Corydalis is a herbal supplement that is said to aid in pain relief and relaxation (sedation). Corydalis yanhusuo is a flowering herbal plant in the Papaveraceae family with a scientific name of Corydalis yanhusuo (commonly known as poppies).
Corydalis yanhusuo is found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, but it is most commonly found in the high-altitude grasslands of China’s Zhejiang province.
The corydalis plant has five to fifteen purple-blue-hued flowers that curve outward.
Corydalis is frequently combined with other herbal supplements.
This article discusses the uses of corydalis. It will also discuss the risks and side effects of using corydalis supplements.
In the United States, dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs, which means that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed.
Choose a supplement that has been tested by a reputable third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF, whenever possible.
However, just because supplements have been third-party tested does not mean they are necessarily safe or effective in general.
As a result, it is critical to consult with your healthcare provider about any supplements you intend to take and to inquire about potential interactions with other supplements or medication.
A healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider, should individualised and vet supplement use. No dietary supplement is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Corydalis is frequently combined with other herbal supplements that claim to have health benefits, but there is little evidence to support its use.
Corydalis has been studied for various health reasons by scientists, but it has yet to be proven safe and effective in humans
Corydalis has been studied in the lab and on animals, but there is insufficient evidence to support its use for any human health condition.
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Advantages of the Central Nervous System
Corydalis has the potential to alleviate pain and induce feelings of relaxation (sedation).
According to a review of studies on the uses of corydalis, tetrahydropalmatine (THP), an alkaloid in the corydalis plant, has been shown to block dopamine receptor sites in the brain, which can cause sedation.
Corydalis yanhusuo’s pain-relieving (analgesic) and sedative effects have been studied in animal studies.
Corydalis yanhusuo, for example, reduced chronic and persistent pain and depression in rat studies.
There has been some research into the use of corydalis for pain relief in humans. The cold pressor test—a research method for inducing pain in humans—was used in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study with 15 participants.
A single oral dose of Corydalis yanhusuo extract and another herbal supplement called Angelicae dauhuricae significantly reduced the pain intensity scores of the participants.
However, because Corydalis yanhusuo was used in conjunction with another product, we can’t say whether the herbal supplement would be effective on its own.
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Other Supposed Corydalis Applications
Corydalis has also been studied in animal and laboratory settings:
In one study, corydalis was found to help reduce sores in the stomach lining (peptic ulcers) in animals. It may also have protected liver function in animal models, possibly due to the plant’s alkaloid/THP content.
Animals are protected against coronary heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), and heart attacks. In mice, THP may relax blood vessels and tissues, lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
Tumor growth was reduced in lab and animal studies. THP has also been shown in animal studies to reduce tumour cell activity.
According to laboratory studies, the chloroform extract from Corydalis yanhusuo may have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Animal and laboratory studies, on the other hand, are frequently poor predictors of human response. As a result, these findings do not provide sufficient evidence for these corydalis applications.
What Are the Corydalis Side Effects?
Corydalis is generally well tolerated and safe when taken orally. According to some research, corydalis extracts may be safe to take for up to four weeks. 11
Consuming corydalis can still have negative consequences. Importantly, corydalis supplements may cause THP toxicity. THP can cause a liver infection and inflammation (acute hepatitis), with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. 12
Precautions Before Using Corydalis: Don’t Rely on Amazon for Legitimate Supplements
More research is needed to determine the potential side effects of combining corydalis supplements with other herbs, supplements, or medications.
Before starting corydalis, consult your healthcare provider, 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 may be at risk for side effects. Corydalis should not be taken by children. Furthermore, adults should avoid if they are:13
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Bleeding in between menstrual cycles