Herb-Drug Interactions: Coptis

Off Coptis,

Coptis chinensis Franch (Ranunculaceae)

Synonym(s) and related species

Gold thread, Mouth root, Vegetable gold.

Coptis deltoidea CY Cheng et Hasio, Coptis groenlandica (Oeder) Fernald, Coptis teetoides CY Cheng, Coptis trifolia (Salis).

Constituents

The thread-like rhizomes contain isoquinoline alkaloids, mainly berberine and coptisine.

Use and indications

Coptis species are used widely in Chinese medicine for infections, especially of the digestive tract, and for similar reasons as bloodroot6 and berberis1.

Pharmacokinetics

No relevant pharmacokmetic data found. For information on the pharmacokinetics of the alkaloid constituent, berberine, see under berberine.

Interactions overview

No interactions with coptis found. However, for the interactions of the alkaloid constituent, berberine, see under berberine.