Berberine-containing Coptis (Huang Lian)

Tier 3 — weak evidence · TCM · Antimicrobial · Glucose metabolism

Coptis chinensis is the traditional TCM source of berberine, used for centuries to treat damp-heat conditions and digestive infections. The whole herb contains additional alkaloids beyond berberine alone. A 2024 review found Coptis extracts have broader antimicrobial activity than purified berberine. Same drug interaction cautions as berberine apply.

Dose: 500–1,000 mg/day Coptis extract; lower dose than pure berberine due to additional active alkaloids