Coptis quinquefolia

Coptis quinquefolia, commonly known as goldthread, is a perennial herb revered in traditional Chinese medicine. Characterized by its bright yellow rhizomes, it contains potent alkaloids like berberine. Widely used for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, this medicinal plant plays a crucial role in treating digestive and inflammatory conditions.

  • Scientific name: Coptis quinquefolia
  • Family: Ranunculaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the family Ranunculaceae and falls under 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 quinquefolia, is recognized by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In mainland China, it is referred to as 五叶黄连 (zh), while in Taiwan, it is known as 五葉黃連 (zh-tw) or specifically as 臺灣黃連 (zh-tw). In Japan, the plant is called バイカオウレン (ja).
Language Common Name Source
zh 五叶黄连 Wikidata
zh-tw 五葉黃連 Wikidata
ja バイカオウレン Wikidata
zh-tw 臺灣黃連 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Coptis quinquefolia, exhibits a specific geographical distribution within the region of Eastern Asia. Its natural range is primarily concentrated in certain parts of the East Asian landscape. Specifically, the species can be found growing in the country of Japan. Additionally, its presence extends to the island of Taiwan. These locations represent the documented habitats for this medicinal species.

Region Area Source
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP

Chemicals

Coptis quinquefolia has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include berberine, columbamine, coptisine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
berberine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
columbamine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coptisine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
jatrorrhizine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
palmatine 1 ★☆☆☆☆