Stephania Root Extract
Also known as: Stephania tetrandra S. Moore, Stephania root, Han Fang Ji, Stephania tetrandra
Overview
Stephania tetrandra root extract is derived from the root of a climbing plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine for conditions such as rheumatism, arthritis, edema, and hypertension. The extract is rich in benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs), including tetrandrine, fangchinoline, cepharanthine, and coclaurine, which are considered its primary bioactive compounds. Research indicates potential anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties. While numerous in vitro and animal studies support these effects, high-quality clinical trials in humans are limited, and systematic reviews on its clinical efficacy are scarce. The extract is categorized as a botanical extract and an alkaloid-rich phytochemical.
Benefits
Stephania tetrandra shows promise across several areas, primarily due to its alkaloid content: - **Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects:** A 2024 multi-omics rat study demonstrated that oral administration of *S. tetrandra* extract significantly reduced rheumatoid arthritis symptoms by modulating metabolic pathways and key signaling cascades like PI3K/Akt. This suggests potential for arthritis treatment, though these are preclinical findings [1]. - **Anticancer adjuvant potential:** The alkaloid coclaurine, isolated from *S. tetrandra*, has been shown in vitro to sensitize non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells to cisplatin chemotherapy. It achieves this by inhibiting EFHD2 expression and disrupting NOX4-ABCC1 signaling, thereby enhancing chemotherapy efficacy in a laboratory setting [2]. - **Antiviral activity:** In vitro studies have indicated that extracts and individual alkaloids (tetrandrine, fangchinoline, cepharanthine) can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in human epithelial cells. However, these effects are cell-type specific and may be accompanied by potential toxicity at higher doses [3]. - **Traditional uses:** Historically, *S. tetrandra* has been employed for rheumatism, edema, and various inflammatory conditions, aligning with modern preclinical findings on its anti-inflammatory properties [5]. While these benefits are supported by preclinical and in vitro data, robust quantitative clinical data and large-scale randomized controlled trials are currently lacking to confirm clinical efficacy and significance in humans.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of Stephania tetrandra are primarily attributed to its benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, which exert their actions through multiple biological pathways. For its anti-inflammatory effects, the extract modulates pro-inflammatory metabolites and downregulates key signaling cascades such as the PI3K/Akt pathway [1]. In the context of its anticancer adjuvant potential, the alkaloid coclaurine inhibits EFHD2 transcription by interfering with FOXG1 binding, thereby disrupting pathways involved in cancer cell drug resistance [2]. The antiviral mechanisms likely involve the inhibition of viral entry or replication, with alkaloids affecting cellular pathways and potentially inducing phospholipidosis [3]. Alkaloids like tetrandrine have demonstrated good membrane permeability, suggesting reasonable bioavailability, which contributes to their ability to interact with various cellular targets.
Side effects
The safety profile of Stephania tetrandra root extract is not fully characterized, and potential concerns exist, particularly at higher doses. Preclinical toxicity has been observed in rodent models, indicating that high concentrations may pose risks [3]. In vitro studies have shown that high doses can induce phospholipidosis, a marker of cellular toxicity [3]. Common side effects in humans are not well-documented in clinical trials due to a lack of comprehensive human safety data. Specific drug interactions and contraindications are also not well-established, but caution is advised given the alkaloid content and the potential for interactions, especially with chemotherapeutic agents as suggested by in vitro studies [2]. There are no systematic reviews on adverse effects or comprehensive human safety data available, highlighting the need for further research to determine safe usage parameters and identify specific risk factors.
Dosage
There are currently no established clinical dosing guidelines for Stephania tetrandra root extract due to the lack of robust human clinical trials. Preclinical studies, such as the rat model for arthritis, used an effective dose of 1.35 g/kg [1]. However, this dosage is not directly translatable to humans without comprehensive pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data in human subjects. The potency and safety of the extract can also vary significantly depending on the specific preparation and its alkaloid content. Optimal dosing, timing of administration, and suitable formulations for human use require extensive further clinical research to ensure both efficacy and safety. Upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption have not been determined.
FAQs
Is Stephania root extract safe for human consumption?
Preclinical data suggest potential toxicity at high doses, and in vitro studies show cellular toxicity. However, comprehensive human safety data are insufficient, and no established safety guidelines exist.
Does Stephania root extract effectively treat arthritis?
Animal studies show promising anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects by modulating metabolic and signaling pathways. However, clinical evidence in humans is currently lacking to confirm its efficacy.
Can Stephania root extract be used alongside chemotherapy?
In vitro data suggest that an alkaloid from the extract, coclaurine, may enhance the efficacy of cisplatin in lung cancer cells. Clinical validation and safety assessments for such combinations are critically needed.
Is Stephania root extract effective against COVID-19?
In vitro studies indicate that the extract and its alkaloids can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in human cells. However, clinical relevance, efficacy, and safety in humans remain unproven.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1447283/full – This multi-omics rat study investigated the effects of Stephania tetrandra extract on rheumatoid arthritis. It found that 1.35 g/kg of the extract significantly reduced arthritis symptoms by modulating metabolic pathways and key signaling cascades like PI3K/Akt, suggesting its potential as an anti-arthritic agent in preclinical models.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11510146/ – This in vitro study explored the anticancer adjuvant potential of coclaurine from Stephania tetrandra. It demonstrated that coclaurine sensitizes non-small cell lung cancer cells to cisplatin by inhibiting EFHD2 expression and disrupting NOX4-ABCC1 signaling, enhancing chemotherapy efficacy in a cellular context.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00159 – This in vitro study examined the antiviral activity of Stephania tetrandra extracts and alkaloids against SARS-CoV-2. It found that compounds like tetrandrine and fangchinoline inhibit viral infection in human epithelial cells, but noted that these effects are cell-type specific and accompanied by potential toxicity at high doses.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7180683/ – This review article discusses the traditional uses of Stephania tetrandra, highlighting its historical application in traditional Chinese medicine for conditions such as rheumatism, edema, and various inflammatory disorders, which aligns with modern preclinical findings on its anti-inflammatory properties.
