coptidis rhizoma

Coptidis rhizoma is the dried rhizome of Coptis chinensis Franch., C. deltoidea C.Y. Cheng et Hsiao, or C. teeta Wall (family Ranunculaceae), widely known in Chinese as "Huanglian." It is a traditional herbal medicine used extensively in China and other parts of Asia for its broad pharmacological effects. The main active constituents are isoquinoline alkaloids—most notably berberine—as well as jateorrhizine, palmatine, and coptisine[1][5]. These compounds confer antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticancer and cardioprotective properties[1][4]. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is used to "clear damp-heat," "quench fire," and "counteract poison." Modern research has confirmed its efficacy particularly in treating type 2 diabetes (with hypoglycemic effects), bacillary dysentery (antimicrobial action), sore throat (anti-inflammatory effect), eczema (anti-inflammatory/antimicrobial) and other conditions[1][5]. Berberine acts through multiple mechanisms including inhibition of bacterial DNA synthesis and modulation of glucose metabolism pathways; however it can be toxic at high doses[1][5].

Other names

huanglianrhizoma coptidisgoldthreadcoptis root