Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageInteractionsSources & What to Look ForFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Interactions
Sources & What to Look For
Frequently Asked Questions
Corydalisis an herbal supplement that some claim can help with pain and relaxation (sedation). Its scientific name isCorydalis yanhusuo.The corydalis plant has five to 15 purple-blue-hued flowers clustered together that curve outward. It’s in thePapaveraceaefamily (commonly known as poppies).
Corydalis is often used in combination with other herbal supplements that claim health benefits.There isn’t any research, though, that has proven the safety or efficacy of Corydalis, and side effects and risks have been indicated.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
What the Research Says
Scientists have studied using corydalis for different health reasons. Often, it’s paired with other herbal supplements that claim to have health benefits. However, no research has proven that it is safe or effective in humans when used alone or combined with other supplements.
So while corydalis has been studied in the lab and in animals, there isnot enough evidenceto support its use for any health conditions in people.
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Central Nervous System Benefits
One of the claims associated with corydalis is that it might help with pain and cause feelings of relaxation (sedation).
A review of studies on the uses of corydalis found thattetrahydropalmatine(THP)—analkaloidin the corydalis plant—has been shown to block receptor sites fordopaminein the brain, which can cause sedation.
Animal research studies have looked at the pain-relieving (analgesic) and sedative effects ofCorydalis yanhusuo.For example, in rat studies,Corydalis yanhusuodecreased chronic and persistent pain and depression.
There has been some research on using corydalis for pain in humans and its effectiveness has been demonstrated. Results suggest thatCorydalis yanhusuomay serve as a candidate for alternative management of pain.
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Other Possible Uses of Corydalis
Other animal and lab studies have also explored corydalis:
Animal and lab studies do not necessarily predict what would happen in humans. Therefore, these studies do not provide enough evidence to support humans using corydalis for these reasons.
What Are the Side Effects of Corydalis?
Consuming corydalis can have side effects and risks. One of the major risks is THP toxicity from corydalis supplements.
THP can cause an infection and inflammation in the liver (acutehepatitis); the symptoms are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or fever.
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Precautions Before Using Corydalis
Talk to your healthcare provider before you start taking corydalis, especially if you are already taking other prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, supplements, or products.
There has not been enough research on the safety and effectiveness of corydalis use in certain groups of people who might be at risk for side effects. Children should not take corydalis. Adults should not use corydalis if they are:
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Dosage: How Much Corydalis Should I Take?
There are different ways to take corydalis, including as a powder, root, liquid, or capsule. However, there are no guidelines about how muchCorydalis yanhusuoto take. There is no standard dose of corydalis.
More research is needed on dosages of corydalis for specific populations and health needs.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are thinking about taking corydalis. Make sure they know about any medical conditions you have, as well as all the medications, supplements, or OTC products you’re using.
Supplement Facts
WhileCorydalis yanhusuois often used with other herbal supplements, it’s unclear whether this supplement is safe to use with over-the-counter medication or prescriptions.
Always read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel carefully before you use it. Make sure that you know what is in the supplement and how much of each ingredient there is in a dose.
Go over this information with your provider and make sure they know about any other medications, supplements, vitamins, or products you’re using or plan to use along with corydalis.
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Corydalis Sources & What to Look For
In addition to taking corydalis supplements, some foods you eat may contain corydalis.
Food Sources of Corydalis
To get corydalis from a food source, theCorydalis yanhosuoplant stem (rhizoma) needs to be soaked in vinegar to increase the active components. Then, it can be cooked for six minutes and cooled before eating.
Corydalis Supplements
Corydalis yanhusuois sold as a tablet, granules, powder, and tablets. Tablets are the most common way to take the supplement.
You can find corydalis supplements at drugstores and specialty health stores.
Summary
Corydalis is a species of flowering herbal plant found in the Northern Hemisphere. Although it has been looked at in a lab and in animal studies, there have not been enough studies in humans to say that it is beneficial and safe to use.
Corydalis supplements are said to have pain-relieving and relaxing effects, but there have not been enough studies to prove that it works for these purposes. In addition, there is also not enough research on corydalis dosing, side effects, and medication interactions.
Talk to your healthcare provider first if you want to try the supplement. Tell them about any OTC or prescription medications, vitamins, or supplements you already take and any health conditions you have.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsSome claims have been made about the sedating or tranquilizing effects of corydalis, which may include hallucinogenic effects. However, there is not enough research evidence to prove these effects exist.Some claim that corydalis can have sedating effects.Sedation can make a person feel more relaxed or even sleepy.However, there is currently no evidence to support its use as a sleep aid. Ask your healthcare provider for other options if you are having trouble sleeping.Some herbal supplements can cause liver injury if used in excess. There have been a few medical case studies of liver damage occurring in people who were using corydalis and other herbal supplements.Learn MoreWhy Some Drugs Damage the LiverMore research is needed, but corydalis may have some anti-inflammatory properties, especially if it’s used with other compounds.
Some claims have been made about the sedating or tranquilizing effects of corydalis, which may include hallucinogenic effects. However, there is not enough research evidence to prove these effects exist.
Some claim that corydalis can have sedating effects.Sedation can make a person feel more relaxed or even sleepy.However, there is currently no evidence to support its use as a sleep aid. Ask your healthcare provider for other options if you are having trouble sleeping.
Some claim that corydalis can have sedating effects.Sedation can make a person feel more relaxed or even sleepy.
However, there is currently no evidence to support its use as a sleep aid. Ask your healthcare provider for other options if you are having trouble sleeping.
Some herbal supplements can cause liver injury if used in excess. There have been a few medical case studies of liver damage occurring in people who were using corydalis and other herbal supplements.Learn MoreWhy Some Drugs Damage the Liver
Some herbal supplements can cause liver injury if used in excess. There have been a few medical case studies of liver damage occurring in people who were using corydalis and other herbal supplements.
Learn MoreWhy Some Drugs Damage the Liver
More research is needed, but corydalis may have some anti-inflammatory properties, especially if it’s used with other compounds.
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16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tian B, Tian M, Huang SM.Advances in phytochemical and modern pharmacological research of RhizomaCorydalis.Pharm. Biol.2020;58:265-275. doi:10.1080/13880209.2020.1741651Zhang J, He S, Wang J, et al.A review of the traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology ofCorydalis yanhusuo.Natural Prod Comm.2020;15(9):1-9. doi:10.1177/1934578X20957752University of Michigan Medicine.Corydalis.Alhassen L, Nuseir K, Ha A, et al.The Extract ofCorydalis yanhusuoPrevents Morphine Tolerance and Dependence.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021;14(10):1034. Published 2021 Oct 12. doi:10.3390/ph14101034Wu H, Wang P, Liu M, et al.A 1H-NMR-based metabonomic study on the anti-depressive effect of the total alkaloid of Rhizoma Corydalis.Molecules. 2015;20(6)10047-10064. doi:10.3390/molecules200610047Wang L, Zhang Y, Wang Z, et al.The Antinociceptive Properties of the Corydalis yanhusuo Extract.PLoS One. 2016;11(9):e0162875. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0162875Yanazume S, Fang J, Islam R, Gao S, Kobayashi H.Effect of Tumor Targeted-Anthracycline Nanomedicine, HPMA Copolymer-Conjugated Pirarubicin (P-THP) against Gynecological Malignancies.J Pers Med. 2022;12(5):814. doi:10.3390/jpm12050814Alhassen L, Dabbous T, Ha A, Dang LHL, Civelli O.The Analgesic Properties ofCorydalis yanhusuo.Molecules. 2021;26(24):7498. doi:10.3390/molecules26247498Jung HK, Lee KJ, Choi MG, Park H, Lee JS, Rhee PL, et al.Efficacy of DA-9701 (motilitone) in functional dyspepsia compared to pantoprazole: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority study.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2016;22(2):254-263. doi:10.5056/jnm15178Li H, Huang MH, Jiang JD, Peng ZG.Hepatitis C: From inflammatory pathogenesis to anti-inflammatory/hepatoprotective therapy.World J Gastroenterol. 2018;24(47):5297-5311. doi:10.3748/wjg.v24.i47.5297Budzynska K, Gardner ZE, Low Dog T, Gardiner P.Complementary, holistic, and integrative medicine: advice for clinicians on herbs and breastfeeding.Pediatr Rev. 2013;34(8):343-353. doi:10.1542/pir.34-8-343Romm A, Burgess I, Winston D, Zick SM, Crawford AM.Conditions of the reproductive organs. In:Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. Elsevier; 2010:211-255. doi:10.1016/B978-0-443-07277-2.00009-XU.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA Warns 10 Companies for Illegally Selling Dietary Supplements Claiming to Treat Depression and Other Mental Health Disorders.Teschke R, Wolff A, Frenzel C, Schulze J.Review article: Herbal hepatotoxicity–an update on traditional Chinese medicine preparations.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2014;40(1):32-50. doi:10.1111/apt.12798Peri V, Yu C, Vaz K, Asadi K, Grace J.Herb-Induced Liver Injury: A Report on Two Australian Cases.Cureus.2022 May 3;14(5):e24686. doi:10.7759/cureus.24686Dong ZB, Zhang YH, Zhao BJ, Li C, Tian G, Niu B, et al.Screening for anti-inflammatory components from Corydalis bungeana Turcz. based on macrophage binding combined with HPLC.BMC Complement Altern Med.2015 Oct 15;15:363. doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0907-x
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tian B, Tian M, Huang SM.Advances in phytochemical and modern pharmacological research of RhizomaCorydalis.Pharm. Biol.2020;58:265-275. doi:10.1080/13880209.2020.1741651Zhang J, He S, Wang J, et al.A review of the traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology ofCorydalis yanhusuo.Natural Prod Comm.2020;15(9):1-9. doi:10.1177/1934578X20957752University of Michigan Medicine.Corydalis.Alhassen L, Nuseir K, Ha A, et al.The Extract ofCorydalis yanhusuoPrevents Morphine Tolerance and Dependence.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021;14(10):1034. Published 2021 Oct 12. doi:10.3390/ph14101034Wu H, Wang P, Liu M, et al.A 1H-NMR-based metabonomic study on the anti-depressive effect of the total alkaloid of Rhizoma Corydalis.Molecules. 2015;20(6)10047-10064. doi:10.3390/molecules200610047Wang L, Zhang Y, Wang Z, et al.The Antinociceptive Properties of the Corydalis yanhusuo Extract.PLoS One. 2016;11(9):e0162875. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0162875Yanazume S, Fang J, Islam R, Gao S, Kobayashi H.Effect of Tumor Targeted-Anthracycline Nanomedicine, HPMA Copolymer-Conjugated Pirarubicin (P-THP) against Gynecological Malignancies.J Pers Med. 2022;12(5):814. doi:10.3390/jpm12050814Alhassen L, Dabbous T, Ha A, Dang LHL, Civelli O.The Analgesic Properties ofCorydalis yanhusuo.Molecules. 2021;26(24):7498. doi:10.3390/molecules26247498Jung HK, Lee KJ, Choi MG, Park H, Lee JS, Rhee PL, et al.Efficacy of DA-9701 (motilitone) in functional dyspepsia compared to pantoprazole: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority study.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2016;22(2):254-263. doi:10.5056/jnm15178Li H, Huang MH, Jiang JD, Peng ZG.Hepatitis C: From inflammatory pathogenesis to anti-inflammatory/hepatoprotective therapy.World J Gastroenterol. 2018;24(47):5297-5311. doi:10.3748/wjg.v24.i47.5297Budzynska K, Gardner ZE, Low Dog T, Gardiner P.Complementary, holistic, and integrative medicine: advice for clinicians on herbs and breastfeeding.Pediatr Rev. 2013;34(8):343-353. doi:10.1542/pir.34-8-343Romm A, Burgess I, Winston D, Zick SM, Crawford AM.Conditions of the reproductive organs. In:Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. Elsevier; 2010:211-255. doi:10.1016/B978-0-443-07277-2.00009-XU.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA Warns 10 Companies for Illegally Selling Dietary Supplements Claiming to Treat Depression and Other Mental Health Disorders.Teschke R, Wolff A, Frenzel C, Schulze J.Review article: Herbal hepatotoxicity–an update on traditional Chinese medicine preparations.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2014;40(1):32-50. doi:10.1111/apt.12798Peri V, Yu C, Vaz K, Asadi K, Grace J.Herb-Induced Liver Injury: A Report on Two Australian Cases.Cureus.2022 May 3;14(5):e24686. doi:10.7759/cureus.24686Dong ZB, Zhang YH, Zhao BJ, Li C, Tian G, Niu B, et al.Screening for anti-inflammatory components from Corydalis bungeana Turcz. based on macrophage binding combined with HPLC.BMC Complement Altern Med.2015 Oct 15;15:363. doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0907-x
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Tian B, Tian M, Huang SM.Advances in phytochemical and modern pharmacological research of RhizomaCorydalis.Pharm. Biol.2020;58:265-275. doi:10.1080/13880209.2020.1741651Zhang J, He S, Wang J, et al.A review of the traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology ofCorydalis yanhusuo.Natural Prod Comm.2020;15(9):1-9. doi:10.1177/1934578X20957752University of Michigan Medicine.Corydalis.Alhassen L, Nuseir K, Ha A, et al.The Extract ofCorydalis yanhusuoPrevents Morphine Tolerance and Dependence.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021;14(10):1034. Published 2021 Oct 12. doi:10.3390/ph14101034Wu H, Wang P, Liu M, et al.A 1H-NMR-based metabonomic study on the anti-depressive effect of the total alkaloid of Rhizoma Corydalis.Molecules. 2015;20(6)10047-10064. doi:10.3390/molecules200610047Wang L, Zhang Y, Wang Z, et al.The Antinociceptive Properties of the Corydalis yanhusuo Extract.PLoS One. 2016;11(9):e0162875. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0162875Yanazume S, Fang J, Islam R, Gao S, Kobayashi H.Effect of Tumor Targeted-Anthracycline Nanomedicine, HPMA Copolymer-Conjugated Pirarubicin (P-THP) against Gynecological Malignancies.J Pers Med. 2022;12(5):814. doi:10.3390/jpm12050814Alhassen L, Dabbous T, Ha A, Dang LHL, Civelli O.The Analgesic Properties ofCorydalis yanhusuo.Molecules. 2021;26(24):7498. doi:10.3390/molecules26247498Jung HK, Lee KJ, Choi MG, Park H, Lee JS, Rhee PL, et al.Efficacy of DA-9701 (motilitone) in functional dyspepsia compared to pantoprazole: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority study.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2016;22(2):254-263. doi:10.5056/jnm15178Li H, Huang MH, Jiang JD, Peng ZG.Hepatitis C: From inflammatory pathogenesis to anti-inflammatory/hepatoprotective therapy.World J Gastroenterol. 2018;24(47):5297-5311. doi:10.3748/wjg.v24.i47.5297Budzynska K, Gardner ZE, Low Dog T, Gardiner P.Complementary, holistic, and integrative medicine: advice for clinicians on herbs and breastfeeding.Pediatr Rev. 2013;34(8):343-353. doi:10.1542/pir.34-8-343Romm A, Burgess I, Winston D, Zick SM, Crawford AM.Conditions of the reproductive organs. In:Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. Elsevier; 2010:211-255. doi:10.1016/B978-0-443-07277-2.00009-XU.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA Warns 10 Companies for Illegally Selling Dietary Supplements Claiming to Treat Depression and Other Mental Health Disorders.Teschke R, Wolff A, Frenzel C, Schulze J.Review article: Herbal hepatotoxicity–an update on traditional Chinese medicine preparations.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2014;40(1):32-50. doi:10.1111/apt.12798Peri V, Yu C, Vaz K, Asadi K, Grace J.Herb-Induced Liver Injury: A Report on Two Australian Cases.Cureus.2022 May 3;14(5):e24686. doi:10.7759/cureus.24686Dong ZB, Zhang YH, Zhao BJ, Li C, Tian G, Niu B, et al.Screening for anti-inflammatory components from Corydalis bungeana Turcz. based on macrophage binding combined with HPLC.BMC Complement Altern Med.2015 Oct 15;15:363. doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0907-x
Tian B, Tian M, Huang SM.Advances in phytochemical and modern pharmacological research of RhizomaCorydalis.Pharm. Biol.2020;58:265-275. doi:10.1080/13880209.2020.1741651
Zhang J, He S, Wang J, et al.A review of the traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology ofCorydalis yanhusuo.Natural Prod Comm.2020;15(9):1-9. doi:10.1177/1934578X20957752
University of Michigan Medicine.Corydalis.
Alhassen L, Nuseir K, Ha A, et al.The Extract ofCorydalis yanhusuoPrevents Morphine Tolerance and Dependence.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021;14(10):1034. Published 2021 Oct 12. doi:10.3390/ph14101034
Wu H, Wang P, Liu M, et al.A 1H-NMR-based metabonomic study on the anti-depressive effect of the total alkaloid of Rhizoma Corydalis.Molecules. 2015;20(6)10047-10064. doi:10.3390/molecules200610047
Wang L, Zhang Y, Wang Z, et al.The Antinociceptive Properties of the Corydalis yanhusuo Extract.PLoS One. 2016;11(9):e0162875. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0162875
Yanazume S, Fang J, Islam R, Gao S, Kobayashi H.Effect of Tumor Targeted-Anthracycline Nanomedicine, HPMA Copolymer-Conjugated Pirarubicin (P-THP) against Gynecological Malignancies.J Pers Med. 2022;12(5):814. doi:10.3390/jpm12050814
Alhassen L, Dabbous T, Ha A, Dang LHL, Civelli O.The Analgesic Properties ofCorydalis yanhusuo.Molecules. 2021;26(24):7498. doi:10.3390/molecules26247498
Jung HK, Lee KJ, Choi MG, Park H, Lee JS, Rhee PL, et al.Efficacy of DA-9701 (motilitone) in functional dyspepsia compared to pantoprazole: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority study.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2016;22(2):254-263. doi:10.5056/jnm15178
Li H, Huang MH, Jiang JD, Peng ZG.Hepatitis C: From inflammatory pathogenesis to anti-inflammatory/hepatoprotective therapy.World J Gastroenterol. 2018;24(47):5297-5311. doi:10.3748/wjg.v24.i47.5297
Budzynska K, Gardner ZE, Low Dog T, Gardiner P.Complementary, holistic, and integrative medicine: advice for clinicians on herbs and breastfeeding.Pediatr Rev. 2013;34(8):343-353. doi:10.1542/pir.34-8-343
Romm A, Burgess I, Winston D, Zick SM, Crawford AM.Conditions of the reproductive organs. In:Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. Elsevier; 2010:211-255. doi:10.1016/B978-0-443-07277-2.00009-X
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA Warns 10 Companies for Illegally Selling Dietary Supplements Claiming to Treat Depression and Other Mental Health Disorders.
Teschke R, Wolff A, Frenzel C, Schulze J.Review article: Herbal hepatotoxicity–an update on traditional Chinese medicine preparations.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2014;40(1):32-50. doi:10.1111/apt.12798
Peri V, Yu C, Vaz K, Asadi K, Grace J.Herb-Induced Liver Injury: A Report on Two Australian Cases.Cureus.2022 May 3;14(5):e24686. doi:10.7759/cureus.24686
Dong ZB, Zhang YH, Zhao BJ, Li C, Tian G, Niu B, et al.Screening for anti-inflammatory components from Corydalis bungeana Turcz. based on macrophage binding combined with HPLC.BMC Complement Altern Med.2015 Oct 15;15:363. doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0907-x
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