AISSMS College of Pharmacy , RB Motilal Kennedy Rd, Sangamvadi , Pune , Maharashtra 411001
Stephania tetrandra S. Moore is an important climber herb in traditional Chinese medicine of the family Menispermaceae. This paper discusses its botany, habitat, phytochemical profile, pharmacological properties, and therapeutic application. Botanical Features: Climber, Stephania tetrandra twines, does very well in the subtropics with delicate, curved stems, heart-shaped, entire leaves, and rather inconspicuous, small, yellowish-green flowers; it thrives in fertile soil with good drainage and full sun to partial shade. Phytochemical Profile: The major constituents of the plant are bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, mainly tetrandrine and fangchinoline. Other compounds present in the herb include phenolic acids, flavonoids, and saponins, which diversify the pharmacological activities of the herb. Pharmacological Properties Stephania tetrandra possesses different pharmacological properties, which range from anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-cancerous, and antihypertensive effects. The main mechanisms of action were through blockade of calcium channels, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and immune modulation. Traditional Medicine The primary therapeutic applications for Stephania tetrandra have been for treating rheumatism, edema, and hypertension. Recently, they have shown several other uses of this medicine, such as for anti-inflammatory diseases, oncological diseases, and cardiovascular diseases as well. Safety and Toxicological Concerns Despite these advances, Stephania tetrandra continues to present toxicity too. In this, there are several nephrotoxicities and hepatotoxicities besides cardiovascular diseases associated with chronic excessive use of massive doses of it. Future Prospects: In the upcoming days, it should emphasize the mode of action of that bioactive principle, which lies in the Stephania tetrandra. Then a heavy number of clinical trials afterward can be given where it may be utilized as the amalgamation of that drug in treatment. Conclusion: Stephania tetrandra is indeed a very promising medicinal agent. However, much work, including proper quality control and safety considerations, must be done to utilize the full potential of this promising therapeutic agent without undermining its possible risk and ensuring safety and efficacy in its application in medicine today. The abstract below summarizes in brief some of the salient points of the review paper.
Stephania tetrandra S. Moore, commonly known as Han Fang Ji is a perennial climber from the family of Menispermaceae; it consists of vines that predominate in China and Taiwan. Its habitats include forests and subtropical climates with thickets at the border areas of forest to grow richly. Its stem can be described as slender with twisted growth, with a surprising length which reaches for certain lengths. Heart- or cordate leaved have bases with prominence. They create deep lobing that gives inlet appearance to them; therefore the plants are not so un-decorative from its view appearance. The glabrous glossed bright leaves have been colored into green shade for showing grace on it.
They are usually yellowish or greenish in color, the small flowers almost invisible. They come in panicles. Stephania tetrandra prefers rich, well-drained soil that often has a lot of organic matter.
It typically grows in regions that are low lying, with sufficient sunshine exposure, under the ideal moist condition. It adapts perfectly well to this, as if favored by, the milder climate of the subtropical area that allows ideal conditions of both temperature and moisture ranges for optimum growth. To further enjoy the many benefits Stephania tetrandra is utilized for medicinally and its probable contributions to new-age herbal practice, one requires knowledge of all botanical and ecological details. [1,2,3]
Phytochemical Profile Of Stephania tetrandra: Key Compounds And Their Importance
Stephania tetrandra S. Moore, commonly known as Han Fang Ji, is an herbaceous perennial that has gained widespread research due to its varied phytochemical content. Another aspect that increases the value of the herb is the diversity of alkaloids which also serves as the primary bioactive ingredient. Tetrandrine and fangchinoline are the most studied bis-benzyl isoquinoline type alkaloids, showing great pharmacological activity. Compounds with a wide range of anti-inflammatory, immune-response modulating, and anti-hypertensive properties have been significant in traditional and modern medicine. Tetrandrine has particularly been of interest because of its potential therapeutic implications in the treatment of cardiovascular illnesses through its ability to act as a calcium channel blocker. Besides these alkaloids, cyclanoline and berbamine are also found in Stephania tetrandra, which are highly specific in their action for the pharmacology profile of this plant. Other than these, many other nonalkaloid material are present in the body supporting the therapeutic potentials by adding oxidative stress properties.
The several bioactive substances of Stephania tetrandra and thus the relevance in ethnomedicine as well as in pharmacological modern research make this component very vital, especially since active research is done on these elements to enable creating new medicinal drugs through this plant to understand its mechanism of action as well as use. Knowledge about the phytochemical profile of Stephania tetrandra also brightens the role it plays in the pharmacological spectrum, aiding in the formation of medical treatment for a lot of diseases. [3,5,6,7,9]
Key Phytochemical Compounds Identified In Stephania tetrandra
Stephania tetrandra is an indigenous plant of Chinese and Taiwanese countries. It has become a very interesting comprehensive profile of phytochemicals from the plant, hence, raising much interest for medicinal use. There are different alkaloids that have been reportedly responsible for the therapeutic effects of the drug. Some of these alkaloids are tetrandrine and fangchinoline, which are responsible for some of these properties and have been used in various pharmacological studies. Tetrandrine has anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and anticancer effects.
These bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloids have been demonstrated to interact with a wide range of molecular targets in the body, thus exerting efficacy in modifying immunological responses and protection against oxidative stress. In addition to the alkaloids mentioned above, Stephania tetrandra also contains phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are very well known for its antioxidant activity. These molecules participate in its antiaging and disease prevention ability through the free radical scavenging action that inhibits the cellular damage. The saponins show hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory activity which is additive to its medicinal profile.
The way these phytochemicals work together not only confirms the plant's historic benefits in treating ailments like hypertension and rheumatism but also brings out the plant's potential use in modern medicine. The complex dynamics of these substances and their synergistic effects are still being researched upon in the present studies, thus opening new avenues for treatment. [4,8,10]
Biological Activities and Health Benefits of Stephania tetrandra Phytochemicals
Stephania tetrandra is the best-known herb used as one of the richest sources for traditional Chinese medicine. Many compounds from this species possess significant biological activities, which would eventually translate into various health benefits. Major active principles of compounds are alkaloids, which include tetrandrine and fangchinoline that have shown to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities.
These alkaloids can alter immune responses, thereby reducing inflammation and preventing autoimmune diseases. Tetrandrine has also shown to be very effective in cancer therapy by inducing apoptosis in the cancerous cells and inhibiting proliferation and metastasis of the tumour.
Thus, it may be a potent molecule for chemoprevention and anticancer therapy. The phytochemicals in Stephania tetrandra have high antioxidant activity, which prevents oxidative stress and thus dilutes the oxidative damage caused by free radicals. This antioxidant property is very important in preventing cell damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and neurological disorders. Additionally, the herb has been proven to possess hypotensive properties that regulate blood pressure and maintain cardiovascular health.
Being enhanced by the evidence of the compound as it enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, Stephania tetrandra even promises to be useful in metabolic disorders. Therefore, the diversified phytochemicals of Stephania tetrandra enhance its therapeutic profile and give a foundation for future uses in modern medicine.
Pharmacological Properties of Stephania tetrandra:
Mechanisms Of Action: How Stephania tetrandra Interacts With Biological Systems
The active alkaloids of Stephania tetrandra, the traditional Chinese medicinal herb, especially tetrandrine, have various pharmacological characteristics. Mechanism of action that confers to Stephania tetrandra its therapeutic effects is attributed to the influence exerted by this drug on many cell pathways.
Primary mechanism it is attributed to its action as an anti-calcium channel blocker. It is one of the antihypertensive agents that inhibit the influx of calcium into the vascular smooth muscles; therefore, there is vasodilation, which leads to low levels of blood pressure. Additionally, by regulating intracellular calcium levels in cardiac tissues, Stephania tetrandra has cardioprotective benefits as it maintains ventricular rhythms and avoids hypertrophy. Moreover, Stephania tetrandra possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties. The chemicals inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB activation, thus causing inflammation. This is a critical process in diseases such as arthritis and asthma.
Its antioxidant activity also comes from its free radical scavenging, preventing cells from undergoing oxidative stress and inflammation. This plant also exerts immunosuppressive properties, modulating immune cell activity; this is very beneficial in cases of autoimmune disease. Additionally, the antifibrotic action of tetrandrine can be explained in terms of fibroblast proliferation and collagen formation that can be utilized for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. Thus, there are many processes in Stephania tetrandra, and it is thus a good candidate for many medicinal applications. [6,11,12,13,14,15,16]
Efficacy Of Stephania Tetrandra In Treating Inflammatory Conditions
Stephania tetrandra is an ancient drug traditionally used in the practice of Chinese folk medicine that has been used in the recent past because of its association with the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Working through some different biological pathways, bioactive compounds present in the plant, mainly tetrandrine and fangchinoline, present notable anti-inflammatory activity. Tetrandrine is one of the major alkaloids present in this drug, a blocker for the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6.
These cytokines are central to mediating inflammation and, therefore, influence the pathophysiology of most inflammatory diseases. Tetrandrine efficiently lowers inflammation at the cellular level by inhibiting their synthesis. In addition, Stephania tetrandra modifies the activity of nuclear factor kappa B, which is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of inflammation-related genes. Tetrandrine has been established to inhibit the NF-kB pathway, thus relieving symptoms related to inflammatory disease by reducing transcription of genes for inflammatory responses. More importantly, tetrandrine can enhance regulatory T cells, which play a crucial role in immunologic homeostasis and the dampening of inflammation.
