Corydalis Yanhusuo Extract
Also known as: Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang, Yanhusuo, Xuanhu, Corydalis yanhusuo
Overview
Corydalis yanhusuo is a perennial herb native to East Asia, with its extract derived from the dried tubers of the plant. It has been traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for pain relief, blood circulation improvement, sedation, and treatment of Qi stagnation-related pain. The extract contains bioactive alkaloids, including tetrahydropalmatine (THP), corydaline, and glaucine, which contribute to its analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. Modern applications include analgesia, cardiovascular protection, and potential cancer pain management. Research on Corydalis yanhusuo extract is considered to be at a moderate maturity level, with several animal and in vitro studies, and some human clinical data. However, there is a need for more high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses specifically focused on Corydalis yanhusuo extract alone to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Corydalis yanhusuo extract has demonstrated analgesic effects in animal models and some human studies, potentially enhancing morphine analgesia and reducing opioid tolerance. Its cardioprotective effects, mainly attributed to alkaloids like tetrahydropalmatine (THP), include reducing myocardial infarct size and improving heart function through anti-apoptotic and antioxidant mechanisms. Secondary benefits include sedative and hypnotic effects on the central nervous system, as well as potential anti-inflammatory and anti-arrhythmic effects. It may be beneficial for patients with chronic pain, opioid tolerance, myocardial ischemia, and possibly cancer-related pain when used topically. However, quantitative effect sizes are limited, and more human RCT data are needed to confirm these benefits.
How it works
Corydalis yanhusuo extract exerts its effects through several biological pathways. It interacts with opioid receptors to enhance morphine analgesia and reduce tolerance. In myocardial tissue, it inhibits apoptosis and oxidative stress pathways. Additionally, it modulates inflammatory enzymes (PTGS1/2) and ion channels related to cardiac rhythm. The extract interacts with the central nervous system (analgesic, sedative), cardiovascular system (cardioprotection), and possibly the immune/inflammatory systems. Known molecular targets include PTGS1, PTGS2 (cyclooxygenases), KCNH2, SCN5A (cardiac ion channels), RXRA, CAMKK2, NCOA2, and ESR1 (nuclear receptors and signaling proteins).
Side effects
The overall safety assessment of Corydalis yanhusuo extract suggests low toxicity, making it suitable for long-term use in traditional practice. However, high-quality human trials documenting side effects are limited. Traditional use suggests mild gastrointestinal or sedation-related effects may occur. Uncommon and rare side effects are not well-documented due to insufficient data from controlled human studies. Potential drug interactions include enhancement of opioid analgesia, and caution is advised with CNS depressants and cardiovascular drugs due to pharmacodynamic effects. Contraindications are not clearly established, but caution is advised in pregnancy, lactation, and severe hepatic or cardiac conditions due to a lack of data. Elderly patients and those with cardiovascular disease may benefit but require monitoring.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Corydalis yanhusuo extract is not well established in humans, with animal studies using doses standardized to alkaloid content. Clinical dosing varies, and while traditional use and some pharmacokinetic studies support transdermal delivery of total alkaloids, there is no consensus on oral dosing. The maximum safe dose is not defined due to limited clinical trial data. It is used as needed for pain relief or chronically for cardiovascular support in traditional contexts. Extracts are often standardized for alkaloid content, and transdermal patches have been studied for pharmacokinetics. Alkaloid bioavailability may be influenced by formulation, with transdermal delivery showing promise for sustained absorption.
FAQs
Is Corydalis yanhusuo extract safe to use with opioids?
It may enhance opioid analgesia and reduce tolerance, but medical supervision is recommended to avoid excessive sedation or respiratory depression.
How quickly does it work for pain?
Animal studies suggest a rapid onset of analgesic effects, but human data are limited and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Can it be used long-term?
Traditional use and animal studies indicate low toxicity for long-term use, but clinical trials are needed to confirm safety and potential side effects.
Does it have sedative effects?
Yes, it has sedative and hypnotic properties, which may contribute to its analgesic effects. Use with caution if performing tasks requiring alertness.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8540887/ – This animal study found that Corydalis yanhusuo extract enhanced morphine analgesia and reduced morphine tolerance in rodents. These findings suggest that the extract has opioid-sparing potential, but further human RCTs are needed to confirm these results.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10647965/ – A systematic review and meta-analysis on topical Chinese herbal medicines for cancer pain, including Corydalis, found that topical application may reduce cancer-related pain. However, the specific contribution of Corydalis yanhusuo is unclear due to the heterogeneity of herbal formulations.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1934578X20957752 – This review article with network pharmacology analysis identified multiple alkaloids in Corydalis yanhusuo targeting pain, inflammation, cardiac arrhythmias, and gastric ulcers. It highlighted potential molecular targets and therapeutic pathways, but clinical validation is required.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1275558/full – An experimental study on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in animals showed that Corydalis yanhusuo extract reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function. These effects were attributed to anti-apoptotic and antioxidant mechanisms, mainly due to tetrahydropalmatine.
- https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bmc.5508 – This pharmacokinetic study evaluated the tissue distribution and pharmacokinetics of total alkaloids from a Corydalis yanhusuo transdermal patch. The results support the potential for sustained delivery of the alkaloids through transdermal application.
