# Corydalis (Corydalis yanhusuo)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/corydalis
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Corydalis yanhusuo, Yuan Hu, Rhizoma Corydalis, Yan Hu Suo, Chinese Corydalis, Corydalis Tuber, 延胡索

## Overview

Corydalis yanhusuo is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant containing isoquinoline alkaloids, primarily tetrahydropalmatine and dehydrocorybulbine. These compounds demonstrate analgesic effects by modulating [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood) receptors and calcium channels in preclinical studies.

## Health Benefits

• Pain relief and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects demonstrated in animal models through isoquinoline alkaloids (preliminary evidence only)
• [Cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) protection including antiarrhythmic effects via regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins (animal studies only)
• Potential antitumor activity from alkaloid compounds (preclinical data only)
• Cardioprotective effects against coronary heart disease through inhibition of cardiomyocyte apoptosis (animal models)
• Enhanced bioavailability when processed with vinegar or combined with Angelicae dahuricae (pharmacokinetic studies)

## Mechanism of Action

Corydalis alkaloids, particularly tetrahydropalmatine, exert analgesic effects by blocking voltage-gated calcium channels and modulating [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood) D1 and D2 receptors. Dehydrocorybulbine demonstrates [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity through inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. The [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) protective effects occur via regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins and stabilization of cardiac ion channels.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for corydalis is limited primarily to animal studies and in vitro research. Rodent studies show significant pain reduction with doses equivalent to 100-300mg in humans, but no large-scale human clinical trials have been completed. Traditional use spans centuries in Chinese medicine, though standardized clinical data remains insufficient. Most research focuses on isolated alkaloid compounds rather than whole plant extracts.

## Nutritional Profile

Corydalis yanhusuo (Yan Hu Suo) is a medicinal tuber used primarily for its bioactive alkaloid content rather than macronutrient value. **Key Bioactive Compounds:** The tuber contains over 20 isoquinoline alkaloids, with the most pharmacologically significant being: • **Tetrahydropalmatine (THP / dl-THP):** ~0.1–0.5% of dried tuber weight; the principal analgesic alkaloid acting on [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood) receptors (D1/D2); bioavailability is moderate orally but enhanced by vinegar processing (cu zhi) which converts tertiary alkaloids to more soluble quaternary forms. • **Dehydrocorydaline (DHC):** ~0.05–0.3% of dried weight; exhibits [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and antitumor activity. • **Corydaline:** ~0.02–0.15%; contributes to analgesic and sedative effects. • **Palmatine:** ~0.03–0.2%; a protoberberine alkaloid with [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and anti-inflammatory properties. • **Berberine:** trace to ~0.05%; shares [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) and metabolic-regulating properties with Coptis species. • **Protopine:** ~0.01–0.1%; smooth muscle relaxant with antiarrhythmic potential. • **Glaucine and Canadine:** present in smaller quantities; contribute to antitussive and spasmolytic effects. **Total Alkaloid Content:** Typically 0.5–1.5% of dried tuber weight, varying by cultivation region, harvest time (collected before flowering), and processing method. Vinegar-processed (醋延胡索) preparations show 30–70% higher alkaloid extraction yield compared to unprocessed tuber. **Other Constituents:** • Organic acids (fumaric acid, succinic acid); • Sterols (β-sitosterol); • Polysaccharides (minor, not well-characterized); • Trace minerals including potassium, calcium, and iron (not standardized as nutritional sources). **Macronutrients:** Not consumed as a food; typical medicinal dose is 3–10 g of dried tuber per decoction. Starch comprises the bulk of tuber dry weight (~60–70%), with minimal protein (~3–5%) and negligible fat. **Bioavailability Notes:** Oral bioavailability of THP is estimated at ~40–50% in animal models, subject to significant first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (CYP3A4-mediated). Vinegar processing (traditional cu zhi method) increases solubility of alkaloids by converting free bases to salt forms, improving gastrointestinal absorption. Co-decoction with other herbs in traditional formulas may further modulate absorption kinetics.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available from human trials. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia standardizes quality by tetrahydropalmatine content, but commercial products vary widely in alkaloid concentrations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Corydalis may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and digestive upset in some individuals. The herb can potentially interact with sedatives, blood thinners, and medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes due to its alkaloid content. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with liver disease should exercise caution as alkaloids require hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management).

## Scientific Research

Despite extensive traditional use, the research dossier reveals no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs for C. yanhusuo. All available evidence comes from preclinical animal models and in-vitro studies examining analgesic, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), antitumor, and cardioprotective effects of various alkaloid compounds.

## Historical & Cultural Context

C. yanhusuo rhizome has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as Yuan Hu or Rhizoma Corydalis for analgesia and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) purposes. The herb is officially recognized in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, with documented processing and compatibility practices spanning generations of traditional use.

## Synergistic Combinations

Angelicae dahuricae, White Willow Bark, Turmeric, Boswellia, Devil's Claw

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in corydalis?

The primary active compounds are isoquinoline alkaloids, particularly tetrahydropalmatine (THP) and dehydrocorybulbine. These alkaloids are responsible for the herb's analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory studies.

### How much corydalis should I take for pain?

No standardized human dosing exists due to limited clinical trials. Traditional preparations typically use 3-9 grams of dried tuber daily, but consult a healthcare provider before use.

### Can corydalis help with chronic pain?

Animal studies suggest corydalis alkaloids may reduce chronic pain through calcium channel blockade and dopamine receptor modulation. However, human clinical evidence is currently lacking for chronic pain conditions.

### Is corydalis safe to take with other medications?

Corydalis may interact with sedatives, anticoagulants, and drugs processed by liver enzymes. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications due to potential interactions.

### What are the side effects of corydalis?

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and digestive discomfort. More serious concerns include potential liver stress from alkaloid metabolism and enhanced effects of sedating medications.

### What does the current clinical research show about corydalis effectiveness?

Most evidence for corydalis comes from animal studies and traditional use rather than large-scale human trials, limiting definitive conclusions about its efficacy. While preliminary research suggests isoquinoline alkaloids may have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, the quality and quantity of human clinical data remain limited. Current evidence is considered preliminary, and more rigorous human studies are needed to establish its effectiveness and optimal use in clinical practice.

### Is corydalis safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Corydalis is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and the presence of alkaloid compounds that may cross placental barriers. Traditional use does not guarantee safety in these vulnerable populations, and the lack of adequate human studies means potential risks cannot be ruled out. Pregnant and nursing women should consult healthcare providers before considering corydalis supplementation.

### How does corydalis compare to other herbal pain relief options like turmeric or white willow bark?

Corydalis works through isoquinoline alkaloids that may affect pain signaling differently than curcumin in turmeric or salicylates in white willow bark, but comparative human studies are lacking. Turmeric and white willow bark have more robust clinical evidence in humans, while corydalis remains primarily supported by animal data and traditional use. The best choice depends on individual response, but users should prioritize ingredients with stronger human clinical evidence when available.

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