Fangchinoline (Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloid · Antiviral · Anti-fibrotic)
| Compound | Fangchinoline |
| Chemical class | Alkaloid — Isoquinoline (Bisbenzylisoquinoline; Tetrandrine Analogue) |
| CAS | 436-77-1 |
| Primary source | Stephania tetrandra (Han Fang Ji), co-occurring with tetrandrine |
| Key applications | Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumour, calcium channel |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Typical form | Stephania tetrandra extract co-constituent with tetrandrine |
| Buy from Herbuno | Request availability and bulk pricing → |
Commercial source: Fangchinoline is commercially available as a co-constituent of Stephania tetrandra root extract alongside tetrandrine as the dominant alkaloid. Isolated fangchinoline is available from specialist chemical suppliers as a research-grade material. Contact Herbuno for availability assessment. Traditional use: Shares Stephania tetrandra (Han Fang Ji) traditional use in TCM for oedema, rheumatic conditions, and cardiovascular complaints, co-occurring alongside tetrandrine as the secondary major alkaloid. Research trajectory: Fangchinoline has attracted specific research interest for antiviral activity (SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, influenza), antiproliferative mechanisms, and as a complement to tetrandrine in the Stephania alkaloid complex. Its structural relationship to tetrandrine (a demethylated analogue at one methoxy position) results in partially overlapping but distinct pharmacological profiles. The aristolochic acid adulteration risk applies equally to fangchinoline as a Stephania-derived alkaloid — see tetrandrine entry. See sourcing options below.
Evidence for Fangchinoline Applications
Antiviral activity: Fangchinoline demonstrates antiviral activity against SARS-CoV (the 2003 SARS coronavirus), SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus), and influenza in cell-based assays. Mechanism involves inhibition of viral entry (membrane fusion inhibition via calcium channel blocking activity) and viral replication (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibition). Multiple research groups have confirmed these activities since 2020. Claim strength: Moderate (in vitro; no human clinical data).
Anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic: Fangchinoline inhibits NF-κB, NLRP3, and TGF-β pathways, producing anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in cell and animal models. Anti-inflammatory potency is comparable to tetrandrine. Relevant for rheumatic and fibrotic condition supplement positioning consistent with Han Fang Ji traditional use. Claim strength: Moderate.
Antiproliferative: Fangchinoline induces apoptosis in cancer cell lines via mitochondria-dependent pathways and suppresses tumour angiogenesis. Mechanistic differentiation from tetrandrine in some cancer cell line models has been documented. Claim strength: Moderate (preclinical).
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Dosage & Formulator Specification
Fangchinoline constitutes approximately 10–30% of total Stephania tetrandra alkaloids alongside tetrandrine (dominant, 50–70%). In Stephania extract preparations, fangchinoline is co-delivered at meaningful proportions. Isolated fangchinoline for research is available from specialist suppliers. The same aristolochic acid adulteration risk and verification requirements as for tetrandrine apply in full to any Stephania-sourced fangchinoline material.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fangchinoline
How does fangchinoline differ from tetrandrine?
Fangchinoline is 2′-N-demethyltetrandrine — the same bisbenzylisoquinoline scaffold as tetrandrine but with one methyl group removed from a nitrogen atom. This structural simplification alters receptor binding geometry and metabolic handling. For most pharmacological activities (calcium channel blocking, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative), fangchinoline and tetrandrine are broadly similar. For antiviral applications, comparative potency against specific viral targets differs and is assay-dependent.
Is fangchinoline more potent than tetrandrine for antiviral applications?
Comparative in vitro antiviral studies show variable results — fangchinoline exceeds tetrandrine in potency for some viral targets while tetrandrine is superior for others, depending on the specific virus and assay conditions. Both are active; the natural co-occurrence in Stephania extract likely provides broader antiviral coverage than either compound alone. The mechanistic complementarity of co-formulated tetrandrine and fangchinoline from Stephania extract is an argument for whole-extract over isolated single alkaloid for antiviral applications.
Does the aristolochic acid adulteration risk apply equally to fangchinoline?
Yes — fangchinoline is sourced from the same plant (Stephania tetrandra) subject to adulteration with Aristolochia species. All the adulteration risk assessment and testing requirements described under tetrandrine apply fully to any fangchinoline-containing Stephania preparation.
Can fangchinoline be positioned for respiratory health formulations?
The antiviral (influenza, SARS-CoV-2) and anti-fibrotic (pulmonary fibrosis mechanistic data) activities of fangchinoline provide a rationale for respiratory health positioning. Position as “studied to support healthy respiratory function and immune response” — avoiding specific disease treatment claims. Combined with the traditional Han Fang Ji respiratory oedema application, the respiratory health positioning is coherent. Verify Stephania tetrandra botanical identity rigorously before use in any formulation.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
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