Investigating the mutagenic and anti-allergic properties of Coptis rhizome (Japanese goldthread)

In this study, researchers from Japan investigated the safety, efficacy and biological properties of extracts obtained from the rhizome of cultivated Coptis japonica, also known as Japanese goldthread. They reported their findings in an article published in the Journal of Natural Medicines.

• To evaluate the mutagenic and anti-allergic activities of C. japonica – an herb used in traditional medicine – the researchers first grew the plant using an artificial hydroponic cultivation system.
• They then evaluated extracts derived from C. japonica rhizome and compared the results with those obtained from extracts of commercial crude drugs.
• Using Ames test, the researchers found that none of the extracts showed significant mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium TA102, but all exerted mutagenic effects in S. typhimurium TA98.
• The rhizome extracts of hydroponically cultivated C. japonica showed anti-allergic activities against contact hypersensitivity similar to those of commercial crude drugs from Coptis species.

Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that the rhizome extracts of hydroponically cultivated C. japonica are excellent alternative sources of natural anti-allergic medicine.

Journal Reference:

Akiyama H, Nose M, Takiguchi H, Sugiyama K, Tsutsui R, Hisaka S, Fuchino H, Inui T, Kawano N, Taguchi T, et al. MUTAGENETIC AND ANTI-ALLERGIC STUDIES FOR EVALUATION OF EXTRACTS OF COPTIS RHIZOME PRODUCED BY AN ARTIFICIAL HYDROPONIC SYSTEM. Journal of Natural Medicines. 07 March 2019;73(3):608–613. DOI: 10.1007/s11418-019-01288-6