Stephania Root has been discontinued by the manufacturer.
TheĀ StephaniaĀ tetrandraĀ plant is a perennial climbing vine in the Menispermaceae family, native to tropical and subtropical areas of China and Taiwan. It is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for its support with blood sugar, allergies, the immune system, blood clotting, relaxation of the muscular walls of blood vessels, and constipation relief.Ā StephaniaĀ has a thick cylindrical root which is the source for most of its medicinal bioactive compounds.
Health Functions
- Immune Support
- Detoxification
- Urinary and Respiratory Support
Ingredients
A proprietary blend of Stephania (root), organic ethanol (33%) and purified water.
Suggested Use
Intended for internal or external use.
Warning
Possible contraindications include constipation.
Do not use when pregnant, nursing or for small children unless recommended by your practitioner.
More Info.
It is important to clarify about a safety controversy surroundingĀ StephaniaĀ tetrandra. This herb was given the Chinese pin yin name of āfang jiā.Ā Pin yin is a widely-used system of attributing Romanized translations to Mandarin Chinese terms as a tool to simplify pronunciation. This can cause confusion because herbal ingredients are commonly traded using their Chinese pin yin names, and the same pin yin name is shared by another herb calledĀ Aristolochia fangchi.Ā Aristolchia fangchiĀ contains a dangerous substance called aristolchic acid that has adverse effects on humans. In 1992, a group of Belgian patients participated in a slimming regimen that involved taking a powdered mixture of Chinese herbs.Ā StephaniaĀ tetrandraĀ was known to be useful in weight reduction programs and the mixture was labeled as containing it. Unfortunately, many of the dieters developed renal failure. The formula was later analyzed and it was proven thatĀ Aristolchia fangchiĀ had been used instead ofĀ StephaniaĀ tetrandra. There are no known adverse effects associated withĀ StephaniaĀ tetrandra, and BioPureās product contains no aristolchic acid.
Tetrandrine is a major bioactive alkaloid obtained from the tuberous root of theĀ Stephaniaplant. Tetrandrine has potent inflammation modulating properties and can be useful for relaxing sore, tight muscles. Mechanisms for this are complex and appear to involve interference with several inflammatory pathways, as well as inhibition of immune effector T-cells. Close inspection of the chemical activity of tetrandrine shows that it also acts as a calcium channel blocker, and in this way relaxes the muscular walls of blood vessels. Tetrandrine has been useful for people with respiratory system concerns due to its action on inhibiting the contraction of pulmonary vessels and airways.
Some research suggests that using whole root extract, containing the complete spectrum of bioactives present in the root, instead of isolated tetrandrine, can provide a superior synergistic effect. Unlike tetrandrine alone, whole root extract ofĀ S. tetrandraĀ doesnāt slow down heart rate while still offering benefits and support for optimal heart health.
Another well-known bioactive inĀ StephaniaĀ is fangchinoline. Fangchinoline has shown neuroprotective activity along with other effects on different structures of the body.
