Corydalis tuber

Ingredient Profile

Chinese Name延胡索
PinyinYan Hu Suo
Latin NameCorydalis Rhizoma

Modern Research Perspective

Tetrahydropalmatine and related alkaloids from Corydalis show analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and smooth-muscle effects in experimental studies. Human exploratory trials and clinical practice have examined pain and menstrual discomfort, often in extracts or combined regimens, but rigorous isolated-material trials remain limited. Sedation, dependence potential, interactions with central nervous system medicines, and variable alkaloid content constrain safe use.

Traditional Function

In traditional Chinese medicine, Corydalis tuber is a qi-moving and blood-moving analgesic used for constrained pain affecting the chest, abdomen, menses, or limbs. It is traditionally selected when pain is fixed or associated with stasis.