FolkKB

Coptis japonica

Coptis japonica

Coptis japonica is a perennial herb central to East Asian traditional medicine. It is traditionally utilized as a stomachic and for treating inflammation, intestinal complaints, and as a sedative. Scientific evidence suggests various bioactivities, including antibacterial properties of berberine-loaded membranes and potential reduction of muscle and fat wasting in cancer cachexia models via STAT3 inhibition. However, the bioactivity of its polysaccharides may vary based on source, structure, and purity. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
stomachic · inflammation
Traditions
Japanese (Kampo)
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

What the science says

  • The study established correlations between alkaloids and tastes in Coptis species using UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS and electronic tongue techniques. D PMID
  • The study found that Rhizoma Coptidis polysaccharides exhibit various bioactivities but noted variations depend on source, structure, and purity. D PMID
  • Berberine-loaded pHEMA cryogel membranes showed significant antibacterial activity against MRSA and MDR E. coli. D PMID
  • Coptis japonica Makino ethanol extracts reduced muscle and fat wasting in cancer cachexia models through inhibition of the STAT3 signaling pathway. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Coptis japonica?

Coptis japonica (Coptis japonica) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Coptis japonica traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Coptis japonica for: stomachic, inflammation, intestinal complaints, sedative. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Coptis japonica?

Coptis japonica appears in these traditions in our sources: Japanese (Kampo).

What does the scientific evidence say about Coptis japonica?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Coptis japonica; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study established correlations between alkaloids and tastes in Coptis species using UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS and electronic tongue techniques.

How strong is the evidence for Coptis japonica?

The strongest finding for Coptis japonica carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Coptis japonica safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Coptis japonica in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Coptis japonica interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Coptis japonica in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

Is Coptis japonica a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Study on the correlation between alkaloids and tastes of Coptis Rhizome from four species based on UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS combined with electronic tongue technique. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Coptis japonica Makino ethanol extracts attenuates cancer cachexia induced muscle and fat wasting through inhibition of the STAT3 signaling pathway. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Next-generation antibacterial cryogels: Berberine-infused smart membranes with molecular docking-guided targeting of MRSA and MDR E. coli. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Rhizoma Coptidis polysaccharides: extraction, separation, purification, structural characteristics and bioactivities. literature abstract metadata

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