# Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis yanhusuo)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/yan-hu-suo-corydalis-yanhusuo
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-18
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Corydalis yanhusuo, Corydalis turtschaninovii, Yan Hu, Chinese Corydalis, Yanhusuo, Corydalis Rhizome, 延胡索

## Overview

Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis yanhusuo) contains tetrahydropalmatine (THP) as its primary bioactive alkaloid, which blocks [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood) receptors and calcium channels to provide analgesic effects. This traditional Chinese herb demonstrates significant pain-relieving properties through its action on the central nervous system's pain pathways.

## Health Benefits

- Yan Hu Suo provides natural pain relief by blocking pain signals in the nervous system, offering a 40% reduction in pain severity. - It enhances mood by increasing [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood) levels, which can improve emotional well-being and reduce symptoms of depression. - The herb promotes blood circulation, which can lead to better oxygenation of tissues and improved energy levels. - It supports [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by reducing blood pressure and improving heart function. - Yan Hu Suo has [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects, which can decrease inflammation markers and alleviate chronic conditions. - It may improve sleep quality by calming the nervous system, leading to deeper and more [restorative sleep](/ingredients/condition/sleep). - The herb has been shown to have mild sedative properties, which can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

## Mechanism of Action

Tetrahydropalmatine (THP) in Yan Hu Suo blocks D1, D2, and D3 [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood) receptors while inhibiting L-type calcium channels in neurons. This dual mechanism interrupts pain signal transmission in the spinal cord and brain, while also affecting monoamine [neurotransmitter](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) levels. The alkaloid protopine additionally contributes to analgesic effects by modulating GABA receptors.

## Clinical Summary

Clinical studies on Yan Hu Suo have primarily focused on its analgesic properties, with small-scale trials showing 30-40% reduction in chronic pain scores. A randomized controlled trial of 67 participants with chronic pain demonstrated significant improvement compared to placebo over 4 weeks. However, most research consists of animal studies and traditional use data, with limited large-scale human clinical trials. The evidence suggests promise but requires more robust clinical validation.

## Nutritional Profile

Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis yanhusuo) is not consumed as a food source and therefore lacks a conventional macronutrient profile (negligible protein, fat, and carbohydrate contribution at typical therapeutic doses of 5–15 g dried tuber or 100–300 mg standardized extract). Its medicinal value derives from its rich alkaloid content. **Key Bioactive Compounds:** — **Tetrahydropalmatine (THP / dl-THP):** Primary active alkaloid, typically 0.5–1.5% of dried tuber weight (~5–15 mg per gram of crude herb); responsible for analgesic and sedative effects via [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood) D2 receptor antagonism and modulation of GABA-ergic pathways; oral bioavailability estimated at 40–50%. — **Dehydrocorydaline (DHC):** ~0.1–0.8% of dried tuber; contributes to [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and antitumor activity; acts on [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase inhibition. — **Corydaline:** ~0.1–0.5%; analgesic and smooth muscle relaxant; moderate oral bioavailability. — **Protopine:** ~0.05–0.3%; antispasmodic and mild anti-arrhythmic properties. — **Palmatine:** ~0.1–0.4%; [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and anti-inflammatory; structurally related to berberine with moderate bioavailability (~20–30%). — **Berberine (trace):** ~0.01–0.05%; contributes to antimicrobial and metabolic-supportive effects. — **Canadine (tetrahydroberberine):** ~0.05–0.2%; sedative and muscle-relaxant effects. **Total Alkaloid Content:** Approximately 1.5–4.0% of dried tuber weight, comprising over 20 identified isoquinoline alkaloids (protoberberine, protopine, benzylisoquinoline, and aporphine subtypes). **Minerals (approximate per 100 g dried tuber):** Calcium ~200–400 mg; Potassium ~500–800 mg; Magnesium ~100–200 mg; Iron ~5–15 mg; Zinc ~2–5 mg; Manganese ~1–3 mg. **Other constituents:** Organic acids, starch (~30–50% of tuber dry weight), small amounts of dietary fiber (~5–8%), and trace essential oils. **Bioavailability Notes:** THP bioavailability is significantly enhanced when taken with warm water or co-administered with vinegar-processing (cu zhi / 醋制), a traditional preparation method that converts free-base alkaloids to more soluble acetate salts, increasing absorption by an estimated 30–60%. First-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) via CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 reduces systemic availability of several alkaloids; vinegar-processed forms show higher peak plasma concentrations. Fat-soluble alkaloids may benefit from co-ingestion with lipid-containing foods.

## Dosage & Preparation

Typical dosages range from 3 to 9 grams per day. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Yan Hu Suo may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and gastrointestinal upset in some users due to its alkaloid content. The herb can potentially interact with [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood)-affecting medications, sedatives, and blood thinners due to its neurological and circulatory effects. Individuals with liver disease should use caution as alkaloids require hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data and potential uterine stimulant effects.

## Scientific Research

Research indicates that Yan Hu Suo contains alkaloids with analgesic properties. Some studies have shown its effectiveness in pain management, but more research is needed.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Yan Hu Suo has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine as an analgesic. It is often used in formulas to treat abdominal pain and menstrual cramps.

## Synergistic Combinations

E Zhu, Bai Shao, Chuan Xiong

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much Yan Hu Suo should I take for pain relief?

Traditional dosing ranges from 3-10 grams of dried herb daily, while standardized extracts typically use 200-400mg containing 10-20mg tetrahydropalmatine. Start with lower doses to assess tolerance, as individual sensitivity to alkaloids varies significantly.

### Can Yan Hu Suo be taken with prescription pain medications?

Yan Hu Suo may enhance the sedative effects of opioids and other CNS depressants due to its dopamine receptor activity. Consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription pain medications, as dosage adjustments may be necessary.

### How long does it take for Yan Hu Suo to work for pain?

Acute pain relief effects may begin within 30-60 minutes of taking Yan Hu Suo extract due to rapid absorption of tetrahydropalmatine. For chronic pain conditions, consistent daily use for 2-4 weeks is typically needed to achieve optimal therapeutic benefits.

### Does Yan Hu Suo help with menstrual cramps?

Traditional Chinese medicine uses Yan Hu Suo for menstrual pain due to its blood-moving properties and analgesic alkaloids. Small studies suggest effectiveness for dysmenorrhea, though scientific evidence remains limited compared to conventional treatments.

### What's the difference between Yan Hu Suo and pharmaceutical painkillers?

Yan Hu Suo works through dopamine receptor blockade and calcium channel inhibition, while most pharmaceuticals target COX enzymes or opioid receptors. The herb typically produces milder effects with different side effect profiles, but lacks the extensive clinical validation of FDA-approved medications.

### Is Yan Hu Suo safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Yan Hu Suo is traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy due to its blood-moving and circulation-enhancing properties, which may stimulate uterine contractions. It is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers, as safety data in this population is limited. Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult a healthcare provider before using this herb.

### What is the best form of Yan Hu Suo for maximum effectiveness—powder, extract, or whole herb?

Standardized extracts of Yan Hu Suo are typically more bioavailable and potent than whole dried herb, as they concentrate the active alkaloid compounds responsible for pain relief and mood enhancement. Powdered forms offer moderate absorption and are easier to prepare, while whole herbs require decoction to extract therapeutic compounds effectively. For consistent dosing and faster results, standardized extracts are generally considered most effective.

### What does clinical research show about Yan Hu Suo's effectiveness for pain and mood disorders?

Clinical studies demonstrate that Yan Hu Suo reduces pain severity by approximately 40% through alkaloid compounds that modulate pain signaling in the nervous system, with several trials supporting its use for dysmenorrhea and chronic pain. Research also indicates that the herb increases dopamine levels, supporting its traditional use for mood improvement and mild depression. However, most research originates from Asian institutions, and larger Western clinical trials are needed to further validate these benefits.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*