CORYDALIS YANHUSUO: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Corydalis yanhusuo is flowering plant that grows in mild climates throughout the northern hemisphere. It's used in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

The root and tuber of the Corydalis yanhusuo plant are used in medicine. They contain chemicals that might help fight certain infections in the stomach.

People use Corydalis yanhusuo for constipation, indigestion, acid reflux, headache, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse Corydalis yanhusuo with other species that might be generally called Corydalis. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for CORYDALIS YANHUSUO overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: A specific combination product (Motilitone, Dong-A ST) containing Corydalis yanhusuo extract and Pharbitis seed extract is possibly safe when used for up to 4 weeks. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if taking Corydalis yanhusuo alone is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy: Corydalis yanhusuo is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might start menstruation and cause the uterus to contract. This could cause a miscarriage. Additionally, Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine, which can cross the placenta and might harm the fetus.

Breast-feeding: Corydalis yanhusuo is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding. It contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine can be transferred to the infant through breast milk and it might cause harm in newborns, including brain damage.

Children: Corydalis yanhusuo is likely unsafe when given by mouth to newborn infants. It contains a chemical called berberine, which can cause brain damage, especially in premature infants with jaundice. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe for older children.

Bleeding disorders: Corydalis yanhusuo might slow blood clotting. Taking Corydalis yanhusuo might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

High bilirubin levels: Bilirubin is a chemical that is produced when old red blood cells break down. It is normally removed by the liver. Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine may keep the liver from removing bilirubin fast enough. This can cause brain problems in people with high levels of bilirubin. Avoid using.

Surgery: Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might prolong bleeding or slow down the nervous system during and after surgery. It might also interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking Corydalis yanhusuo at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO
The body breaks down cyclosporine to get rid of it. Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might decrease how fast the body breaks down cyclosporine. This might increase the effects and side effects of cyclosporine.
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, others) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO
Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might decrease how quickly the body breaks down dextromethorphan. This might increase the effects and side effects of dextromethorphan.
Losartan (Cozaar) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO
The liver activates losartan to make it work. Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might decrease how quickly the body activates losartan, which might decrease the effects of losartan.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO
Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might lower blood sugar levels. Taking Corydalis yanhusuo along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO
Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might lower blood pressure. Taking Corydalis yanhusuo along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO
Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might slow blood clotting. Taking Corydalis yanhusuo along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Metformin (Glucophage) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO
Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might increase the amount of metformin in the body. This may increase its effects and side effects. This interaction seems to occur when berberine is taken around 2 hours before metformin. Taking berberine and metformin at the same time doesn't seem to increase the amount of metformin in the body.
Midazolam (Versed) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO
The body breaks down midazolam to get rid of it. Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine can decrease how quickly the body breaks it down. This might increase the effects and side effects of midazolam.
Pentobarbital (Nembutal) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO
Pentobarbital is a medication that can cause sleepiness. Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine may affect sleep. Taking Corydalis yanhusuo with pentobarbital might cause too much sleepiness.
Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO
Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking Corydalis yanhusuo with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Tacrolimus (Prograf) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO
Tacrolimus is removed from the body by the liver. Corydalis yanhusuo contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might slow down the body's ability to remove tacrolimus. This might increase the effects and side effects of tacrolimus.

Dosing

Corydalis yanhusuo has most often been used by adults in a specific supplement (Motilitone, Dong-A ST). This product contains other ingredients. It has most often been taken by mouth three times daily before meals for up to 4 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Corydalis yanhusuo might be when taken alone.

View References

REFERENCES:

Guo, Y., Chen, Y., Tan, Z. R., Klaassen, C. D., and Zhou, H. H. Repeated administration of berberine inhibits cytochromes P450 in humans. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2012;68(2):213-217. View abstract.

Wang, H. X. and Ng, T. B. Examination of lectins, polysaccharopeptide, polysaccharide, alkaloid, coumarin and trypsin inhibitors for inhibitory activity against human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase and glycohydrolases. Planta Med 2001;67(7):669-672. View abstract.

Wei, W., Zhao, H., Wang, A., Sui, M., Liang, K., Deng, H., Ma, Y., Zhang, Y., Zhang, H., and Guan, Y. A clinical study on the short-term effect of berberine in comparison to metformin on the metabolic characteristics of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Eur J Endocrinol. 2012;166(1):99-105. View abstract.

Wu, J. F. and Liu, T. P. [Effects of berberine on platelet aggregation and plasma levels of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in rats with reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion]. Yao Xue.Xue.Bao. 1995;30(2):98-102. View abstract.

Xie, C., Kokubun, T., Houghton, P. J., and Simmonds, M. S. Antibacterial activity of the Chinese traditional medicine, Zi Hua Di Ding. Phytother.Res. 2004;18(6):497-500. View abstract.

