Jatrorrhizine (Protoberberine Alkaloid · Anti-adipogenic · Neuroprotective)
| Compound | Jatrorrhizine |
| Chemical class | Alkaloid — Isoquinoline (Protoberberine) |
| CAS | 3621-38-3 |
| Primary source | Berberis spp., Coptis chinensis, Phellodendron spp. |
| Key applications | Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypoglycaemic, neuroprotective |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Typical form | Berberis/Coptis alkaloid extract co-constituent |
| Buy from Herbuno | Contact Herbuno for sourcing enquiries → |
Commercial source: Jatrorrhizine is commercially available as a co-constituent of Berberis and Coptis chinensis alkaloid extracts. It constitutes approximately 2–6% of total alkaloid content alongside berberine, palmatine, and columbamine. Isolated jatrorrhizine is available from specialist chemical suppliers as a research-grade material. See sourcing options below. Traditional use: As a protoberberine alkaloid co-present in Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis) and barberry (Berberis spp.) preparations, jatrorrhizine participates in these herbs’ traditional anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and metabolic applications. It was named after Jatropha but is more relevant in Berberis and Coptis phytochemistry. Research trajectory: Jatrorrhizine has a growing research profile distinct from berberine, with documented anti-adipogenic activity (inhibiting adipocyte differentiation more potently than berberine in some assays), neuroprotective mechanisms (MAO inhibition, AChE inhibition), and antimicrobial activity. Its structural distinction from berberine (a methoxy rather than methylenedioxy at position 2) alters its metabolic handling and receptor interaction profile. See sourcing options below.
Evidence for Jatrorrhizine Applications
Anti-adipogenic and metabolic: Jatrorrhizine inhibits adipocyte differentiation via PPAR-γ suppression and AMPK activation in cell models, with some studies showing greater potency than berberine for this specific application. In animal models of obesity and metabolic syndrome, jatrorrhizine reduces body fat accumulation and improves lipid profiles. Claim strength: Moderate.
Neuroprotective — AChE inhibition: Jatrorrhizine inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at low micromolar concentrations, preserving acetylcholine neurotransmitter levels. This is the same mechanism as pharmaceutical Alzheimer’s drugs (donepezil, galantamine). Combined with mild MAO-B inhibition, jatrorrhizine has a differentiated neuroprotective profile from most other protoberberines. Claim strength: Moderate.
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory: Activity profiles parallel berberine (DNA gyrase inhibition, NF-κB suppression) with slightly different bacterial species potency. Contributes additively to the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of the full Berberis/Coptis alkaloid complex. Claim strength: Moderate.
Browse Standardised Extract Powders →
Dosage & Formulator Specification
Jatrorrhizine is not formulated as a standalone supplement. At 2–6% of total alkaloids in a Berberis aristata extract, a 500 mg/day berberine-equivalent dose from full-spectrum Berberis extract co-delivers approximately 10–30 mg jatrorrhizine. Isolated jatrorrhizine (≥98% HPLC) is available from specialist chemical suppliers for research formulation. For the full alkaloid complex advantage, specify Berberis aristata or Coptis chinensis root extract with individual protoberberine profile CoA.
Frequently Asked Questions — Jatrorrhizine
What distinguishes jatrorrhizine from berberine structurally?
Berberine has a methylenedioxy bridge at C-2,3 (forming a five-membered ring with the A-ring). Jatrorrhizine has separate methoxy groups at C-2 and C-3 without the bridging oxygen — making it the 2,3-dimethoxy analogue structurally similar to palmatine but with a different methoxy arrangement at C-9,10. These subtle differences alter receptor binding geometry, metabolic stability, and CYP450 interaction profiles.
Is jatrorrhizine’s AChE inhibition relevant at supplement doses from Berberis extract?
The AChE inhibition is documented at low micromolar concentrations in vitro. At typical supplement exposure (10–30 mg jatrorrhizine co-delivered with 500 mg berberine), plasma jatrorrhizine levels are unlikely to reach AChE-inhibitory concentrations unless pharmacokinetic studies specifically confirm brain penetration and AChE inhibition in vivo. The neuroprotective mechanism is pharmacologically plausible but has not been confirmed at supplement doses in human studies.
Can jatrorrhizine be specifically targeted in a cognitive health formulation?
For isolated jatrorrhizine-specific AChE inhibitory applications, a dedicated cognitive health product would require jatrorrhizine concentrations well above what Berberis extract delivers as a co-alkaloid. Full-spectrum Berberis or Coptis extract is more appropriately positioned for metabolic health (berberine-driven) rather than cognitive health (where jatrorrhizine’s AChE inhibition would be the rationale). Isolated huperzine A is a far more practical and evidence-supported AChE inhibitor for cognitive formulations.
Is jatrorrhizine in Berberis aristata or only in Coptis?
Jatrorrhizine is present in multiple protoberberine-containing plants including Berberis aristata, Coptis chinensis, and Phellodendron amurense. The relative proportion varies by species: Coptis typically has a higher jatrorrhizine fraction than Berberis. For formulations seeking maximised jatrorrhizine co-delivery, Coptis chinensis extract is the preferred botanical source over Berberis aristata.
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