Related Terms

• Alkaloids, berberine, carboxylic acids, Chinese medicinal herb, coptisine, Corydalis ambigua, Corydalis incise, Corydalis pallida, Corydalis saxicola Bunting, Corydalis sempervirens,Corydalis stricta Steph., Corydalis tubers, Corydalis turtschaninovii,Corydalis yanhusuo, corynoline, corynoloxine, cytotoxic activity, dehydroapocavidine, dehydrocavidine, feruloylmethoxytyramine, Fumariaceae (family), isoquinoline alkaloid, L-tetrahydropalmatine (rotundium), oxocorynoline, Papaveraceae (family), protopine, tetradehydroscoulerine, tetrahydropalmatine (THP), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Background

• Various types of corydalis have been included in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations and are most commonly used for the treatment of gastritis-like disorders. Corydalis has been studied for other medical conditions, including pain caused by intense cold, parasitic infections, irregular heart rhythms, chest pain, and bacterial infections (especially from Helicobacter pylori). There is currently not enough human evidence to support these or any uses of corydalis.

• Corydalis may interact with certain medications, including sedatives, hypnotics, drugs taken for irregular heart rhythms, some pain relievers, and anti-cancer drugs and may be unsafe for use during pregnancy.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Antibacterial, cancer, gastritis, HIV, hypnotic, pain relief, sedation, ulcers.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• Doses of 3.25 grams and 6.5 grams of raw corydalis extracts have been taken by mouth for the treatment of pain. Rotundium, a component of corydalis, has been used for abnormal heart rhythms.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for corydalis in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with known allergy or sensitivity to corydalis.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Corydalis is generally considered to be safe and has been used since ancient times as part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations.

• Individuals taking sedatives or hypnotics, drugs that treat abnormal heart rhythms (including bepridil), pain relievers, and anti-cancer drugs should use corydalis with caution.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Corydalis is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Corydalis may add to the effects of pain relievers, antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, sedative or hypnotic drugs, and drugs taken to treat HIV, abnormal heart rhythms, or chest pain caused by clogged arteries.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Corydalis may add to the effects of pain relievers, antibiotics, antivirals, anti-cancer herbs and supplements, sedatives, and herbs and supplements taken to treat abnormal heart rhythms or chest pain caused by clogged arteries. Corydalis may also interact with herbs and supplements containing tyramine.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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2. Chen QM, Ye YC, Xu ZJ. [Experimental study on the effect of Corydalis stricta Steph. against Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices in man]. Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi. 1986;24(12):768-9, 783. View Abstract

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6. Li HL, Zhang WD, Liu RH, et al. Simultaneous determination of four active alkaloids from a traditional Chinese medicine Corydalis saxicola Bunting. (Yanhuanglian) in plasma and urine samples by LC-MS-MS. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2-2-2006;831(1-2):140-146. View Abstract

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14. Zhang L, Yang LW, Yang LJ. [Relation between Helicobacter pylori and pathogenesis of chronic atrophic gastritis and the research of its prevention and treatment]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He.Za Zhi. 1992;12(9):521-526. View Abstract

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