Corydalis yanhusuo has been used for around 7,000 years across Asia for pain relief and is known as the ‘morphine’ of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a perennial herb originally found in the rock cliffs and alpine caves of southern China. Being a member of the poppy family, it is traditionally considered to be the second most effective pain reliever after opium.

Current preclinical studies have so far found it to have a significant effect on pain processes in vivo (in living organism). To date several pharmacological studies have identified several pain mechanisms which these compounds influence, as well as reducing the mechanism causing inflammation. Although these reviews have a focus on examining the constituents for pharmaceutical development, they do indicate a basis for the traditional use.

While human trials of the whole plant are so far limited, a 2013 controlled trial found corydalis in combination with another herb angelica significantly decreased pain intensity after a single oral dose. Another 2015 controlled study found that after 12 weeks use, a compound of corydalis rhizome was as efficient as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (diclofenac sodium) in knee osteoarthritis but more tolerable. Corydalis should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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This information is intended for educational purposes only. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments. Herbs can interact with pharmaceutical medications. References available on request.