Use with caution. Review interactions and contraindications below.
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Heart, Liver, Stomach, Large Intestine, Gallbladder, Spleen
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Clears Heat and dries Dampness
- Drains Fire and resolves toxicity
- Clears Heart Fire
- Stops bleeding due to Blood Heat
Secondary Actions
- Cools the Blood and addresses bleeding from excess Heat
- Clears Liver and Stomach Fire
Classic Formulas
- Huang Lian Jie Du Tang — the definitive fire-draining and toxin-resolving formula for high fever and infections
- Zuo Jin Wan — pairs Huang Lian with Wu Zhu Yu (6:1) for Liver Fire invading Stomach with acid reflux
- Huang Lian E Jiao Tang — combines with nourishing substances for Heart Fire with Yin Deficiency and insomnia
Classical References
- Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing: 'Governs Heat conditions with eye pain, treats dysentery and mouth sores'
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Berberine
- Coptisine
- Palmatine
- Magnoflorine
- Worenine
Studied Effects
- Berberine exhibits broad pharmacological properties including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumour effects; lowers cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar in humans (PMID 32335802)
- Berberine shows therapeutic potential in chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disease (PMID 27671811)
- Berberine alleviates ulcerative colitis by inhibiting inflammation through targeting IRGM1 (PMID 39068762)
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold — primary TCM contraindication
- Yin deficiency with secondary Heat signs
- Blood deficiency patterns with secondary Heat
- Jaundiced neonates — berberine displaces bilirubin; do not administer to newborns with jaundice
Cautions
- May prolong QTc interval in patients with underlying heart disease; use with caution in cardiac conditions
- Use with caution during pregnancy — intensely cold properties may disturb gestational balance
- Breastfeeding: use with caution; berberine transfers into breast milk
Drug Interactions
-
CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4 substrate drugs
— Huanglian inhibits CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4; may increase plasma levels and side effects of substrate drugs. Prolonged use may also induce CYP3A4, potentially decreasing drug concentrations (Unknown)
Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering