Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Fangchinoline is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Stephania tetrandra that demonstrates neuroprotective and antiproliferative properties. Research indicates it works primarily through modulation of oxidative stress pathways and cellular signaling cascades.
CategoryNamed Bioactive Compounds
GroupCompound
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordfangchinoline benefits
Synergy Pairings3
Fangchinoline — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Fangchinoline is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the roots of Stephania tetrandra (Hanfangji), a plant in the Menispermaceae family native to China. It is extracted using solvent methods such as chloroform or methanol, yielding a white to orange-green powder with the molecular formula C₃₇H₄₀N₂O₆.
“Fangchinoline is found in Stephania tetrandra, used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 1,000 years to treat edema, hypertension, inflammation, and pain. The root is traditionally prepared as decoctions or powders in formulas like Fangji Huangqi Tang for rheumatoid arthritis-like symptoms, as noted in historical texts like Shennong Bencao Jing.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted on fangchinoline. All available research is limited to preclinical in vitro and animal studies, such as its effects on rat cerebellar granule neurons at 1-10 µM concentrations and antiproliferative activity in breast cancer cell lines.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied dosages exist for humans. Preclinical studies use 1-10 µM concentrations in cell cultures. Commercial forms are available as 95-99% pure powder, but no safe human dosage has been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Fangchinoline is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid compound (molecular formula C₃₇H₄₀N₂O₆, molecular weight ~608.7 g/mol) isolated primarily from Stephania tetrandra (Han Fang Ji) root. It is not a nutritional ingredient and contains no meaningful macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, or dietary fiber. As a purified bioactive alkaloid, it is studied exclusively for pharmacological properties rather than nutritional value. Bioactive concentration in Stephania tetrandra root extract is typically in the range of 0.1–1.5% dry weight alongside its structural isomer tetrandrine. In experimental contexts, active concentrations range from 1–50 µM in cell-based studies. Bioavailability data in humans is absent; preclinical pharmacokinetic data suggests moderate lipophilicity (estimated logP ~3.5–4.5) which may facilitate membrane permeability, but first-pass metabolism and oral bioavailability have not been formally characterized in human studies. No recommended dietary intake, tolerable upper limit, or nutritional reference value exists for this compound. It is not present in conventional foods and is not considered a nutrient.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Fangchinoline exerts neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress in neuronal cells, particularly at concentrations of 1-10 µM in rat cerebellar neurons. The compound demonstrates antiproliferative activity against breast cancer cell lines through cellular pathway modulation. Its anti-inflammatory properties appear to involve modulation of key inflammatory signaling cascades at the cellular level.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence for fangchinoline is limited to preclinical studies with no human clinical trials available. In vitro studies have shown neuroprotective effects on rat cerebellar neurons at 1-10 µM concentrations. Antiproliferative effects have been demonstrated specifically in breast cancer cell lines during laboratory studies. Animal studies suggest anti-inflammatory activity, but human efficacy and safety data remain unavailable.
Safety & Interactions
Safety data for fangchinoline in humans is extremely limited due to lack of clinical trials. Potential drug interactions with medications metabolized through similar pathways remain unknown and unstudied. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established through research. Individuals should consult healthcare providers before using fangchinoline-containing supplements due to insufficient safety data.
Synergy Stack
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effective dosage of fangchinoline?
No established human dosage exists for fangchinoline. Preclinical studies used concentrations of 1-10 µM in cell cultures, but this cannot be directly translated to human supplementation doses.
Can fangchinoline help with cancer treatment?
Fangchinoline showed antiproliferative effects against breast cancer cell lines in laboratory studies only. No human clinical trials have tested its effectiveness for cancer treatment or as an adjunct therapy.
Is fangchinoline safe to take with medications?
Drug interaction data for fangchinoline is unavailable due to lack of clinical research. Individuals taking prescription medications should consult healthcare providers before using fangchinoline supplements.
What are the side effects of fangchinoline?
Side effects of fangchinoline in humans are unknown due to absence of clinical trials. The compound's safety profile has not been established through human studies.
Where does fangchinoline come from naturally?
Fangchinoline is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid naturally found in Stephania tetrandra, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant. It can be extracted and concentrated from the plant's root material.
What does the current research evidence show about fangchinoline's effectiveness in humans?
Current evidence for fangchinoline is limited to laboratory and animal studies; no human clinical trials have been published to date. While preclinical research suggests potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, these findings cannot yet be extrapolated to human efficacy or safety. Any health claims about fangchinoline in humans remain unproven and should be viewed as preliminary.
Who should avoid taking fangchinoline supplements?
Pregnant and nursing women should avoid fangchinoline due to insufficient safety data in these populations. Individuals with acetylcholinesterase-inhibitor medications (used for Alzheimer's disease or myasthenia gravis) should consult a healthcare provider, as fangchinoline may inhibit this enzyme. Those with existing liver or kidney conditions should seek medical guidance before supplementation.
How does fangchinoline's bioavailability compare across different supplement forms?
There is no published research comparing the bioavailability of different fangchinoline supplement forms in humans or animals. Absorption, metabolism, and tissue distribution of fangchinoline remain unstudied, making it impossible to recommend one form over another based on efficacy. Consumers should be aware that the supplement form (powder, extract, standardized preparation) may significantly affect absorption, but no evidence currently supports specific claims.
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