Common names:
Stephania Root, Stephania tetrandra, Stephania cepharantha, Fang Ji.
Traditional uses of Stephania tetrandra:
Anti-inflammatory, antioedematous. The Stefania root is a calcium channel broker, it expands the blood vessels. It also has antifibrotic, analgesic, muscle-smoothing, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antineoplastic and diuretic effects. The herb acts synergistically with medications, acts as a vascular modulator, sedative, anti-asthmatic, reducing ascites.
Traditional uses of Stephania tetrandra in the treatment of Lyme disease:
Stefania root has the following effect in Lyme disease:
- anti-inflammatory effect – helpful at joint symptoms, also with neurological background,
- anti-inflammatory activity in the case of uveitis, conjunctivitis, etc. – ocular Lyme disease,
- neuroprotective effect – protection of the brain against factors causing inflammation,
- antioedematous,
- analgetic,
- they work on angiogenesis processes,
- they have a positive effect on many cardiovascular disorders – they are helpful in arrhythmia, heart attack, coronary flow and heart rate regulation,
- endothelial protection,
- they act as an immunomodulator,
- strengthen the effects of other herbs.
Side effects:
Calcium channel blockers cause constipation in about half of the recipients. In case of constipation, the Stefania root should be taken with vitamin C in a dose that does not cause side effects.
No other side effects were found.
Contraindications:
Atrioventricular block. The ingredients of Stefania, mainly tetrandrine, are strong brokers of calcium channels, however the mechanism of their action is definitely atypical.They exhibit a different mechanism of action than pharmaceuticals and are considered a new group of calcium channel brokers. However, blockers of calcium channels should not be used with the atrioventricular block. There is no evidence that this plant may cause adverse effects at the AV block, but if such a block occurs due to Lyme disease, precautions should be taken when using Stefania. Caution is advised when using this herb in case of heart diseases caused by Lyme disease.
Interactions:
Stefania root should not be used by people who are taking calcium channel blockers and beta blockers. They should also not be used by persons receiving digoxin, medicines for arrhythmia or for people suffering from severe hypotension. This plant also shows synergistic properties, can enhance the effects of other medicines and herbs. The herb and its components, tetrandrine and cepharanthine, arouse interest because they enhance the effect of medicines – tetrandrine in the treatment of various types of multidrug-resistant and malaria-resistant tumors, while cepharanthine – the treatment of malaria.
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