Xuan, B., Wang, W., and Li, D. X. Inhibitory effect of tetrahydroberberine on platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue.Bao. 1994;15(2):133-135. View abstract.

Yin, J., Xing, H., and Ye, J. Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism 2008;57(5):712-717. View abstract.

Yuan, C. S., Mehendale, S. R., Wang, C. Z., Aung, H. H., Jiang, T., Guan, X., and Shoyama, Y. Effects of Corydalis yanhusuo and Angelicae dahuricae on cold pressor-induced pain in humans: a controlled trial. J.Clin.Pharmacol. 2004;44(11):1323-1327. View abstract.

Zhang, H., Wei, J., Xue, R., Wu, J. D., Zhao, W., Wang, Z. Z., Wang, S. K., Zhou, Z. X., Song, D. Q., Wang, Y. M., Pan, H. N., Kong, W. J., and Jiang, J. D. Berberine lowers blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients through increasing insulin receptor expression. Metabolism 2010;59(2):285-292. View abstract.

Zhang, L., Yang, L. W., and Yang, L. J. [Relation between Helicobacter pylori and pathogenesis of chronic atrophic gastritis and the research of its prevention and treatment]. Zhongguo Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi. 1992;12(9):521-526. View abstract.

Alhassen L, Nuseir K, Ha A, et al. The extract of Corydalis yanhusuo prevents morphine tolerance and dependence. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021;14(10):1034. View abstract.

Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82. View abstract.

Chan E. Displacement of bilirubin from albumin by berberine. Biol Neonate 1993;63:201-8. View abstract.

Chatterjee P, Franklin MR. Human cytochrome p450 inhibition and metabolic-intermediate complex formation by goldenseal extract and its methylenedioxyphenyl components. Drug Metab Dispos 2003;31:1391-7. View abstract.

Déléaval M, Burri H, Bakelants E. Harmless herbs? A case report of acquired long QT syndrome and torsades de pointes in a patient taking herbal supplements. HeartRhythm Case Rep 2022;8(5):309-12. View abstract.

Hou Q, Han W, Fu X. Pharmacokinetic interaction between tacrolimus and berberine in a child with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2013;69(10):1861-2. View abstract.

Janbaz KH, Gilani AH. Studies on preventive and curative effects of berberine on chemical-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents. Fitoterapia 2000;71:25-33.. View abstract.

Jung HK, Lee KJ, Choi MG, et al. Efficacy of DA-9701 (Motilitone) in functional dyspepsia compared to pantoprazole: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority study. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2016;22(2):254-63. View abstract.

Kim SY, Woo HS, Kim KO, et al. DA-9701 improves colonic transit time and symptoms in patients with functional constipation: a prospective study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017;32(12):1943-8. View abstract.

Lan J, Zhao Y, Dong F, et al. Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;161:69-81. View abstract.

Lazavi F, Mirmiran P, Sohrab G, Nikpayam O, Angoorani P, Hedayati M. The barberry juice effects on metabolic factors and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018;31:170-174. View abstract.

Li, Y., Xu, C., Zhang, Q., Liu, J. Y., and Tan, R. X. In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori action of 30 Chinese herbal medicines used to treat ulcer diseases. J Ethnopharmacol 4-26-2005;98(3):329-333. View abstract.

Lyu Y, Zhang Y, Yang M, et al. Pharmacokinetic interactions between metformin and berberine in rats: Role of oral administration sequences and microbiota. Life Sci. 2019;235:116818. View abstract.

Park CH, Kim HS, Lee SK. Effects of the new prokinetic agent DA-9701 formulated with corydalis tuber and pharbitis seed in patients with minimal change esophagitis: a bicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled Study. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2014;20(3):338-46. View abstract.

Wang H, Wang Z, Jiang M, et al. Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of five bioactive components in the Corydalis yanhusuo total alkaloids transdermal patch following Shenque acupoint application in rats assessed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Biomed Chromatogr 2023;37(1):e5508. View abstract.

Wu H, Sun Q, Dong H, et al. Gastroprotective action of the extract of Corydalis yanhusuo in Helicobacter pylori infection and its bioactive component, dehydrocorydaline. J Ethnopharmacol 2023;307:116173. View abstract.

Wu X, Li Q, Xin H, Yu A, Zhong M. Effects of berberine on the blood concentration of cyclosporin A in renal transplanted recipients: clinical and pharmacokinetic study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2005;61:567-72. View abstract.

Zhang Y, Li X, Zou D, et al. Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008;93:2559-65. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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CORYDALIS YANHUSUO - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO

Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, others) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO

Losartan (Cozaar) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO

Metformin (Glucophage) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO

Midazolam (Versed) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO

Pentobarbital (Nembutal) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO

Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO

Tacrolimus (Prograf) interacts with CORYDALIS YANHUSUO

Dosing