Clinical trials have also been fruitful, as fewer symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma are observed. These results illustrate the medicinal prospects of Stephania tetrandra as a potential natural anti-inflammatory drug. Because it is capable of modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation at the molecular level, Stephania tetrandra is an interesting candidate for a range of inflammatory diseases as a supplementary approach in addition to traditional therapy. [17,18,21]
Therapeutic Applications: Old and New Uses Of Stephania tetrandra
History of Application of Stephania Tetrandra in Traditional Medicine
The East Asian perennial climber Stephania tetrandra has been widely used across the ages within traditional medicine, under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), providing many applications due to its medicinal property. Although its traditional reputation was mainly of an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. The roots of the plant have often been called "Han Fang Ji" for its use in treating various problems such as hypertension, edema, and arthritis.
Because it could drive out wind-dampness, it was a favorite among traditional practitioners as an agent against rheumatic symptomology. Being a diuretic that reduces edema and pushes the flow of urine, this plant was used for problems with water retention. Stephania tetrandra was often used in combination with other herbs in order to increase its efficacy and balance its strong character, which was believed to have cold and bitter properties. This cooling property was believed to be particularly effective for conditions arising from an overabundance of heat within the body, so contributing to the body's balance. The alkaloid content in this plant was identified to improve circulation, hence it was a participant in pain relief.
Furthermore its internal application, sometimes it's used topically to relieve pain and inflammation at certain points. This historical background reveals the essential inclusion of Stephania tetrandra into traditional medicinal systems, whose applications change with time as our knowledge of its properties expanded. [2,4,9,18]
Modern Pharmacological Discoveries And Therapeutic Applications
Modern pharmacological research has discovered some of the newest medicinal applications of Stephania tetrandra, a plant that has been used for decades in Chinese medicine. The drug's root has been particularly studied for its high content of bioactive agents, tetrandrine and fangchinoline. These alkaloids have demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activities, placing Stephania tetrandra on the list as a potential therapy for chronic inflammatory diseases.
Tetrandrine is one of the compounds which is potent for inhibition of specific pro-inflammatory cytokines, which aid in rheumatoid arthritis as well as in other diseases resulting from an immune system that works against its self. Stephania tetrandra has recently caught attention in respect of its possible activity against cancerous diseases. Alkaloids bring about selective apoptosis within gvs of cancer cells and spare healthy cells, and these have emerged to be useful drugs in chemotherapy treatments. Tetrandrine has also been found to sensitize cancer cells to the action of conventional chemotherapy drugs, which may make them even more effective. Stephania tetrandra has also been studied because of its effects on the cardiovascular system. Studies have indicated the use in decreasing blood pressure and blood flow through its vasodilation properties. Therefore, it will be beneficial for the treatment of hypertensive conditions as well as a preventive measure in cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, Stephania tetrandra can be further included in contemporary medicine for use as a prospective therapeutic drug against many complicated diseases, given its folk usage.
Therapeutic Potential and Efficacy of Stephania tetrandra
Stephania tetrandra has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine and gained attention for its therapeutic cc benefits and efficacy in both conventional and modern medical practices. The roots of Stephania tetrandra have been used for ages due to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory property. On account of this plant, as swelling and pain-reducing capacity, rheumatism, edema, hypertension are the several diseases used.
The medicinal value of the plant can be decided upon the presence of bioactive compound especially the substance called tetrandrine. Alkaloids studied to show immunity-boosting features and potential of anti-inflammation also possess tetrandrine. Tetrandrine has shown promise in modern cardiovascular health uses as it helps to lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease. This quality makes it an anti-cancer agent due to its capacity to inhibit some types of proliferation in cancerous cells. Again, Stephania tetrandra has been proved to relieve other symptoms associated with different autoimmune disorders, like arthritis, which assists in disease elimination. It provides a generic benefit in preserving general health owing to its nature of acting as an antioxidant. As science comes to the picture, it tends to reveal its new facts as regards the medicine plant. Due to this new discovery, modern herbal practices accept the plant in their medical services. [3,4,6,19]
Safety and Toxicological Concerns in using Stephania tetrandra
Safety profile of Stephania tetrandra.There must be great deliberation made with regards to the safety profile of Stephania tetrandra because this herb has active alkaloids, bringing along with them the possibilities for both toxicological and therapeutic effects, with use in Chinese medicines. Considering a safety profile for Stephania tetrandra calls upon knowledge about pharmacological properties that such herbs would entail and about their health benefits in terms of probable diseases but dangers too through adverse effects.
