What Is Cepharanthine Powder?
Cepharanthine powder is a highly purified bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Stephania cepharantha Hayata, a medicinal plant traditionally used in East Asian herbal medicine. As a naturally occurring bioactive compound, cepharanthine has gained significant attention in modern pharmacology and nutraceutical research due to its immunomodulatory, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.
Recent studies suggest that cepharanthine may also stimulate the reticuloendothelial system, enhancing immune response and supporting hematopoiesis. Its multifaceted pharmacological effects make it a valuable ingredient for pharmaceutical formulations, dietary supplements, and functional health products.
Product Specifications & Quality Assurance
At Botanical Essence, we provide high-purity cepharanthine powder manufactured under strict GMP and ISO-certified standards to ensure consistency, potency, and safety. Below is a typical Certificate of Analysis (COA) for our premium-grade cepharanthine:
| Parameter | Specification | Test Result |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Light Yellow to White Powder | Conforms |
| Identification | Positive (HPLC) | Positive |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥98.0% | 99.26% |
| Loss on Drying | ≤5.0% | 0.36% |
| Ash Content | ≤2.0% | 0.09% |
| Heavy Metals | ≤10 ppm | Conforms |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤1 ppm | Conforms |
| Total Plate Count | ≤1,000 CFU/g | Conforms |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤100 CFU/g | Conforms |
| E. coli | Negative | Conforms |
| Salmonella | Negative | Conforms |
Our cepharanthine powder undergoes rigorous third-party testing to verify purity, microbial safety, and heavy metal compliance, ensuring it meets USP, EP, and JP pharmacopeia standards for global regulatory acceptance.
Pharmacological & Therapeutic Benefits of Cepharanthine
1. Anti-Inflammatory & Immune-Modulating Effects
Cepharanthine demonstrates broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Clinical and preclinical studies confirm its efficacy in:
- Alleviating acute lung injury and infectious shock in animal models.
- Improving oral inflammatory conditions such as stomatitis and oral lichen planus (20 mg/day oral administration for 4+ weeks).
- Managing chronic inflammatory disorders, including rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago, nephritis, edema, and dysentery.
As an immunomodulator, cepharanthine helps regulate T-cell activation and NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways, making it a potential therapeutic agent for autoimmune diseases and allergies.
2. Antiviral & Antimicrobial Properties
Cepharanthine exhibits potent antiviral activity against multiple pathogens, including:
- HIV-1 – Inhibits replication in U1 monocytic cells.
- HTLV-1 – Suppresses proliferation in infected cell lines.
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) – Reduces replication and HBeAg antigen production.
- SARS-CoV-2 – Blocks viral entry and replication, reducing infectivity.
- Other viruses – Shows efficacy against influenza, herpes simplex, and enteroviruses.
Its mechanism of action involves disrupting viral membrane fusion and modulating host immune responses, making it a promising candidate for antiviral drug development.
3. Antioxidant & Cytoprotective Effects
Cepharanthine neutralizes oxidative stress by:
- Inhibiting lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide (NO) production.
- Reducing cyclooxygenase (COX) expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
- Protecting against ischemia-reperfusion-induced organ damage (e.g., acute lung injury in rat models).
4. Anticancer & Chemotherapy Support
Cepharanthine has been extensively studied for its anticancer properties, including:
- Inducing apoptosis in tumor cells (leukemia, lung cancer, liver cancer).
- Arresting cell cycle progression in malignant cells.
- Enhancing chemotherapy efficacy while reducing side effects (e.g., leukopenia).
Clinical & Preclinical Synergistic Effects:
- Combined with 5-FU (30 mg/kg): Enhances anti-Lewis lung cancer activity, prevents metastasis, and reduces 5-FU toxicity while improving efficacy.
- Combined with FT-207 (5.0–10 mg/kg): Increases 5-FU concentration in tumor tissues (via selective accumulation), reducing systemic toxicity and improving Sarcoma-180 inhibition.
5. Hematopoietic & Leukopenia Prevention
Cepharanthine is widely recognized for its leukocyte-boosting effects, making it a safe and effective adjunct therapy for:
- Preventing radiotherapy-induced leukopenia (neutropenia).
- Stimulating peripheral blood leukocyte and platelet production.
- Supporting bone marrow recovery in chemotherapy patients.
6. Dermatological & Hair Growth Applications
Emerging research highlights cepharanthine’s role in:
- Preventing hair loss by protecting aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death.
- Stimulating hair follicle proliferation and delaying keratinization in cultured cells.
- Treating skin disorders (e.g., eczema, psoriasis) due to its anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic properties.
7. Additional Therapeutic Potential
- Antiparasitic activity – Effective against certain protozoan infections.
- Bone protection – Inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption.
- Radiosensitizing effects – Enhances the efficacy of radiation therapy in cancer treatment.
Industrial Applications of Cepharanthine Powder
Pharmaceutical Industry
- Antiviral & Immunomodulatory Drugs – Used in HIV, HBV, and COVID-19 research formulations.
- Cancer Adjuvant Therapy – Combined with chemotherapeutic agents to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications – Incorporated into topical and oral treatments for chronic inflammation.
Nutraceutical & Dietary Supplements
- Immune Support Formulas – Added to capsules, tablets, and functional beverages for leukocyte enhancement.
- Antioxidant & Anti-Aging Products – Used in wellness supplements for cellular protection.
- Hair & Skin Health Supplements – Promotes hair growth and skin repair in cosmeceutical applications.
Veterinary & Research Applications
- Animal Health Formulations – Supports immune function in livestock and pets.
- Laboratory Research – Used in in vitro and in vivo studies for drug development and mechanistic research.
Technical & Formulation Considerations
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₃₇H₃₈N₂O₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 606.7 g/mol |
| Solubility | Soluble in DMSO, ethanol, and methanol; slightly soluble in water |
| Stability | Stable under normal storage conditions (cool, dry, protected from light) |
| pH Range | 5.0–7.0 (1% solution) |
Recommended Dosage & Usage
- Oral Administration: 10–30 mg/day (clinical studies).
- Topical Applications: 0.1–1% in formulations.
- Research Use: Varies by study (typically 1–10 mg/kg in animal models).
Storage & Handling
- Store in a tightly sealed container at 2–8°C (refrigerated).
- Protect from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
- Shelf Life: 24 months (under proper storage conditions).
Packaging Options
- 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg (aluminum foil bags or fiber drums).
- Custom packaging available for bulk orders.
Regulatory & Compliance
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, and allergen-free.
- Complies with FDA, EU, and JP pharmacopeia standards.
- Available with COA, MSDS, and third-party testing reports.
Why Choose Botanical Essence for Cepharanthine Powder?
As a leading supplier of high-purity botanical extracts, Botanical Essence offers:
✅ Premium Quality – ≥98% purity, tested for heavy metals, microbes, and solvents.
✅ Consistent Supply – Stable inventory with fast global shipping.
✅ Custom Formulations – Tailored particle size, purity levels, and packaging to meet your needs.
✅ Technical Support – Expert guidance on formulation, dosage, and regulatory compliance.
✅ Competitive Pricing – Bulk discounts for wholesale, OEM, and private-label clients.
Contact Us for Bulk Orders & Inquiries
For wholesale pricing, samples, or technical specifications, contact our expert team today:
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌍 Global Shipping Available – Fast delivery to North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Botanical Essence – Your trusted partner in high-quality cepharanthine powder and botanical extracts.
