Single Herb Glossary
Han Fang Ji 漢防己
| Pharmaceutical name | Stephaniae tetrandrae Radix Stephania root |
| Category | Drain Damp |
| Key Properties | Clear Damp Heat, facilitate fluid pathways, treat painful obstruction |
| Properties | Bitter Acrid Cold |
| Tropism | UB, SP, KD |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Promote Urination, Reduce Edema 2) Expel Wind Damp, alleviate pain (Wind Damp Heat Bi) |
| Dosages | 4.5-9 g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution with Sp/St Deficiency, Yin deficiency, lack of Damp Heat signs 4.5-9 g |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | 1.2 to 2.3% tetrandrine (C38H42N206), fenfangjine, cyclanoline, menisine, menisidine, oxofangchirine, stephenanthrine, stepholidine, bisbenzylisoquinoline |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Cardiovascular: shown to lower blood pressure, dilate coronary blood vessels, increase blood perfusion to cardiac muscles, and decrease oxygen consumption of cardiac muscles; tetrandrine has antiarrhythmic effect • Analgesic and anti-inflammatory: marked analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects; some studies have shown Fen Fang Ji (another name for Han Fang Ji) to be more potent in its analgesic effect than Yan Hu Suo (Rhizoma Corydalis), but less potent than morphine • Antispasmodic: shown to have relaxant effect on smooth muscle |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Diuretics: prudent to avoid combination of herbs and drugs that exert diuretic effects, as there may be additive or synergistic effects; combination therapy may lead to excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Fang Ji Fu Ling Tang (Stephania and Poria Decoction) 防己茯苓湯 Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang (Stephania and Astragalus Decoction) 防己黃耆湯 Shang Zhong Xia Tong Yong Tong Feng Wan (Pill to Treat Painful Wind Anywhere) 上中下通用痛風丸 Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan (Stephanie, Zanthoxylum, Tingli Seed, and Rhubarb Pill) 己椒藶黃丸 |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.