Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix
Aliases：Hàn Fáng Jǐ (Han Fangji); Fěn Fáng Jǐ (Powder Fangji); Guā Fáng Jǐ (Melon Fangji); Shí Chán Chú (Stone Toad); Cháng Gēn Jīn Bù Huàn (Long Root Not Exchangeable for Gold); Jiě Lí (Dissolving Separation); Shí Jiě (Stone Dissolving); Dǎo Dì Gǒng (Prostrate Arch); Zài Jūn Xíng (Carrying the Monarch).
Fáng Jǐ (Stephania Root) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is the dried root of Stephania tetrandra S. Moore, a plant of the Menispermaceae family. It is commonly known as “Hàn Fáng Jǐ” (Han Fangji). The root appears as irregularly cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, or lumpy pieces, often curved, with a pale grayish-yellow surface. It is heavy, firm, and solid in texture, with a grayish-white cross-section that is starchy and shows sparse radial striations (commonly referred to as “wheel markings”).
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind and relieves pain; promotes diuresis and reduces edema.
Indications
Rheumatic Arthralgia: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and others classified as wind-dampness-heat bi syndrome. Edema and Beriberi: Edema and ascites due to fluid retention in the lower body, as well as swollen and painful beriberi. Dysuria: Difficulty in urination from various causes. Eczema and Sores: Eczema and sores due to damp-heat accumulation. Hypertension: Fang Ji has antihypertensive effects and may be used for hypertension.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory effects: Fang Ji exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity. Analgesic effects: It has analgesic effects. Antitumor effects: Fang Ji shows significant antitumor activity. Immunosuppressive effects: It has immunosuppressive effects. Cardiovascular protection: It has cardiovascular protective effects.
Ingredients
Tetrandrine (Han Fang Ji Jia Su) Fangchinoline Cycleanine Fangchinoline, Fangchisine, Berbamine, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 5–10g; or prepared in pills or powder.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with spleen-stomach weakness: This herb is intensely bitter and cold in nature, which may easily damage stomach qi. Those with poor appetite or weak constitution should use it with caution. Contraindicated in patients with yin deficiency without damp-heat. Use with caution during pregnancy.
Selected Formulas
For Wind-Dampness Bi Syndrome with Predominant Damp-Heat, Heavy and Aching Limbs, Red and Swollen Joints with Pain, and Whole-Body Pain Due to Damp-Heat (Xuan Bi Tang, from Wen Bing Tiao Bian) Take Fang Ji (Fourstamen Stephania Root) together with Talc (Huá Shí), Coix Seed (Yì Yǐ Rén), Silkworm Feces (Cán Shā), Gardenia Fruit (Zhī Zǐ), and other herbs. Decoct in water and take orally. For Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Syndrome with Limb Spasms (Fang Ji Yin, from Sheng Ji Zong Lu) Take Fang Ji together with Ephedra (Má Huáng), Cinnamon (Ròu Guì), Poria (Fú Líng), and other herbs. Decoct in water and take orally. For Wind Edema with a Floating Pulse, Heavy Body, Sweating, and Aversion to Wind (Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang, from Jin Gui Yao Lve) Take Fang Ji together with Astragalus (Huáng Qí), White Atractylodes (Bái Zhú), Licorice (Gān Cǎo), and other herbs. Decoct in water and take orally. For Generalized Edema with Scanty Urine (Fang Ji Fu Ling Tang, from Jin Gui Yao Lve) Take Fang Ji together with Poria (Fú Líng), Astragalus (Huáng Qí), Cinnamon Twig (Guì Zhī), and other herbs. Decoct in water and take orally. For Abdominal Distension and Edema Due to Damp-Heat (Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan, from Jin Gui Yao Lve) Take Fang Ji together with Zanthoxylum Seed (Jiāo Mù), Lepidium Seed (Tíng Lì Zǐ), Rhubarb (Dà Huáng), and other herbs. Prepare as pills or decoct in water and take orally. For Beriberi with Swelling, Pain, Heaviness, and Numbness in the Lower Legs and Feet (Empirical Formula) Take Fang Ji together with Evodia Fruit (Wú Zhū Yú), Areca Seed (Bīng Láng), Papaya (Mù Guā), and other herbs. Decoct in water and take orally. For Beriberi with Swelling and Pain (from Ben Cao Qie Yao) Take Fang Ji combined with Papaya (Mù Guā), Achyranthes Root (Niú Xī), Cinnamon Twig (Guì Zhī), and Fructus Aurantii (Zhǐ Qiào). Decoct in water and take orally. For Eczema and Sores (Empirical Formula) Take Fang Ji together with Sophora Root (Kǔ Shēn), Honeysuckle Flower (Jīn Yín Huā), and other herbs. Decoct in water and take orally. In addition, this herb has antihypertensive effects and may be used for hypertension.
Daily Consumption
Decoction for Oral Use: Take 5–10g of Fang Ji (Fourstamen Stephania Root), decoct it in water, and drink the liquid. It may be used as an adjunctive treatment for rheumatic arthralgia, edema, and beriberi (with swelling).
Medicinal Parts
Dried root.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from mold and insects.
