Huang Lian - 黄连 - Rhizoma Coptidis - Coptis Rhizome / Goldthread Rhizome

Properties: Bitter, cold

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Heart, Stomach, Large Intestine and Liver
Divergent Zones: Yangming

Traditional Actions/Indications:

Clears Heat and drains Dampness
Damp-Heat in the Stomach or Intestines with diarrhoea or dysenteric disorder
Stomach Heat with vomiting and/or acid regurgitation
Drains Fire and resolves Fire toxicity
Heat with Blazing Fire (Toxic Heat) with high fever. irritability, disorientation, delirium, a red tongue and a rapid, full pulse
Heat from Excess with toxicity: painful, red eyes and a sore throat
Boils, carbuncles and abscesses (Chuang Yung)
Clears Heat and stops bleeding
Blood Heat with epistaxis, hematuria, hemafecia and hemoptysis
Clears Heat topically
Infected wounds, red and painful eyes, ulcerations of the tongue and mouth (topical)
Clears Heart Fire (sedative)
Heart Fire
Lack of communication between the Heart and Kidneys
Drains Stomach Fire
Stomach Fire
Aids fasting
Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of herbs which can, with protracted taking, improve memory. This may suggest it was part of supplementing the diet when engaging in an "avoiding grain" (Bigu 辟穀) fasting regime to cultivate life (Yangsheng 養生).

Suggested Daily Dosage: 2-10g in decoction.

Cautions: It is contraindicated for deficiency-cold syndrome. Because its taste is extremly bitter and dryness, overdosage and long-time taking will impair spleen and stomach, yin and fluids.

Interactions:

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450): Repeated adminstration of berberine decreases the activity of substrates 2C9, 2D6 and 3A4 which may increase the levels of medications broken down by these enzymes.
Decocting with licorice will cause the reaction of glycyrrhizin with berberine forming an insoluble precipitate, possibly reducing the the efficacy by approx 30% (Kamigauchi et al., 2008) but which may also have result in providing a more prolonged effect (Zhang et al., 2020; Li et al., 2024).

Notable Constituents:

Berberine
Alkaloid with antibiotic, anti-fungal, antidiarrheal, antilipemic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties. It also functions as a potassium channel blocker and an antineoplastic agent, among other things. It is slowly soluble in water.
Berberine and epiberberine are found in high concentrations throughout, while oxyberberine is found mainly in the cork and xylem (He et al., 2022).
Palmatine
Protoberberine alkaloid studied for its potential use in the treatment of jaundice, dysentery, hypertension, inflammation, and liver-related diseases. Located mainly in the pith (He et al., 2022).
Coptisine
The component that gives Huang Lian its bitter taste and probably the one responsible for its effects on digestive disorders from bacterial infections.
Jatrorrhizine
Protoberberine alkaloid with antiinflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal activity. It binds and noncompetitively inhibits monoamine oxidase and can interfere with multidrug resistance by cancer cells in vitro when exposed to a chemotherapeutic agent.
Columbamine
Another berberine alkaloid.
Epiberberine
Protoberberine alkaloid.
Melatonin
A hormone with powerful sleep regulatory, antioxidant and immunoregulatory properties. It is mainly found in animals but Chen et al (2003) found it in 2,460 ng/g in this herb.

Notes:

Some other species considered to have the same effect as Huang Lian include C. deltoidea, C. omeiensis and
C. teetoides. C. teetoides is the species used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Appears in 111 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)

An Gong Niu Huang Wan (Calm the Palace Pill with Ox Gallstone)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Bai Tou Weng Jia Gan Cao E Jiao Tang (Pulsatilla Decoction plus Licorice and Ass-Hide Gelatin)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Bai Tou Weng Tang (Pulsatilla Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Ban Xia Ren Shen Jiu (Pinellia and Ginseng Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang (Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Bao Tai Zi Sheng Wan (Protect the Foetus and Aid Life Pill)
From: Extensive Notes on Medicine from the First Awakened Studio (1613)

Bu Pi Wei Xie Yin Huo Sheng Yang Tang (Tonify Spleen and Stomach, Drain Yin Fire and Raise Yang Decotion)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Can Shi Tang (Silkworm Droppings Decoction)
From: Discussion of Sudden Turmoil Disorders (1862) by Wang Shi-Xiong

Chai Hu Xi Xin Tang (Bupleurum and Asarum Decoction)
From: Lecture Notes on Traditional Chinese Traumatology (1963)

Chai Hu Xian Xiong Tang (Bupleurum Decocotion [for Pathogens] Stuck in the Chest)
From: Revised Popular Guide to the Discussion of Cold Damage by Yu Gen-Chu, Revised by He Bing-Yuan (Qing dynasty)

