Coptis, or goldthread as it is commonly called, is a perennial member of
the buttercup family that is native to China. The roots have been
harvested for thousands of years as a source of berberine, an
isoquinoline alkaloid also found in
goldenseal,
barberry and
Oregon grape root. This pigment is responsible for the rich yellow made from
the root of this plant, which has historically been used to color wood,
leather and wool. It is still used commercially as a natural dye for
wool in India.
Other alkaloids in coptis root include coptisine, palmatine and
hydrastine. In the early 20th century, the latter was used to synthesize
hydrastinine, a drug patented by Bayer that was used to stop bleeding.
Coptis root has a long history of use in China, where it is known as
huang lian and designated as one of the 50 Fundamental Herbs recognized
in Chinese herbalism. While the astringent alkaloids in the root are
well known to be anti-inflammatory, this herb may also stimulate bile
production and should be used with caution in people with gallbladder
disease.
