Corydaline (Tetrahydroprotoberberine · Analgesic · Anticancer Research)
| Compound | Corydaline |
| Chemical class | Alkaloid — Isoquinoline (Tetrahydroprotoberberine) |
| CAS | 518-69-4 |
| Primary source | Corydalis yanhusuo (Yan Hu Suo), Corydalis decumbens |
| Key applications | Analgesic, sedative, anticancer research, dopaminergic modulation |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Typical form | Corydalis yanhusuo extract co-constituent alongside THP |
| Buy from Herbuno | Request availability and bulk pricing → |
Commercial source: Corydalis yanhusuo (Yan Hu Suo) root extract is commercially available from specialist botanical suppliers, with corydaline as a significant co-alkaloid alongside tetrahydropalmatine (THP/rotundine) and dehydrocorydaline. Isolated corydaline is available as a research-grade material from specialist chemical suppliers. Contact Herbuno for availability assessment. Traditional use: Shares Corydalis yanhusuo’s traditional use in TCM for pain management — dysmenorrhoea, abdominal pain, traumatic injury, headache, and chest pain. Corydaline is one of several tetrahydroprotoberberine alkaloids in Yan Hu Suo that collectively produce the herb’s analgesic and sedative effects. Research trajectory: Corydaline has attracted specific research for anticancer mechanisms (STAT3 inhibition, mTOR inhibition) beyond the shared analgesic/sedative properties of the tetrahydroprotoberberine class. It also inhibits AChE (like jatrorrhizine), providing a neuroprotective research dimension distinct from THP. See sourcing options below.
Evidence for Corydaline Applications
Analgesic and sedative (THPB class): As a tetrahydroprotoberberine (THPB) alkaloid, corydaline shares dopamine D1/D2 antagonism and GABA-A potentiation with THP, producing analgesic and sedative effects in animal models. Its analgesic potency in comparative assays is somewhat lower than THP. In Corydalis extract, corydaline contributes additive analgesic activity alongside THP. Claim strength: Moderate.
Anticancer — STAT3 and mTOR inhibition: Corydaline inhibits STAT3 and mTOR in cancer cell lines, inducing apoptosis and autophagy. This antiproliferative mechanism is distinct from the analgesic tetrahydroprotoberberine class mechanism and has attracted dedicated oncology research interest. Claim strength: Moderate (preclinical; no human data).
AChE inhibition: Corydaline inhibits acetylcholinesterase at low micromolar concentrations, a mechanism relevant to cognitive health formulations. Combined with the GABA-A and dopaminergic modulation, corydaline has a broader CNS pharmacological profile than THP alone. Claim strength: Moderate.
Request availability and bulk pricing →
Browse Standardised Extract Powders →
Dosage & Formulator Specification
Corydaline is not available as a standalone commercial supplement ingredient. In Corydalis yanhusuo extract, corydaline constitutes approximately 5–15% of total alkaloid content. Corydalis extract at 200–600 mg/day (standardised to total alkaloids including THP and corydaline) is the practical formulation vehicle. Isolated corydaline is available as a research-grade material. Contact Herbuno for Corydalis extract availability and alkaloid profile specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions — Corydaline
How does corydaline differ from tetrahydropalmatine (THP)?
Both are tetrahydroprotoberberine alkaloids from Corydalis yanhusuo with analgesic and sedative properties via dopamine antagonism and GABA-A potentiation. Structural differences: corydaline has methoxy groups at positions 2, 3, 9, 10 (like palmatine but tetrahydro-reduced), while THP has methoxy groups at 2, 3, 9, 10 with a different A-ring oxygenation. Pharmacologically, THP has stronger analgesic evidence (the pharmaceutical Rotundine is THP); corydaline has additional STAT3/mTOR anticancer and AChE inhibitory differentiation. Co-formulation in the whole Corydalis extract provides both.
Is Corydalis yanhusuo a controlled substance?
Corydalis yanhusuo extract and its alkaloids are not controlled substances in the US, EU, or most markets. The THP/corydaline content produces pharmacological effects (dopamine antagonism, sedation) without being classified as narcotic or controlled drug alkaloids. Some regulatory uncertainty exists in certain markets regarding concentrated alkaloid extracts; formulators should verify current status in their specific jurisdiction before commercialising Corydalis alkaloid products.
Can corydaline be co-formulated with other CNS botanicals?
Yes. Corydalis extract (corydaline + THP) is commonly co-formulated with other CNS-active botanicals — California poppy (protopine), valerian, passionflower — in sleep and pain support formulations. The complementary mechanisms (dopamine antagonism from corydaline/THP, GABA-A modulation from passionflower/valerian) provide multi-mechanism CNS support without the direct benzodiazepine or opioid receptor agonism of pharmaceutical sedatives.
Does corydaline have a lower safety profile than THP?
No significant difference in safety profiles is documented between corydaline and THP at supplement concentrations from Corydalis extract. Both belong to the same pharmacological class with similar dose-dependent effect profiles. The same advisories apply: avoid in pregnancy (uterine effects documented for THPB class alkaloids), and advisory language for dopaminergic medications is appropriate for the full Corydalis alkaloid complex.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
← HerbIQ Compound Index · HerbIQ P02: Extraction · HerbIQ P03: Delivery