Coptis japonica
Japanese goldthread
Coptis japonica, commonly known as Japanese goldthread, is a perennial herb highly valued in traditional medicine. Renowned for its high berberine content, this plant possesses potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is widely utilized in herbal remedies to treat digestive ailments, skin infections, and various metabolic disorders.
- Scientific name: Coptis japonica
- Family: Ranunculaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the family Ranunculaceae and is placed within the genus Coptis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ranunculales | WCVP |
| Family | Ranunculaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Coptis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Coptis japonica, is referred to by several different common names depending on the region and language. In Japanese, it is called オウレン, while in Arabic, it is known as كوبتس اليابان. It is also widely recognized in Chinese-speaking areas under the names 日本黃連, 日本黄连, and 日本黄连.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ja | オウレン | Wikidata |
| ar | كوبتس اليابان | Wikidata |
| zh | 日本黃連 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 日本黄连 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 日本黄连 | Wikidata |
| ja | 黄連 | Wikidata |
| en | Japanese goldthread | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is native to the specific region of Eastern Asia. Within this vast territory, its presence is documented in the islands of Japan. The species occupies unique ecological niches found throughout this particular archipelago. Because of this limited range, its natural habitat is geographically concentrated. Consequently, its wild distribution is primarily defined by its connection to the Japanese landscape.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Coptis japonica, is primarily valued for its medicinal properties which are concentrated in its underground structures. The most therapeutically significant parts are the rhizomes, which are often harvested and processed to extract potent alkaloids. While the roots are often discussed in botanical descriptions, it is specifically the rhizome that serves as the main source of active compounds used in traditional medicine. For commercial and pharmaceutical preparation, the dried rhizome is typically utilized, as this form ensures stability and ease of use in various decoctions and herbal formulations.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 9
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| rhizomes | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizome | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dried rhizome | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Coptis japonica has 29 reported phytochemicals identified across 40 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include berberine, Berberine, S-adenosyl-L-methionine, coclaurine, coptisine.
- Total chemicals
- 29
- Scientific sources
- 40
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| berberine | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Berberine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| S-adenosyl-L-methionine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coclaurine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coptisine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| magnoflorine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| norreticuline | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| palmatine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (R)-norcoclaurine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (R,S)-norlaudanosoline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Coptis japonica has 4 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiinflammatory, Antiallergic, Antimicrobial, Laxative.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiinflammatory | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiallergic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Laxative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Coptis japonica has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Oxidative stress, adipogenesis, cachexia, contact hypersensitivity, gastroenteritis.
- Total uses
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| adipogenesis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cachexia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| contact hypersensitivity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastroenteritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypercholesterolemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| muscle atrophy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sarcopenia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |