Botanical Overview
Stephania (Stephania tetrandra) belongs to the Menispermaceae family. Limited but reliable traditional records indicate this plant has recognized medicinal applications in one or more healing traditions. This species belongs to the Menispermaceae family, a group of flowering plants.
General Description
It includes a single species, Botryodiscia tetrandra, is a herbaceous perennial vine or scrambling subshrub native native to southern China, Hainan, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It grows from a short, woody caudex, climbing to a height of around three meters. The leaves are arranged spirally on the stem, and are peltate, i. e. with the leaf petiole attached near the centre of the leaf. Its root is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Family Context
The Menispermaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Butua — 60 documented uses
- Moonseed — 16 documented uses
- Indian Tape-Vine — 12 documented uses
- Levant Berry — 9 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Stephania has been recorded in 6 countries and territories worldwide, including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, United States, and others.
Traditional Uses
Stephania has been traditionally used for urinary tract health and cardiovascular health.
Urinary tract health.
- Edema
Urinary tract applications typically involve drinking the herb as a mild tea, which increases urine production and helps flush the urinary system. It may be combined with other demulcent herbs to soothe irritated tissues.
Cardiovascular health.
- Hypertension
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 9 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Alkaloid: nitrogenous compounds with diverse pharmacological activities