Papaveraceae
Corydalis Root
Corydalis yanhusuo
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: China (Sichuan, Zhejiang), Korea
Also known as: Yan Hu Suo, Yanhusuo, Turkey Corn Root
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Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Pain management (multiple types — dysmenorrhea, gastric ulcer pain, headaches — clinical evidence), anxiety, insomnia, cardiac arrhythmias. TCM's primary analgesic herb.
Herbal Actions
Analgesic (THP — dopamine receptor antagonist, GABA modulation), antispasmodic, sedative, anxiolytic, antiarrhythmic
Active Constituents
Isoquinoline alkaloids (tetrahydropalmatine — THP primary, l-THP DLBS3233, corydaline, protopine, dehydrocorydaline)
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🍵 Decoction🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 5–10g root simmered 30 min in 500ml, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 2–3x daily |
| Notes | For pain: 5–10g raw or 500mg standardized THP 3x daily. Clinical trials for dysmenorrhoea confirm efficacy. Combine with bupleurum for digestive pain. More sedating at night doses. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Pregnancy (emmenagogue). Dopamine antagonists. Cardiac conditions. Anticoagulants.
Side Effects: Sedation. GI upset. Extrapyramidal effects (high doses — THP dopamine antagonism). Generally well tolerated at therapeutic doses.