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Overview: Corydalis yanhusuo is a flowering plant in the poppy family. The dried tuber (a rounded underground stem) is used in traditional Chinese medicine and is also sold as a dietary supplement. People take Corydalis yanhusuo for pain, including headaches, stomach pain, and menstrual cramps, although its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and an upset stomach. Before taking Corydalis yanhusuo, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have and any medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is Corydalis yanhusuo used for?

Corydalis (Corydalis yanhusuo) is used for different reasons. The benefits of use are not well defined. Common reasons for taking Corydalis yanhusuo include the following.

  • Pain (headaches, stomach pain, and menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea)
  • Sleep
  • Mood

Note: The FDA has not reviewed Corydalis yanhusuo for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does Corydalis yanhusuo work (mechanism of action)?

Corydalis yanhusuo is the dried tuber of a flowering plant in the poppy family that grows in China. Researchers have identified more than 80 different alkaloids (a type of natural chemical) in Corydalis yanhusuo. The alkaloids thought to be most responsible for its effects include tetrahydropalmatine (THP), dehydrocorydaline, corydaline, and protopine.

These alkaloids appear to work in many ways. They may block channels in nerve cells that carry pain signals and may also act on other pain-signaling proteins in the spinal cord and nerve tissue. Some alkaloids may block dopamine receptors in the brain, which is thought to contribute to the calming, sedative-like effects of Corydalis yanhusuo.

Other laboratory research suggests that Corydalis yanhusuo may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and that dehydrocorydaline, one of its alkaloids, may help fight the stomach bacteria that cause ulcers (Helicobacter pylori).

Overall, the benefits of Corydalis yanhusuo are not well defined. Evidence in humans is limited.

Herbal products, such as Corydalis yanhusuo, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific Corydalis yanhusuo product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store Corydalis yanhusuo?

You should store Corydalis yanhusuo according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Corydalis yanhusuo?

The most common side effects of Corydalis yanhusuo are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
  • Upset stomach (or indigestion)
  • Nausea or vomiting

There may be other side effects of Corydalis yanhusuo that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Corydalis yanhusuo?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Corydalis yanhusuo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Though it is rare, Corydalis yanhusuo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Corydalis yanhusuo and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Heart Rhythm Changes. Some chemicals in Corydalis yanhusuo may affect the heart’s electrical activity. It may cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat and fainting.Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following.

  • Chest pain
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded or fainting
  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding, or skipping heartbeat

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, has been reported in people using Corydalis yanhusuo. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Corydalis yanhusuo?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Corydalis yanhusuo.

  • Corydalis
  • Corydalis yanhusuo
  • Fumewort
  • Rhizoma corydalis
  • Yan hu suo
  • Yanhusuo
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Corydalis yanhusuo products they stock.

What should I know about Corydalis yanhusuo before using it?

Corydalis yanhusuo is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Corydalis yanhusuo is available in many forms made from the dried tuber, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquid extracts. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep Corydalis yanhusuo out of the reach of children.

Corydalis yanhusuo can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Corydalis yanhusuo affects you.

Much of the research on active chemicals in Corydalis yanhusuo, especially tetrahydropalmatine (THP), has used a purified, research-grade or prescription-strength form of the chemical, not an over-the-counter herbal supplement. Over-the-counter Corydalis yanhusuo products contain much smaller and more variable amounts of THP and other alkaloids, so the effects seen in this research may not apply directly to store-bought supplements.

Herbal products, such as Corydalis yanhusuo, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific Corydalis yanhusuo product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Some herbal products have been linked to safety concerns, including contamination, ingredients not listed on the product label, and harmful substances that may cause serious side effects or drug interactions.

The FDA has not tested Corydalis yanhusuo products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Corydalis yanhusuo?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Corydalis yanhusuo is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Heart rhythm problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Before taking Corydalis yanhusuo, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Corydalis yanhusuo could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. It may affect menstrual flow, so it should likely be avoided during pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Corydalis yanhusuo passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does Corydalis yanhusuo interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Corydalis yanhusuo and foods or nonalcoholic drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Corydalis yanhusuo. Because Corydalis yanhusuo may cause drowsiness, drinking alcohol while taking it may add to this effect.

Does Corydalis yanhusuo interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using so they can watch for any potential interactions.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Corydalis yanhusuo.

  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety. Corydalis yanhusuo may cause drowsiness. Taking it with medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect.
  • A dopamine agonist, such as apomorphine (Apokyn), pramipexole (Mirapex ER), ropinirole, or rotigotine (Neupro), which is a medicine that may be used for Parkinson’s disease or restless legs syndrome (RLS). Corydalis yanhusuo may block dopamine receptors. Taking it with dopamine agonists may reduce how well these medicines work.

Some chemicals in Corydalis yanhusuo may slow down the way your liver breaks down certain medicines. This could cause those medicines to build up in your body and increase the risk of side effects.

The interactions between Corydalis yanhusuo and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with Corydalis yanhusuo is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking Corydalis yanhusuo with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Corydalis yanhusuo?

If you or someone else has used too much Corydalis yanhusuo, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Corydalis yanhusuo supplements are available as capsules, tablets, powders, and liquid extracts made from the dried tuber. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use Corydalis yanhusuo safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.