Guang Fang Ji (Aristolochia Root, Stephania)

Herb 16 of 28 in Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness

Photo Note:

Mixed with Han Fang Ji?

Channels:

BL, SP, KI

Properties:

Bitter, Spicy, Cold, Toxic

Latin:

Radix Aristolochiae Fangchi

Chinese:

广防己

Tone Marks:

guăng fáng jĭ

Alt Names:

Fang Ji, Mu Fang Ji

Chinese Herb Actions

• Expels Wind Damp Heat and Relieves Pain
  For diffuse painful joints and achinesss due to Wind Damp or Wind Damp Heat.
• Promotes Urination, Reduces Swelling
  For dysuria, edema, and leg qi.

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

• Use with caution in cases with Yin Deficiency
• Use with caution in cases with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency and Cold

Herb-Drug Interactions

• This herb should not be used with other nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic compounds.

Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

• This herb is banned due to its toxicity
• This herb contains aristolochic acid, a compound that can cause permanent kidney damage, including kidney failure. It has also been shown to cause cancer, specifically urothelial carcinoma.
• Position paper on the risks associated with the use of herbal products containing Aristolochia
  European Medicines Agency (EMEA)
• This herb is considered toxic.
  (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity)

Chinese Herb Dosage

• 4.5-9 grams in decoction ¹²
• 4.5-9 grams in decoction ¹³

Chinese Herb Notes

• Guang Fang Ji contains aristolochic acid, a known nephrotoxic compound. The traditional method of preparation (boiling in water) is believed to lower the toxicity since aristolochic acid has a low water solubility but extreme care should be taken.
• In Belgium, a weight loss clinic used a large dose of the raw powder along with acetazolamide and several other compounds resulting in at least 53 cases of renal fibrosis.
• See Eric Brand's blog post: Are You Using the Correct Fang Ji?

Chinese Herb Clinical Studies & Research

• Aristolochic acid has demonstrated anti-inflammatory actions by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
  McGuffin M, Hobbs C., et al. Botanical Safaety Handbook, CRC. Press, 1997; 131-132.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

• Xiao Xu Ming Tang (Minor Prolong Life Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Release Wind from the Skin and Channels
• Xuan Bi Tang (Disband Painful Obstruction Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Dispel Wind-Dampness