Compound Coptis ointment

Compound Coptis ointment is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation used for inflammatory skin conditions. The formulation from the Beijing Chinese Medicine Hospital, which is studying the drug for chronic eczema, contains Coptis (Huang Lian), Huadu San (a traditional formula), and Borneol (Bing Pian). [3, 4] It is applied topically to treat conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, folliculitis, and boils due to its purported abilities to clear heat, detoxify, and reduce swelling and pain. [3, 4] The main active herb, *Coptis chinensis* (Huang Lian), is rich in isoquinoline alkaloids, primarily berberine, as well as coptisine and palmatine. [1, 17] These compounds are known to have significant anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-allergic properties. [9, 17] The mechanism of action is thought to involve the inhibition of multiple inflammatory pathways, including NF-κB and MAPK, which in turn reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and various interleukins, and suppresses mast cell degranulation. [13, 14, 16]

Other names

Fufang Huanglian Gao复方黄连膏