Health Benefits of Coptis Root

Short Story

Coptis root, often used as a powder in supplements, is a bitter herb from traditional Chinese medicine. It is rich in berberine, known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Claimed or Proven Benefits:

• Supports healthy blood sugar levels
• Fights bacterial and fungal infections
• Promotes digestive health
• Reduces inflammation
• Supports liver function
• Enhances immune response
• May improve heart health

More Data

Coptis herb (Rhizoma Coptidis) is also called Chinese Goldthread, Yellowroot or Goldenthread.

Coptis root contains numerous alkaloids, including: berberine, pamatine, coptisine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine, and epiberberine. These alkaloids are responsible for the numerous health benefits of Coptis. The main benefits are:

1. Gastrointestinal Health

The alkaloids in Coptis aren’t absorbed into the bloodstream well. However, they do act in the GI tract when they come into contact with it.

The alkaloids reduce inflammation in the intestinal walls and smooth muscle contraction. They also balance gut microbiota. Studies show these properties make coptis an effective treatment for IBS and it could have potential for treating IBD and leaky gut.

2. Liver and Gallbladder Health

Another key benefit of Coptis plant is for liver and gallbladder health. Research shows that coptis increases bile production levels in the liver. Bile is important for breaking down cholesterol. Without enough bile, gallstones can form. Bile also has many other roles in the body, such as vitamin absorption, keeping gut bacteria balanced and neurological function.

Research shows Coptis is just as effective as bear bile supplements for treating liver diseases – and is a much more humane supplement!

3. Antimicrobial

Numerous studies show that Coptis extracts are antimicrobial. They work in numerous ways, such as blocking bacteria’s ability to bind to mucous membranes in the GI tract and preventing biofilm formation.

These properties are why Coptis has long been used to treat stomach infections, including food poisoning from E. coli and Salmonella. Research also shows that Coptis may be effective against Candida infections.

4. Anti-inflammatory

Research shows that Coptis is a potent anti-inflammatory. It works in numerous ways, including disrupting inflammation pathways and balancing gut bacteria. Studies like this and this one found it was as effective as drugs like dexamethasone and celecoxib in reducing inflammation but without the potential gastric side effects.

Coptis is sometimes applied to the skin for its anti-inflammatory benefits. This can help reduce damage from UV light and other damage.

5. Natural Ulcer Treatment

We now know that a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori is behind most ulcers. Studies have found that alkaloids in Coptis, specifically palmatine, inhibit the H. pylori bacteria. Coptis also inhibits urease, which allows H. pylori to survive in the acidic stomach environment.

6. Cancer

There have been various promising studies which show Coptis may help fight cancer. It has numerous mechanisms of action, including blocking the expression of cancer cells and making it harder for them to grow. However, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center warns that, “Data are lacking on whether huanglian can help prevent or treat cancer.”

7. Depression

Berberine is a well-researched natural treatment for depression. It works by regulating neurotransmitters. It increases dopamine levels, reduces neuro-inflammation and regulates hormones – all of which can improve mental health.

8. Cholesterol

Because Coptis increases bile production, it makes it easier for the body to digest fats. Research shows that this helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels as well as increasing HDL cholesterol. There is also some research showing that this can help reduce obesity levels and prevent cardiovascular diseases related to high cholesterol.

From: https://superfoodjournal.com/coptis-health-benefits/

This ingredient is normally used in the following Healthelicious products:

(Not currently used.)