# Palmatine **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/palmatine **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-30 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Protoberberine alkaloid, Yellow alkaloid, Isoquinoline alkaloid, Palmatine chloride, Palmatine hydrochloride, Berberidaceae alkaloid, Traditional liver alkaloid, Anti-dysentery alkaloid, Cholinesterase inhibitor alkaloid ## Overview Palmatine is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in plants like Coptis chinensis and Berberis species that exhibits cholinesterase inhibitory activity and anti-inflammatory properties. This bioactive compound works by inhibiting [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase enzymes and modulating [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s in preclinical studies. ## Health Benefits • Potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects observed in preclinical studies. • Exhibits cholinesterase inhibitory activity, suggesting benefits for CNS health, based on in vitro studies. • May have antihypertensive properties as indicated by animal model research. • Shows potential liver protective effects as part of traditional use in treating jaundice. • Could aid in managing dysentery, supported by historical medicinal applications. ## Mechanism of Action Palmatine exerts its effects primarily through inhibition of [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes, which increases acetylcholine availability in neural tissues. The compound also modulates inflammatory pathways by suppressing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s like TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, palmatine may interact with calcium channels and demonstrate [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects through [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) mechanisms. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for palmatine comes primarily from in vitro and animal studies, with limited human clinical data available. In vitro studies have demonstrated IC50 values for [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase inhibition ranging from 2-15 μM depending on the source and preparation. Animal studies using doses of 10-50 mg/kg have shown potential antihypertensive effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The lack of robust human clinical trials limits the ability to establish definitive therapeutic benefits and optimal dosing protocols. ## Nutritional Profile Palmatine is a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid (protoberberine-type), not a macronutrient or conventional food ingredient, so it lacks a traditional nutritional profile in terms of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals. Its profile is defined entirely by its bioactive alkaloid chemistry. Molecular formula: C21H22NO4+; molecular weight: ~352.4 g/mol. Found in plant sources including Coptis japonica (0.1–1.5% dry weight of rhizome), Berberis species (co-occurring with berberine at variable concentrations of 0.05–0.8% dry weight), Phellodendron amurense bark (approximately 0.3–1.2% dry weight), and Tinospora cordifolia stems (trace to 0.2% dry weight). As an isolated compound, it contains no fiber, protein, fat, or conventional micronutrients. Bioavailability: oral bioavailability is considered low-to-moderate as with most protoberberine alkaloids; studies suggest significant first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and P-glycoprotein efflux limiting absorption, with Cmax typically reached within 1–3 hours in rodent pharmacokinetic models. Lipophilicity (logP approximately 2.1–2.5) allows moderate membrane permeability. It is typically encountered as a chloride or iodide salt in standardized extracts. No dietary reference intake or recommended daily allowance has been established. Concentrations in commercial herbal extracts vary widely (1–10 mg per dose depending on source plant and extraction method). ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges for palmatine in humans are available due to the absence of human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Palmatine safety data in humans is limited due to the scarcity of clinical trials. Potential side effects may include gastrointestinal upset and interactions with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4. Due to its cholinesterase inhibitory activity, palmatine may potentiate the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors and anticholinergic medications. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid palmatine supplementation due to insufficient safety data. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials or meta-analyses specifically on palmatine are available. Research is mostly preclinical, with scattered studies in databases like PubMed and Scopus focusing on animal models or in vitro analyses. ## Historical & Cultural Context Palmatine has been used in Asian traditional medicine for conditions like jaundice, hypertension, and dysentery. Its historical application spans plants from families such as Berberidaceae and Papaveraceae. ## Synergistic Combinations Berberine, Coptisine, Jatrorrhizine, Curcumin, Ginger ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the typical dosage of palmatine supplements? No standardized human dosage exists for palmatine due to limited clinical research. Animal studies have used doses equivalent to 10-50 mg/kg body weight, but human therapeutic doses remain undefined. ### Can palmatine help with memory and cognitive function? In vitro studies show palmatine inhibits acetylcholinesterase with IC50 values of 2-15 μM, suggesting potential cognitive benefits. However, human clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects on memory and cognition. ### What plants contain the highest amounts of palmatine? Coptis chinensis (Chinese goldthread) and Berberis species contain the highest concentrations of palmatine. Phellodendron amurense and Mahonia aquifolium also contain significant amounts of this alkaloid. ### Does palmatine interact with blood pressure medications? Animal studies suggest palmatine has antihypertensive properties, which could potentially enhance the effects of blood pressure medications. Consult a healthcare provider before combining palmatine with antihypertensive drugs. ### How long does palmatine stay in the body? Palmatine pharmacokinetics in humans are not well-established due to limited clinical studies. Animal research suggests rapid absorption but specific half-life and elimination data for humans require further investigation. ### Is palmatine safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? There is insufficient clinical evidence regarding palmatine's safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it should be avoided during these periods as a precaution. Traditional use in certain cultures does not establish safety for pregnant or nursing women, and no controlled studies have evaluated potential effects on fetal development or infant exposure through breast milk. Consult a healthcare provider before using palmatine if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. ### What does current clinical research show about palmatine's effectiveness? Most evidence for palmatine comes from preclinical and animal studies demonstrating anti-inflammatory, cholinesterase inhibitory, and antihypertensive properties, but human clinical trials are limited. While traditional medicine has used palmatine-containing plants for liver support and digestive health, rigorous double-blind controlled studies in humans are lacking. More research is needed to establish efficacy and optimal therapeutic doses in human populations. ### Who should avoid taking palmatine supplements? Individuals with liver disease, kidney impairment, or those taking medications metabolized by the liver should consult healthcare providers before using palmatine, as its hepatic metabolism is not fully characterized. People with hypotension or on antihypertensive medications should exercise caution due to palmatine's potential blood pressure-lowering effects. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should avoid palmatine due to insufficient safety data in these populations. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*