Immune Terrain

Stephania Root: Benefits, Dosage & What the Science Says

Stephania tetrandra (Fen Fang Ji) is a classical TCM herb for wind-damp painful obstruction -- the traditional category that includes neurological and joint inflammation. Its primary alkaloid, tetrandrine, has significant published research on anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and neuroprotective mechanisms. In Lyme-literate practice, Stephania is used for neurological terrain support in late-disseminated and neurological Lyme patterns.

Last reviewed: Emerging evidence Stephania tetrandra S.Moore

What Is Stephania Root?

Potent TCM anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective herb for Lyme neurological terrain

Evidence-Based Benefits

  • Neuroinflammation and microglial activation support
  • Anti-inflammatory via calcium channel and NF-kappaB mechanisms
  • Autoimmune and inflammatory joint pattern support

Recommended Dosage

200--400 mg tetrandrine equivalent daily, or 1--3 mL tincture 3x daily. Use under practitioner supervision -- tetrandrine has a narrow therapeutic window at high doses. Typically part of a broader Lyme protocol rather than used as a standalone herb.

Safety, Side Effects & Interactions

Use with caution -- high doses may cause pulmonary toxicity (Aristolochic acid contamination risk in poorly sourced products -- verify source is Stephania tetrandra, NOT Aristolochia fangchi); not for long-term unsupervised use; caution in liver disease; avoid in pregnancy.

Works Well With

Research suggests Stephania Root may complement:

Traditional Use

Traditional Chinese Medicine
粉防己 Fen Fang Ji
expels wind-damp clears heat and reduces edema alleviates painful obstruction promotes urination

View herb profile on NaturalHerbLibrary.com →

References

  1. Tetrandrine neuroprotective mechanisms: review - PMID:29625218
  2. Stephania tetrandra anti-inflammatory activity - PMID:20951629
  3. Tetrandrine calcium channel blockade and immune modulation - PMID:9855467
  4. Fangchinoline and Borrelia: antimicrobial activity data - PMID:32483145

Last reviewed: June 6, 2026. For informational purposes only. See full disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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