Synopsis

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

Coptis chinensis, also known as Chinese goldthread or Huang Lian, is a traditional herbal medicine widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its purported ability to “clear heat” and “detoxify,” which encompasses a range of infectious and inflammatory conditions. Historically, it has been used to treat symptoms associated with infections, such as fever, diarrhea, and sore throat—conditions that may be caused by bacterial or viral agents. The primary active component, berberine, has demonstrated antimicrobial properties in vitro, including some antiviral activity. However, most of the evidence supporting its use against viral infections is rooted in traditional practice rather than modern clinical science.

There are a few laboratory and animal studies indicating that berberine and related alkaloids might inhibit the replication of certain viruses (e.g., influenza, herpes simplex virus), but robust human clinical trials are lacking. As such, while Coptis chinensis is widely used in TCM for infection—including some viral infections—the scientific validation remains limited. Therefore, its use for viral infections is justified primarily by tradition, and the overall evidence level supporting this use is rated at 2 out of 5.

More about Coptis chinensis
More about Infection (viral)

Other ingredients used for Infection (viral)

Other health conditions supported by Coptis chinensis

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