Huáng Lián · Coptis / Goldthread
Huáng Lián (黄连, Coptis / Goldthread) is a herb of Cold nature and Bitter flavor, in the “Heat Clearing” category. Tradition uses it to purge Fire, Dry Dampness, Detoxify.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Huáng Lián
- Characters
- 黄连
- Botanical name
- Coptis chinensis Franch.
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Part used
- Rhizome
- Nature
- Cold
- Flavor
- Bitter
- Meridians
- Heart, Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Gallbladder, Large Intestine
- Category
- Heat Clearing
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- Avoid
- Origin
- China, Japan
Actions according to tradition
- Purge Fire
- Dry Dampness
- Detoxify
- Kill Parasites
- Clear Middle Burner Heat
Traditional uses
- Damp-heat in stomach and intestines
- Dysentery and diarrhea
- Insomnia and restlessness
- Toothache, mouth ulcers
- Eczema and skin infections
- Conjunctivitis
Studied effects and current applications
- Antibacterial and antiviral
- Anti-inflammatory
- Gastroprotective
- Antidiabetic (berberine)
- Neuroprotective
Applications under investigation
- Ulcerative colitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Infections
- Cardiovascular (berberine)
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Cold deficiency
- Spleen deficiency with diarrhea
Relative contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Children
- Prolonged use damages Stomach
- Pregnancy
- Bitter cold, may affect fetus. Avoid.
- Breastfeeding
- May pass to milk. Use with caution.
- Children
- Too harsh for children.
- Older adults
- Use cautiously, may damage Spleen Qi.
Possible adverse effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach discomfort
- Diarrhea (excessive dose)
When to stop
- Persistent stomach upset
- Signs of Spleen deficiency
- After 1-2 weeks continuous use (take break)
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cytochrome P450 substrates | Various | Moderate | Berberine inhibits CYP enzymes, may affect drug levels Consult if on multiple medications |
| Diabetes medications | Metformin | Moderate | Additive hypoglycemic effect Monitor blood glucose |
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 1-9 grams daily
- Powder
- 0.5-3 grams daily
- Extract
- As per label (berberine)
- Acute use
- 3-7 days
- Chronic use
- 1-2 weeks max
- Maximum
- Do not use continuously more than 2 weeks
- Children
- Too harsh, generally avoided.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 1-9g for 15-20 min. Crush before use.
Heat and damp-heat
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Isoquinoline alkaloids (predominant berberine)
Isoquinoline alkaloid (protoberberine) · Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antitumor
AMPK activation, DPP-4 inhibition, cholesterol synthesis reduction (PCSK9 ↓), bacterial topoisomerase IV inhibition · 5-8% in dry rhizome (majority compound)
Protoberberine alkaloid · Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer
NF-κB inhibition, bacterial wall disruption, apoptosis induction · 0.5-2%
Protoberberine alkaloid · Anti-inflammatory, mild sedative, antimicrobial
Dopamine D1 receptor inhibition, NF-κB blockade · 0.3-1.5%
Aporphinic alkaloid · Hypotensive, anti-inflammatory
α-adrenergic receptor blockade, vasodilation · 0.1-0.5%
Protoberberine alkaloids · Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
Inhibition of bacterial DNA synthesis, COX-2 blockade · Traces at 0.3%
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Autumn (October-November) or spring, 5-6 year old plants
Rhizomes harvested from 5-6 year old plants in autumn. The highest production and quality comes from Sichuan (川黄连). They are washed, the rootlets removed and dried. The rhizomes are shaped like characteristic 'chicken feet'.
Rhizome cleaned, rootlets removed, cut or used whole. The berberine it contains (8-12%) is responsible for the intense yellow color and the markedly bitter flavor.
Rhizome chopped or sliced, sprinkled with yellow wine and fried while stirring. The wine directs the action towards the Liver meridian.
Mixed with fresh ginger juice and fried. Ginger reduces extreme coldness and protects the Stomach, improving digestive tolerance.
Mixed with decoction of Fructus Evodiae (吴茱萸) and fried. The Wu Zhu Yu is hot and prevents the Huang Lian from being too cold. This combination is called Zuojin Wan.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
