Common Name(s): Tetrandrine,tetrandrine,bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid,calcium channel blocker

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides calcium channel inhibition reducing mast cell degranulation and inflammation, nf-kb anti-inflammatory activity, and tgf-beta anti-fibrotic activity for scar management.

Why It's Used: Tetrandrine is selected for its calcium channel-based anti-inflammatory mechanism — the bisbenzylisoquinoline scaffold provides a distinct multi-mechanism anti-inflammatory action (ca²⁺ channel + nf-kb + tgf-β) that polyphenol antioxidants cannot replicate.

How It Works: Tetrandrine → l-type ca²⁺ channel block → reduced mast cell degranulation; nf-kb p65 inhibition → reduced il-6/tnf-α; tgf-β/smad inhibition → reduced collagen overproduction → anti-fibrotic.

Typically Found In: Anti-inflammatory,scar management,sensitive skin

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.05%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Tetrandrine is a validated anti-fibrotic agent in lung fibrosis models — the tgf-beta inhibition mechanism is directly applicable to cosmetic scar and keloid management applications.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,tetrandrine bisbenzylisoquinoline anti-inflammatory review