Yellow Root
Scientific Names: Coptis chinensis, C. deltoidea, C. teeta (synonym: C. teetoides), C. trifolia (synonym: C. groenlandica, Anemone groenlandica) Other Common Names: Goldthread, goldenthread, canker root, coptide, mouth root, huang lian Note: Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is also known as yellowroot Overall Safety: 🙁
Therapeutic Efficacy and Considerations:
Digestive Disorders: 🙁
Infectious Disease: 🙁
Hyperlipidemia: 🙁
Efficacy and safety of yellowroot have never been examined in clinical trials for any of its purported uses. Because the smooth, cardiac, and respiratory muscle effects of the berberine component can have serious consequences, use is not recommended.
Chemistry/Pharmacology: Yellowroot’s primary (7-9%) active component is berberine, which is believed responsible for stimulating bile secretion, antimicrobial, and diuretic activities. Berberine also may relax smooth muscle and stimulate cardiac activity in small doses, while higher doses have opposing effects. Antiarrhythmic effects may be due to potassium channel blockade. Berberine may block nuclear factor-kappaB, the transcription factor responsible for regulating interleukin-1 (IL-1)-beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. One animal study of an aqueous extract of C. japonica noted a reduction in total and LDL cholesterol levels; however, it is unknown if other Coptis species have similar effects. Coptis extracts and synthetically prepared berberine compounds are commonly used in Chinese medicine for antimicrobial activity.
Drug Interactions: Cyclosporine levels can increase; may inhibit CYP450 2D6 and 3A4, so could increase levels of other substrate drugs.
Contraindications/Precautions: Pregnancy (due to uterine stimulant effects) and lactation (due to reports of development of kernicterus in breast fed newborns).
Adverse Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, epistaxis, anxiety, depression, seizure, dyspnea, skin and eye irritation (with topical use), kidney irritation or nephritis, and convulsions with high doses.