
Product Description
We supply standardized and traceable high-purity Coptis chinensis extract raw material. Its core active marker is berberine. It is suitable for formulas for glucose and lipid metabolism, gut health and heat-clearing use. Every batch of our material can pass strict tests.
Product Description
Our Coptis extract powder goes through strict quality control in the whole production process. Each batch is tested separately for heavy metals, pesticide residues, microbes and aflatoxins. It meets USP, EP and ISO international standards.
This concentrated powder is refined from high-quality plant raw materials, with berberine as the key marker. Its standard: berberine (HPLC) 5%-98% customizable, standard extraction ratio 5:1. Public studies show it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, glucose-regulating and antioxidant effects. It is widely used in dietary supplements, functional foods and personal care products for global markets.
Raw materials come from standardized planting bases in traditional producing areas. We use low-temperature drying and low-temperature dynamic extraction to keep heat-sensitive alkaloids as much as possible. Coptis is one of the oldest and best-recorded herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a key raw material for gut care and metabolic health products.
Coptis chinensis Franch. is one of the most common natural sources of berberine in the world. China is its major producing area. Coptis from Shizhu, Chongqing has stable berberine content of 7.0%-8.5%, higher than the minimum 5.5% required by Chinese Pharmacopoeia. There is a saying in the industry: “The best Coptis comes from Shizhu”. This herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years. Its safety and use are recognized by Chinese Pharmacopoeia and WHO monographs.
Why Choose Nutralighting
We adopt low-temperature dynamic extraction, vacuum concentration and spray drying (or freeze drying). This keeps berberine content stable and maintains good bioactivity. We offer full customization: different extraction ratios (5:1-20:1) and berberine grades (5%,10%,20%, berberine HCl 97%/98%) to match your product needs.
Our products follow USP, EP and Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP). Each batch comes with complete COA, including berberine and other alkaloid profiles, loss on drying, total ash, heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg), pesticide residues, aflatoxins and full microbial tests.
Basic Information
| Parameter | Details |
| Extract name | Coptis chinensis Extract |
| Latin name | Coptis chinensis Franch. (Coptis deltoidea and Coptis teeta are also recorded in pharmacopoeia) |
| Alias | Chuanlian, Weilian, Jizhaolian, Goldthread, Chinese Goldthread |
| Used part | Dried rhizome (whole plant can be used for low-grade products) |
| Common English names | Coptis Extract / Goldthread Extract |
| Extraction ratio | 5:1, 10:1, 20:1 |
| Main active compounds | Berberine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, coptisine, magnoflorine |
| Key specification | Berberine 5%-98% (HPLC); standard ratio 5:1 (customizable) |
| Appearance | Brownish-yellow fine powder |
| Particle size | 80-100 mesh |
| Target markets | North America, Europe, China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia |
| Main applications | Dietary supplements, functional food & drinks, cosmetics & personal care, traditional herbal products, veterinary drugs and feed additives |
| Notes | Cold and bitter in nature. Not for pregnant women. Not for people with G6PD deficiency (favism) or hemolytic anemia. |
Standard Specifications (COA)
The following specifications are general reference values; the specific values are subject to each batch COA report.
| Testing Items | Standards |
| Berberine (HPLC) | 5%-98% (customizable, regular stock: 5%,10%,20%,97%) |
| Loss on drying | ≤5.0% |
| Total ash | ≤6.0% |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤1.0 mg/kg |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤2.0 mg/kg |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤0.5 mg/kg |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 mg/kg |
| Pesticide residues (organochlorine/organophosphorus) | Complies with USP <561> |
| Aflatoxin B1 | ≤5.0 μg/kg |
| Total aflatoxins | ≤10.0 μg/kg |
| Total Microbial Count (TAMC) | ≤1×10⁴ CFU/g |
| Yeasts and Molds (TYMC) | ≤1×10² CFU/g |
| Escherichia coli | Not Detected (1g) |
| Salmonella | Not Detected (1g) |
Introduction to Plant Raw Materials
The raw material is dried rhizome of Coptis chinensis Franch. (Ranunculaceae). Coptis deltoidea C. Y. Cheng et Hsiao and Coptis teeta Wall. are also accepted by pharmacopoeia, named Weilian, Yalian and Yunlian. Coptis mainly grows in Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei and Shaanxi. Shizhu, Chongqing is a geographical indication area with mature planting and primary processing standards.