While tetrandrine is the key chemical responsible for the famous anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of the herb, those same chemicals can be hazardous if one uses their preparations in high doses. Some cases of nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and even cardiovascular disorders have been shown to have resulted from excessive or prolonged use of Stephania tetrandra. Wrong preparation procedures of the extract and overdose are the most common causes of such adverse effects. Its nephrotoxic and carcinogenic potential, even at low doses, has raised some concerns over the presence of aristolochic acid. Therefore, the quality control of Stephania tetrandra during production, harvesting, and formulation into pharmaceutical drugs should be strictly followed to evaluate its safety profile. More clinical studies are therefore necessary to define the safe therapeutic range, best administration practices, and potential interaction with other prescription medicines.
Consumers and healthcare providers should use Stephania tetrandra judiciously from reliable sources and under professionals' care to minimize risks on health grounds. It has researched the medicinal value of the traditional herbal medicine Stephania tetrandra; however, whether the herb is nontoxic or toxic remains to be established. The primary concern over this alkaloid stems from the tetrandrine, which exhibited both harmful and therapeutic effects [3,4,5,15].
Toxicological Effects And Risk Assessment
Toxicological studies show that exposure at high concentrations or for a long duration can cause harmful cardiovascular effects, which include hypotension and arrhythmias. Mediation of the said effects is probably by blocking the calcium channels that might disrupt normal heart functioning. This potential toxicity to the human liver and kidney presented by the high dose hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in animal models is a huge concern. This investment is worth making to carry out proper risk assessment because of the potential for drug interaction with herbs. Interaction of Tetrandrine with cytochrome P450 enzymes could affect the metabolism of other concomitant medicines either increasing or reducing their therapeutic effects. Variations in the Stephania tetrandra preparations exhibit different concentrations of active component levels and hence make the risk assessment process complex.
Genetic, physiological, and environmental factors affect susceptibility. Use therefore must be adapted for the user. Stringent regulations and quality control procedures must be present for the safe use of Stephania tetrandra in the treatment industry given the toxicological implications. For a better dose-response relationship and to establish a policy on safe usage, more studies would be required to include human clinical trials. Regulatory Guidelines And Safety Standards Because of the toxicological risks associated with this herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, safety standards and regulations are important. Regulatory authorities, such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), provide regulations on the safe use of herbal products in many countries, ensuring that the substances are safe, effective, and of good quality.
These products must comply with the regulations about the tolerable limits of toxic alkaloids in Stephania tetrandra such as nephrotoxic tetrandrine and carcinogenic aristolochic acid. Manufacturers should carry out the most thorough tests on toxicity which include genotoxicity studies, acute, and chronic toxicity testing to ensure their safety. Technologies of post-market surveillance are required for monitoring adverse reactions of consumers, and GMP regulations are required to ensure purity of goods containing this plant as well as accuracy of the dose and labeling. There is a need for patient and medical education programs to be developed in order to raise awareness of the risks associated with Stephania tetrandra misuse. Such regulations should be further developed through ongoing research and risk assessments to ensure consumer safety and continued confidence in herbal medicine products. [18,19,20]
Future Prospects And Future Research Directions Of Stephania tetrandra
There is a great promise for future studies on Stephania tetrandra to enhance our knowledge about the potential benefits that this medicinal plant may offer. Though its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal uses are well known, there is still much unknown. This can involve a thorough explanation of the bioactive ingredients responsible for the mode of action.
Advanced techniques such as metabolomics and molecular docking studies, and deep investigations with new perspectives into how these chemicals interplay with the biological system will probably lead to new therapeutic targets. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the plant are yet to be extensively studied. This would improve the therapeutic efficacy and safety profiles of drugs produced from Stephania tetrandra by offering an opportunity for better formulation and delivery. Potential interactions of Stephania tetrandra with synthetic or other natural compounds could help in the discovery of novel therapies for diseases like autoimmune disorders or cancer. The plant's safety and efficacy can also be ascertained with the help of well-designed clinical trials that bridge conventional applications to evidence-based practice. To secure long-term supply, conservation and sustainable farming need to be developed and pursued in earnest. Indeed, research fields of many disciplines would combine efforts so that the finding of new effective and persistent drugs created from Stephania tetrandra may come faster.
REFERENCES
Shubhangi Deshpande, Aditya Rathi, Sanskruti Dabade, Vishwajeet Mathane, Aryan Agarwal, Atharva Taye, Uneviling the Potential of Stephania tetrandra : A Comphrehensive Pharmacological Review Article, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2025, Vol 3, Issue 7, 2882-2891. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16274025
10.5281/zenodo.16274025
