Palmatine (Protoberberine Alkaloid · Sedative · Antimicrobial)
| Compound | Palmatine |
| Chemical class | Alkaloid — Isoquinoline (Protoberberine, Berberine Analogue) |
| CAS | 3486-67-7 |
| Primary source | Berberis spp., Coptis chinensis, Phellodendron amurense (Huang Bai) |
| Key applications | Anti-inflammatory, sedative, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Typical form | Berberis / Phellodendron alkaloid extract co-constituent |
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Commercial source: Palmatine is commercially available as a co-constituent of Berberis aristata and Coptis chinensis alkaloid extracts. Phellodendron amurense (Huang Bai) bark extract is another commercial source with relatively high palmatine content. Isolated palmatine is available from specialist chemical suppliers. See sourcing options below. Traditional use: Palmatine is a constituent of multiple important TCM and Ayurvedic herbs including Phellodendron (Huang Bai) — used for damp-heat conditions, urinary tract infections, and anti-inflammatory applications — and Berberis species used in Ayurveda for liver conditions and infections. Research trajectory: Palmatine has been characterised for sedative/anxiolytic activity (5-HT receptor modulation), antimicrobial (particularly anti-biofilm), hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Its activity profile overlaps with berberine but with distinct receptor and enzyme interaction characteristics due to structural differences. See sourcing options below.
Evidence for Palmatine Applications
Sedative and anxiolytic: Palmatine inhibits 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B serotonin receptors and has mild MAO-inhibiting activity, producing sedative and anxiolytic effects in rodent behavioural models. This mechanism distinguishes palmatine from berberine (which lacks significant serotonergic activity). Relevant for sleep and stress support formulations. Claim strength: Moderate.
Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm: Palmatine demonstrates antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, Candida, and H. pylori, with documented anti-biofilm activity that may exceed berberine in some bacterial species. MIC values are typically in the same range as berberine. Claim strength: Moderate.
Hepatoprotective: Palmatine reduces ALT/AST elevation in hepatotoxicity animal models, activates Nrf2/HO-1, and has anti-fibrotic properties in hepatic stellate cell models. Consistent with Phellodendron’s traditional liver protective use. Claim strength: Moderate.
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Dosage & Formulator Specification
Palmatine is not formulated as a standalone supplement. In Berberis aristata extract standardised to berberine, palmatine constitutes approximately 3–8% of total alkaloids. For Phellodendron amurense extract, palmatine is typically the primary alkaloid (rather than secondary as in Berberis). Standard Phellodendron extract at 200–500 mg/day delivers meaningful palmatine alongside berberine. Isolated palmatine is available from specialist suppliers for research formulation.
Palmatine is yellow like berberine (chromophore shared across protoberberines). Standard supplement formats are appropriate. Stable under normal processing conditions. No significant CYP interaction data have been published for palmatine at supplement doses, but prudent advisory language about co-medication is appropriate given its structural similarity to berberine.
Frequently Asked Questions — Palmatine
What distinguishes palmatine from berberine structurally?
Berberine has a methylenedioxy group at 9,10 and methoxy groups at 3 and 4 positions. Palmatine has four methoxy groups (at 2, 3, 9, and 10 positions) — no methylenedioxy ring. This structural difference alters receptor binding, particularly for serotonin receptors (more palmatine-active) versus AMPK/PCSK9 interactions (more berberine-active). The four methoxy groups of palmatine give it a slightly different UV absorption spectrum and chemical reactivity profile.
Is palmatine the primary alkaloid in Phellodendron extract?
In Phellodendron amurense (Huang Bai), palmatine is typically the primary alkaloid alongside berberine, in contrast to Berberis and Coptis where berberine dominates. Phellodendron extract is therefore a more palmatine-enriched source. For formulations specifically seeking palmatine’s differentiated sedative or serotonergic profile, Phellodendron extract is the preferred botanical source over Berberis.
Can palmatine be combined with berberine in a blood glucose formulation?
Yes. The combination is naturally achieved by using full-spectrum Berberis or Coptis extract rather than isolated berberine HCl. Palmatine’s AMPK activation (shared with berberine) provides additive blood glucose support, while its serotonergic sedative activity may provide a secondary stress reduction benefit relevant to metabolic syndrome management. No adverse combination effects are documented.
Does palmatine interact with SSRIs or other serotonergic medications?
Palmatine’s 5-HT2A/B receptor inhibition and mild MAO inhibitory activity theoretically raises interaction concerns with SSRIs, triptans, and other serotonergic medications. Clinical serotonin interaction data for palmatine are not published. Standard advisory language for individuals on serotonergic medications is appropriate as a precaution, consistent with guidance for other mild serotonergically-active botanicals.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
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