Coptis has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for clearing heat, drying dampness and removing toxin for over 2,000 years and is listed in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Its main active ingredients are isoquinoline alkaloids. Berberine has the highest content and the most research support as the marker compound.
Core Efficacy
Many public studies support its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, glucose-lipid regulating and gut-protective effects. Berberine acts on many inflammatory and metabolic signal pathways.
- Antibacterial & anti-inflammatory: Berberine stops bacterial DNA and protein synthesis. It shows clear in vitro inhibition against H. pylori, Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella dysenteriae. It reduces NF-κB activation and the release of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β.
- Glucose metabolism: Berberine activates the AMPK pathway to improve insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance. Public clinical studies show it helps lower fasting blood glucose and HbA1c. It is a popular natural ingredient for metabolic health formulas.
- Gut health: Research shows berberine balances gut microbiota, protects intestinal barrier and eases colon inflammation. It may shorten the course of infectious diarrhea. A randomized controlled study published in Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology (2020) found that berberine (0.3 g twice daily) reduced the recurrence risk of colorectal adenoma by about 23% (RR 0.77). Mild constipation was the main side effect.
- Lipid & antioxidant: Berberine helps adjust blood lipid levels, lowering total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C. The extract also has antioxidant effects, suitable for soothing and anti-irritant formulas.
Note: The above mechanism content is for research and reference only. It does not make treatment claims for finished products.
Regulatory and Regional Access Status
Notice: Rules may change. Confirm the latest compliance with local regulators or professional consultants before export.
| Region / Country | Regulatory Status | Key Remarks |
| USA (FDA) | Dietary supplement ingredient | Berberine-containing supplements can be used under DSHEA. Labels cannot claim to diagnose, treat or prevent disease. |
| EU (EFSA) | Food supplement / traditional herbal medicine | Must follow novel food regulation (EU) 2015/2283 and local herbal rules. Some member states have extra limits on berberine supplements; check country by country. |
| China (NHC/NMPA) | Chinese medicinal herb / raw material | Coptis is recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. It is not yet listed as food-herb homology or approved health food raw material. Check latest catalog and local pilot policies before use in ordinary food or health food. |
| Australia (TGA) | Complementary medicine ingredient | Can be used as listed complementary medicine, following TGA rules on ingredients and labeling. |
Application Directions and Recommended Dosage
| Application | Suggested Dosage | Forms | Remarks |
| Tablet / Capsule | 100-300 mg per time | Tablet, hard capsule | 100-300 mg, 1-2 times daily for standardized extract |
| Solid drink / Granule | Follow formula design | Sachet, bag, can | Can mix with other heat-clearing and spleen-supporting herbs. Control dosage under local regulations. |
| Liquid drink / Functional beverage | Follow formula design | Glass bottle, PET bottle | Pre-disperse in warm water first. Stable pH range: 4.5-7.0 |
| Personal care / Topical use | 0.2%-1.5% (w/w) | Lotion, serum, soothing mask | Berberine has astringent and soothing effects, good for oily and acne-prone skin. Test solubility and emulsion stability in formula development. |
| Veterinary / Feed additive | Follow formula design | Premix, powder | Berberine is widely used for antibacterial purposes in animal products. Comply with local veterinary and feed laws. |
Recommended Daily Dosage Reference
- Raw Coptis powder: 0.3-0.6 g/day; decoction: 1.5-3 g/day, compatible with other herbs.
- Standardized Coptis extract (5:1-10:1): 100-300 mg/day, the common safe range for daily health support.
- High-purity berberine (≥97%): 300-900 mg/day, taken with meals in divided doses. Do not exceed 900 mg per day. Not for pregnant women.
Other Precautions
Most adults tolerate proper berberine and Coptis extract well. Overdose may cause mild stomach discomfort such as constipation or abdominal pain. Sensitive people may get skin reactions.
Coptis P.E. product cannot replace prescription medicine for infectious diarrhea, diabetes or hyperlipidemia.
Pregnant women must not use products containing this extract. Lactating women, users of hypoglycemic drugs or anticoagulants, people with G6PD deficiency, hemolytic anemia, cold-spleen syndrome (long-term loose stool, cold intolerance) or allergy history should consult a doctor before using related products.
There is not enough safety data for infants and people with poor liver or kidney function. Long-term or high-dose use is not recommended to avoid organ burden.
Appendix: References
(The following references are for technical reference; some are open access and can be consulted via PubMed/PMC or journal websites)
[1] Pharmacopoeia of China, 2020 Edition, Part I (Coptis standard)
[2] Yan J. et al., Scientific Reports, 2015: Multicenter randomized controlled trial of berberine in type 2 diabetes
[3] Zhong S. et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2017: Review of the pharmacological effects of berberine
[4] European Medicines Agency (EMA), Coptidis Rhizoma, 2018
[5] Xiao, C. M., Zhang, K. Q., Lei, Y., Dai, H. P., Xie, M. Z., & Wang, H. Z. (2026). Integrated bioinformatics and molecular docking analysis reveals potential mechanisms of Coptidis Rhizoma in intervertebral disc degeneration. OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology, 30(9), 505–514.
[6] Chen, L., Yuan, S., Wang, R., Chen, L., Zhang, B., Zhang, Z., Zhao, Y., Feng, W., Zheng, X., Li, K., & Zhou, N. (2026). Revealing the enhancing mechanism and material basis of bile-processed Coptidis Rhizoma in anti-anxiety from perspective of cross organ regulation. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 370, Article 121969.
[7] Jiang, Y., Zhang, J., Liu, W., Qian, X., Zhuang, X., & Hu, C. (2025). Scutellariae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma improve NAFLD via regulation of SIRT6/ACSL5 pathway and SCD1. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 348, Article 119834.
[8] Hu, C., Cao, F., Jiang, Y., Liu, K., Li, T., Gao, Y., Li, W., & Han, W. (2024). Molecular insights into chronic atrophic gastritis treatment: Coptis chinensis Franch studied via network pharmacology, molecular dynamics simulation and experimental analysis. Computers in Biology and Medicine, 178, Article 108804.
[9] Xie, Q., Li, H., Ma, R., Ren, M., Li, Y., Li, J., Chen, H., Chen, Z., Gong, D., & Wang, J. (2022). [Study on the multi-target regulation mechanism of Coptis chinensis extract in metabolic diseases]. Phytomedicine, 97, Article 153927.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard lead time is 15-25 days after order confirmation and receipt of deposit, depending on order quantity and customization requirements. Expedited shipping is available for urgent orders.
Yes. We support customized standardization from 5% up to 98% total alkaloids or berberine, tailored to your formulation specifications and regional regulatory requirements.
Absolutely. We provide free samples up to 50 g for quality evaluation. Sample shipping cost is borne by the buyer.
We accept T/T (bank transfer), L/C at sight, and Western Union for sample orders. Payment terms can be discussed based on order volume and customer relationship.
Yes. Our Coptis Extract is 100% plant-derived with no animal-derived processing aids, making it fully suitable for vegan and vegetarian formulations. Kosher and Halal certifications are available.
Yes. A full Certificate of Analysis (COA) is included with every shipment. Third-party testing via SGS, Eurofins, or other accredited laboratories can also be arranged upon request.
Packaging & Shipping
Standard Packaging
- Standard packaging: 1 kg/aluminum foil bag with two plastic bags inside;
- 25 kg/drum with double-layer polyethylene lining.
- Custom packaging available (500 g, 10 kg, or client-specified).
Shipping Terms
- Express shipping (DHL, FedEx, UPS) for samples and small orders.
- Air freight for medium-volume orders.
- Sea freight for bulk shipments.
- Ships from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen).
Shelf Life & Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use.
- Recommended storage temperature: 2–8°C for long-term preservation.
- Protect from strong odors and humidity.












