Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Stephania root, derived from plants in the Stephania genus (notably Stephania tetrandra), has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, Stephania root—often referred to as "Han Fang Ji"—is employed to help alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory conditions, including bronchitis. It is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and expectorant properties, which may help relieve coughing and reduce phlegm in the lungs. However, these uses are based primarily on traditional practices and theories rather than rigorous scientific evaluation.

There are limited preclinical studies that suggest some components of Stephania root (such as tetrandrine) may have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. These properties theoretically could be beneficial in inflammatory airway diseases like bronchitis. However, there is a lack of well-designed clinical trials or robust scientific evidence specifically evaluating Stephania root’s effectiveness for bronchitis in humans. Moreover, certain species of Stephania have been associated with nephrotoxicity and are sometimes confused with other toxic herbs, raising safety concerns.

In summary, the use of Stephania root for bronchitis is primarily supported by traditional use in herbal medicine systems, with minimal scientific validation. Caution is advised due to the potential for toxicity and the scarcity of high-quality evidence for efficacy.

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