Coptis deltoidea

Physical Characteristics

Coptis deltoidea is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antidote Antipyretic Antiseptic Cholagogue Dysentery Sedative Urinary Vasodilator The root is analgesic, antidote, antipyretic, antiseptic, cholagogue, sedative and vasodilator[176]. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, acute enteritis, dysentery, insomnia, fidgets, delirium due to high fever, inflammation of the mouth and tongue, leukaemia, conjunctivitis and otitis media[176]. The root contains berberine which is a broad-spectrum antibacterial, increases the phagocytosis of white blood cells on Staphylococcus aureus, is antihypertensive by dilating the coronary artery and blood vessels of the internal viscera, relaxes the smooth muscles of the blood vessels and excites the smooth muscles of the uterus, bronchi, stomach, intestines and urinary bladder[176].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been found for this species, it belongs to a family that contains many species that are mildly toxic and so it is wise to treat this plant with some caution.