Goldenthread
Also known as: Goldthread, Huanglian, Chinese Goldthread, Coptis chinensis
Overview
Goldthread refers to several species in the Coptis genus, chiefly Coptis chinensis, which is native to China. The underground stem or rhizome of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. Goldthread is notable for its rich content of bioactive compounds, particularly berberine, which is linked to various pharmacological effects. Traditionally, it has been utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine for conditions like digestive disorders, skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections. However, formal scientific backing for these uses is lacking, with most research focusing on berberine alone rather than the holistic benefits of goldthread. Although it possesses some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, the available evidence remains insufficient to robustly support its traditional applications. Overall, there is a need for more focused studies on the whole plant to establish clearer efficacy.
Benefits
The evidence supporting specific benefits of goldthread is limited. However, berberine, its primary active compound, has demonstrated effectiveness in treating dyslipidemia. A systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that berberine significantly reduced LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in individuals with dyslipidemia. This suggests a potential indirect benefit from goldthread due to its berberine content, though no studies specifically on goldthread substantiate this conclusion. No well-documented secondary benefits for goldthread exist, nor is there sufficient population-specific evidence identifying which demographics might experience greater benefits. Consequently, the absence of direct clinical studies renders it challenging to ascertain precise clinical significance and effect sizes associated with goldthread.
How it works
Goldthread's most significant active component, berberine, is known to influence several biological pathways. It mainly works by inhibiting the intestinal absorption of dietary cholesterol and modulating lipid metabolism. Berberine impacts the digestive and cardiovascular systems by affecting lipid metabolism and demonstrating anti-inflammatory properties. Despite these known effects, the overall mechanisms of action specific to goldthread remain underexplored, with most foundational knowledge focused on berberine.
Side effects
Currently, there is inadequate data to detail common or uncommon side effects directly associated with goldthread. However, due to the presence of berberine, potential safety concerns include hepatotoxicity and interactions with medications metabolized by the liver, particularly those influenced by Cytochrome P450 3A4. Goldthread is contraindicated for children, especially infants, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, due to risks such as elevated bilirubin levels and adverse effects linked to berberine. As there is no detailed data on the frequency and severity of side effects specifically attributed to goldthread, caution is advised when considering its use in vulnerable populations.
Dosage
There is no established minimum effective or optimal dosage for goldthread, as the data surrounding its use is insufficient. Hence, no maximum safe dose has been outlined, nor are there specific timing considerations available. Without form-specific recommendations or absorption factor information, any dosing of goldthread should be approached with caution due to these gaps in research. Users are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals before starting any supplementation.
FAQs
Is goldthread safe for children?
Goldthread is likely unsafe for children, particularly infants, due to the potential risks associated with its berberine content, including increased bilirubin levels.
What timing should I consider when taking goldthread?
Currently, there are no specific guidelines on the timing of goldthread administration.
What results can I expect from using goldthread?
There is insufficient evidence to predict expected results from using goldthread, as most benefits are associated with berberine, not goldthread as a whole.
Can goldthread interact with other medications?
Yes, goldthread may interact with drugs metabolized by the liver, particularly those affected by Cytochrome P450 3A4, which can increase the risk of side effects.
Is goldthread safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
Goldthread is likely unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential harms associated with berberine.
Research Sources
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-471/goldthread – This source provides an overview of goldthread, including its uses and suggested interactions based on its major component, berberine. It outlines traditional applications and highlights safety concerns for vulnerable populations.
- https://www.internationaljournalofwellbeing.org/index.php/ijow/article/download/1477/1023/6305 – This article assesses various herbal supplements, including goldthread, focusing on their claimed benefits and safety profiles. It emphasizes the limited evidence available for goldthread, with particular attention to the efficacy of berberine.
- https://www.va.gov/LIBRARY/docs/CochraneLibraryMay2023KN.pdf – This document contains systematic reviews on various supplements, noting the lack of strong evidence for goldthread specifically. It details studies on berberine and its potential health benefits.
- https://subjectguides.lib.neu.edu/systematicreview/databases – This resource outlines databases for conducting systematic reviews, suggesting a need for more targeted research on goldthread and a comprehensive review of its properties and interactions.
- https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.20.22276676v1.full.pdf – This preprint discusses the safety and efficacy of herbal supplements and highlights issues related to their consumption, particularly emphasizing the interactions between herbal compounds like goldthread and pharmaceutical drugs.