Da Huang Huang Lian Xie Xin Tang (Rhubarb and Coptis Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Da Huang Lian Bai Tang (Rhubarb, Coptis and Phellodenron Decoction)
From: Collected Medical Writings of Jiang Chun-Hua (contemporary) by Jiang Chun-Hua

Da Qiang Huo Tang (Major Notopterygium Decoction)
From: Hard Won Knowledge (1308)

Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang (Tangkuei and Six Yellows Decoction)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)

Dang Gui Long Hui Wan (Tangkuei, Gentian and Aloe Pill)
From: Formulas from the Discussion Illuminating the Yellow Emperor's Basic Questions (1172) by Liu Wan-Su

Dao Chi Cheng Qi Tang (Guide Out the Red and Order the Qi Decoction)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Di Yu San (Sanguisorba Powder)
From: Traditional Chinese Internal Medicine (c. 1970) by Shanghai College of TCM

Fei Er Wan (Fat Baby Pill)
From: Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition by Wu Qian (1742)

Fei Er Wan (Fat Baby Pill)
From: Comprehensive and Subtle Discussion of Children's Health (1156)

Fu Zi Xie Xin Tang (Aconite Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gan Cao Xie Xin Tang (Licorice Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gan Cao Xie Xin Tang (Licorice Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gan Jiang Huang Qin Huang Lian Ren Shen Tang (Ginger, Scutellaria, Coptis and Ginseng Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Ge Gen Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang (Kudzu, Scutellaria and Coptis Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Huang Lian E Jiao Tang (Coptis and Ass-Hide Gelatin Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (Coptis Decoction to Resolve Toxicity)
From: Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library by Wang Tao (752)

Huang Lian Ruan Gao (Coptis Ointment)
From: A Collection of Zhao Bingnan's Clinical Experiences by Zhao Bingnan (1975)

Huang Lian Shang Qing Wan (Coptis Pill to Cleat the Upper [Jiao])
From: Nationwide Collection of TCM Patent Formulas (1962)

Huang Lian Tang (Coptis Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction with Coptis)
From: Warp and Weft of Warm Diseases by Wang Shi-Xiong / Wang Meng-Ying (1852)

Huang Lian Xiang Ru Yin (Coptis and Mosla Drink)
From: Handed-Down Rare and Treasured Formulas (Song Dynastry)

Jia Jian Dao Chi Xie Xin Tang (Modified Guide Out the Red and Drain the Heart Decoction)
From: Selected Formulas for Warm-Heat Pathogen Diseases (c. 1900)

Jia Wei Bai Tou Weng Tang (Augmented Pulsatilla Decoction)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Jia Wei Er Chen Tang (Augmented Two-Aged [Herb] Decotion)
From: Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition by Wu Qian (1742)

Jia Wei Si Wu Tang (Augmented Four Substance Decoction)
From: Fang's Orthodox Lineage of Pulse and Symptoms (1749)

Jia Wei Xiao Xian Xiong Tang (Augmented Minor Decoction [for Pathogens] Stuck in the Chest)
From: Bases of Medicine (1861) by Shi Shou-Tang

Jian Pi Wan (Strengthen the Spleen Pill)
From: Indispensable Tools for Pattern Treatment by Wang Ken-Tang (1602)

Jiao Tai Wan (Grand Communication Pill)
From: Comprehensive Medicine According to Master Han (1522)

Jin Hua Jiu (Golden Flower Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Jin Hua Wan (Golden Flower Pills)
From: Essential Subtleties on the Silver Sea by Unknown, attributed to Sun Si Miao (Maybe composed in the Song - Ming Dynasty, published ~1579)

Jing Wan Hong (Ching Wan Hung) (Many Myriad Benefits)
From: Ingredients listed on pot by Great Wall Brand

Lian Li Tang (Regulating Decoction with Coptis)
From: Symptom, Cause, Pulse and Treatment (Ming dynasty)

Lian Po Yin (Coptis and Magnolia Drink)
From: Discussion of Sudden Turmoil Disorders (1862) by Wang Shi-Xiong

Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentian Decoction to Drain the Liver)
From: Precious Mirror of Health by Luo Tian-Yi (Yuan Dynasty)

Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan (Auklandia and Betel Nut Pill)
From: Confucians' Duties to Their Parents by Zhang Cong-Zheng / Zi-He (1228)

Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan (Auklandia and Betel Nut Pill)
From: Medical Formulas Collected and Analysed by Wang Ang (1682)

Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan (Auklandia and Betel Nut Pill)
From: Essential Teachings of Dan-Xi by Zhu Dan-Xi (1732)

Nei Liu Huang Lian Tang (Internal Flow [Promoting] Decoction with Coptis)
From: Collection of Writings on the Mechanism of Disease, Suitability of Qi, and the Safeguarding of Life as Discussed in Basic Questions (1186)

Nei Shu Huang Lian Tang (Internal Dispersing Decoction with Coptis)
From: Collection of Writing on the Mechanism of Illness, Suitability of Qi and the Safeguarding of Life as Discussed in the Basic Questions (1186)

Niu Huang Cheng Qi Tang (Ox Gallstone Decoction to Order the Qi)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Niu Huang Shang Qing Wan (Ox Gallstone Pill to Cleat the Upper [Jiao])
From: Nationwide Collection of TCM Patent Formulas (1962)

Nu Shen San (Woman's Spirit Powder)
From: Formulary and Mnemonics from 'No Mistake' Pharmacy (1956)

Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin (Universal Benefit Decoction to Eliminate Toxin)
From: Dong-Yuan's Tried and Tested Formulas by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1202)

Qi Bao Qing Xin San (Seven Treasures Powder to Clear the Heart)
From: Essential Subtleties on the Silver Sea by Unknown, attributed to Sun Si Miao (Maybe composed in the Song - Ming Dynasty, published ~1579)

Qin Lian Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction with Scutellaria and Coptis)
From: Wondrous Lantern for Peering into the Origin and Development of Miscellaneous Diseases (1773) by Shen Jin-Ao

Qing Liang Yin Zi (Cooling and Clearing Drink)
From: Symptoms, Causes, Pulse and Treatment (Ming dynastry)

Qing Shang Fang Feng Tang (Clear the Upper [Burner] Decoction with Saposhnikovia)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (Clear Summerheat and Augment the Qi Decoction)
From: Warp and Weft of Warm Diseases by Wang Shi-Xiong / Wang Meng-Ying (1852)

Qing Wei San (Clear the Stomach Powder)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)

Qing Wei Tang (Clear the Stomach Decoction)
From: Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition by Wu Qian (1742)

Qing Wen Bai Du Yin (Clear Epidemics and Overcome Toxicity Drink)
From: Achievements Regarding Epidemic Rashes (1794)

Qing Xin Li Ge Tang (Clear the Heart and Enable the Diaphragm Decoction)
From: Indispensable Tools for Pattern Treatment by Wang Ken-Tang (1602)

Qing Yan Li Ge Tang (Clear the Throat and Enable the Diaphragm Decoction)
From: Precious Collection for Throat Diseases (Qing dynasty)

Qing Ying Tang (Clear the Nutritive Level Decoction)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Qu Feng Zhi Bao Dan (Greatest Treasure Special Pill to Dispel Wind)
From: Wondrous Lantern for Peering into the Origin and Development of Miscellaneous Diseases (1773) by Shen Jin-Ao

Ren Shen Xie Xin Tang (Ginseng Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

San Huang San (Three Yellows Powder)
From: Important Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces by Sun Si Miao (650)

San Huang Shi Gao Tang (Three Yellow Gypsum Decoction)
From: Indispensable Tools for Pattern Treatment by Wang Ken-Tang (1602)

San Huang Wan (Three Yellows Pill)
From: Essential Subtleties on the Silver Sea by Unknown, attributed to Sun Si Miao (Maybe composed in the Song - Ming Dynasty, published ~1579)

San Huang Zhi Zhu Wan (Three Yellows Unripe Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Pill)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

San Zhong Kui Jian Tang (Decoction to Disperse Swelling and Ulcerate What is Hard)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)

Shao Yao Tang (Peony Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Shen Song Yang Xin Jiao Nang (Ginseng Capsules to Open and Nourish the Heart)
From: State Food and Drug Administration of China (2003)

Sheng Jiang Xie Xin Tang (Fresh Ginger Decoction to Drain the Heart)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang (Raise the Yang and Augment the Stomach Decoction)
From: Clarifying Doubts About Damage from Internal and External Causes by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1247)

Shi Gao Tang (Gypsum Decoction)
From: Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library by Wang Tao (752)

Shi Gao Tang (Gypsum Decoction)
From: Six Texts on Cold Damage (1445) by Tao Hua

Shi Hu Ye Guang Wan (Dendrobium Pill for Night Vision)
From: Experiental Formulas from the Auspicious Balmboo Hall (1326)

Shu Gan Tang (Dredge the Liver Decoction)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Shu Re Yu (Summer Heat Bath)
From: Shen-nong.com

