndrome (Bi Syndrome)
Syndromes
- Wind-Damp Bi Syndrome
- Damp-Heat accumulation
- Water retention
Ayurveda
No traditional uses documented.
Unani
No traditional uses documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Main phytochemicals include alkaloids, particularly tetrandrine, responsible for anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction with 3-9 g of dried root
- Extracts standardized for tetrandrine alkaloid content
Safety & Contraindications
Use with caution in pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. May potentiate effects of antihypertensive drugs. Avoid in hypotensive patients. Toxicity possible at high doses.
Astrological Correspondences
Not well established; no credible astrological correspondences documented.
Selected References
- Pharmacological activities and toxicology of Stephania tetrandra S. Moore: A review – Li et al., 2019
- Stephania tetrandra in Chinese Medicine – Bensky, Clavey, Stöger, 2004
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – 2007