Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chinese Goldthread (Coptis chinensis) has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating infections, often as a substitute for or complement to antibiotics. The primary active compound in goldthread is berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid. Scientific studies have shown that berberine exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various bacteria, fungi, and protozoa in vitro. Several laboratory and animal studies suggest that berberine can inhibit the growth of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans by disrupting cell walls, interfering with DNA replication, and inhibiting biofilm formation.

However, while these findings are promising, clinical trials in humans are limited in both number and quality. Most of the evidence is preclinical, and berberine’s effectiveness as a sole alternative to antibiotics in serious infections remains unproven. Berberine's bioavailability and pharmacokinetics in humans are also not fully understood, raising questions about its practical therapeutic impact. Nonetheless, due to rising antibiotic resistance, there is growing scientific interest in berberine and Chinese Goldthread as adjuncts or alternatives to conventional antibiotics, but more rigorous human studies are needed to validate their clinical efficacy and safety.

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