Shuang Huang Lian Pian (Double Coptis Pill)
From: Lekon Golden Formula (1973)

Si Wei Xiang Ru Yin (Four Ingredient Mosla Powder)
From: Book to Safeguard Life Arranged According to Pattern (1108)

Sou Feng San (Searching Wind Powder)
From: Essential Subtleties on the Silver Sea by Unknown, attributed to Sun Si Miao (Maybe composed in the Song - Ming Dynasty, published ~1579)

Su Ye Huang Lian Tang (Perilla Leaf and Coptis Decoction)
From: Warp and Weft of Warm Diseases by Wang Shi-Xiong / Wang Meng-Ying (1852)

Tian Xing Chi Yan Tang (Epidemic Red Eye Wash)
From: Essential Subtleties on the Silver Sea by Unknown, attributed to Sun Si Miao (Maybe composed in the Song - Ming Dynasty, published ~1579)

Wan Shi Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan (Wan's Ox Gallstone Pill to Clear the Heart)
From: Essential Teachings about Pox and Rashes Passed Down in Medical Lineages (1568)

Wen Qing Yin (Warming and Clearing Drink)
From: Song Family Secret Texts on Women's Disorders (1612)

Wu Mei Wan (Mume Pill)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang (Master Wu's Coptis and Mume Decoction)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Xi Gan Ming Mu San (Wash the Liver to Clear the Eyes Powder)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Xiang Lian Wan (Auklandia and Coptis Pill)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

Xiao Ke Fang (Wasting-Thirsting Formula)
From: Essential Teachings of Dan-Xi by Zhu Dan-Xi (1732)

Xiao Xian Xiong Tang (Minor Decoction [for Pathogens] Stuck in the Chest)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Xie Gan Tang (Drain the Liver Decocotion)
From: Selections from the Clinical Experience of Guan You-Bo (2006) by Guan You-Bo

Xie Pi Chu Re Yin (Drain the Spleen to Clear Fire Drink)
From: Essential Subtleties on the Silver Sea by Unknown, attributed to Sun Si Miao (Maybe composed in the Song - Ming Dynasty, published ~1579)

Xie Xin Dao Chi Tang (Drain the Heart and Guide Out the Red Decoction)
From: Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition by Wu Qian (1742)

Xie Xin Tang (Drain the Epigastrium Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Xing Ren Hua Shi Tang (Apricot Kernal and Talcum Decoction)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Yin Hua Jie Du Tang (Honeysuckle Decocotion to Resolve Toxicity)
From: Collected Experiences on Treating Sores (1806)

Yue Shi San (Moon Stone Powder)
From: Rhymed Prose on Medical Principles and Applications (1870)

Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan (Unripe Bitter Orange Pill to Guide Out Stagnation)
From: Clarifying Doubts About Damage from Internal and External Causes by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1247)

Zhi Shi Xiao Pi Wan (Unripe Bitter Orange Pill to Reduce Focal Distention)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)

Zhi Zi Qin Ge Tang (Gardenia, Scutellaria and Kudzu Decoction)
From: Unwilting Formulas (Qing Dynasty)

Zhong Man Fen Xiao Tang (Separate and Reduce Fullness in the Middle Decoction)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)

Zhong Man Fen Xiao Wan (Separate and Reduce Fullness in the Middle Pill)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)

Zhong Zheng Qi Qi Ying Liang Fan Fang (Severe Stage Qi and Ying Both Blazing Prescription)
From: Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (Trial Version 7), Chinese Medical Journal 2020, 133(9): 1087-1095. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000000819 by Wei Pei-Fang (editor), National Health Commission & National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2020)

Zhu Che Wan (Halt the Carts Pill)
From: Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library by Wang Tao (752)

Zhu Ru Wen Dan Tang (Bamboo Decoction to Warm the Gallbladder)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Zhu Sha An Shen Wan (Cinnabar Pill to Calm the Spirit)
From: Clarifying Doubts About Damage from Internal and External Causes by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1247)

Zi Shen Ming Mu Tang (Enrich Kidneys and Improve Vision Decoction)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Zuo Jin Wan (Left Metal Pill)
From: Essential Teachings of Dan-Xi by Zhu Dan-Xi (1732)

Research Links & References: (click to display)

Individual Herbs Notebook

黄 连  Huang Lian

Translation: Yellow Links

Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Coptidis
Taxonomy: Coptidis chinensis

Other names: Coptis Rhizome / Goldthread Rhizome / Mamira ममीरा

Category: Herbs that Clear Heat

Research Links:

Reference Notes: