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Dietary supplement

Coptis Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herb Pharm

Coptis label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Coptis against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Coptis is a dietary supplement by Herb Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and diarrhea, mouth sores and sore throat, inflammation.Based on those ingredients, 643 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Coptis Rhizome without Rootlet Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Coptis by Herb Pharm

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Coptis by Herb Pharm — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Coptis by Herb Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 12, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: coptis rhizome extract, also called goldthread. It's a traditional herbal preparation made from the underground stem of the coptis plant.

The liquid form also contains cane alcohol and distilled water as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

We hold no graded evidence for this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: gastrointestinal system restoration.
  • We looked for evidence on: digestive health, gastrointestinal function, intestinal health.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

We don't hold effectiveness data for coptis in our records, so the evidence for what it treats isn't established in the information we have on file.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Goldthread

How safe is it?

Some data gaps
Safety Information · database check
Some gaps

Safety data exists for these ingredients, but with some important gaps.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 0 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Coptis may be tolerated short-term by some adults, but human safety data are limited and quality varies between products — so consistency isn't guaranteed. It should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Berberine, the active compound in goldthread, can harm the fetus or newborn and can pass into breast milk, so the safety data advises against use in both situations.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Goldthread

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Goldthread.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 644 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Cyclosporine is the main concern — berberine slows its breakdown and can raise blood levels. Also watch any drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, a major liver enzyme; berberine may inhibit it, though this hasn't been reported in humans yet.

If you're on any prescription medication, especially ones your doctor said work through the liver, check before taking this product.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and some safety-information gaps remain.

Coptis is a traditional herbal extract that anyone taking medications metabolized by the liver — especially cyclosporine or other immunosuppressants — should clear with their pharmacist or doctor first. Pregnant people and those breastfeeding should avoid it.

It's worth checking your exact medications before you start.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 22, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Coptis, straight from the product label.

Brand Herb Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 090800000706
Net contents 1 Fluid Ounce(s); 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 22, 2024
DSLD ID 307485
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Coptis by Herb Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Servings per container
42
UPC/BARCODE
090800000706
IngredientAmount% DV
Coptis Rhizome without Rootlet Extract645 mg--

Other ingredients: Cane Alcohol, Water, Distilled

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use Shake Well Before Using Adults: Add 1 squeeze of the dropper bulb to 4 oz. of water or juice, 2 to 4 times per day. Best taken between meals.

Precautions

Caution: Seek expert medical advice before taking during pregnancy or nursing.

Keep out of the reach of children

Storage

Store away from heat & light

Formula

Coptis chinensis

Coptis Liquid Extract

Formulation

System restoration Gastrointestinal

USDA Organic

Gluten-free

Certified organic by Organic certifiers

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Coptis by Herb Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Coptis label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Coptis by Herb Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container42 Amounts shown are per serving.

Coptis Rhizome without Rootlet Extract

Interacts with
643 drugs
645 mg per serving Form: Coptis chinensis Rhizome without Rootlet Extract

Goldthread is a traditional Chinese and East Asian herb whose root is rich in berberine, a compound being studied for blood sugar, cholesterol, and an...

Coptis Rhizome without Rootlet Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cane Alcohol, Water, Distilled. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Coptis by Herb Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Coptis?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
643Drugs
643 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Coptis Rhizome without Rootlet Extract 643

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Coptis interact with 643 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Coptis interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Coptis Rhizome without Rootlet Extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Coptis with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Coptis Rhizome without Rootlet Extract2 drug types · 643 drugs

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Berberine, a constituent of goldthread, can reduce metabolism of cyclosporine and increase serum levels. It might inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

There's very preliminary evidence that berberine, a constituent of goldthread, might inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, watch for an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 in patients taking goldthread. Some drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 include lovastatin (Mevacor), clarithromycin (Biaxin), indinavir (Crixivan), sildenafil (Viagra), triazolam (Halcion), and numerous others. Use goldthread cautiously or avoid in patients taking these drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Coptis Rhizome without Rootlet Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Coptis, from the product label.

Herb Pharm

See all Herb Pharm products
Name
Herb Pharm
City
Williams
State
OR
ZipCode
97544
Phone Number
800-348-4372
Web Address
www.herb-pharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Coptis by Herb Pharm: Common Questions

Does Coptis by Herb Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Coptis has a known interaction with 643 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Coptis contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Coptis if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data shows Coptis is likely unsafe during pregnancy — berberine can harm the fetus — and while breastfeeding, since berberine passes into breast milk and may harm infants. Talk to your doctor or midwife about what's safe for you.
What is goldthread and why is it in this product?
Goldthread is the common name for coptis rhizome, the underground stem of a plant. This product is an extract of that rhizome — it's a traditional herbal preparation, though we don't have evidence data on file for what it's used to treat.
If I take cyclosporine, can I use this product?
No, not without talking to your doctor first. Berberine in coptis slows how your body clears cyclosporine, which can raise its levels and cause side effects. You'll need your doctor to advise whether it's okay and whether your dose needs adjusting.
Does this product have any fillers or additives?
The inactive ingredients are cane alcohol and distilled water — those are what the extract is made in. There are no added fillers or binders.
Is Coptis safe to use long-term?
Human safety data for long-term use are limited, and quality can vary between products. Short-term use may be tolerated by some adults, but we don't have enough information to say it's safe for ongoing use.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Coptis label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Coptis’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Goldthread

Interacts with 643 drugs

Goldthread is a traditional Chinese and East Asian herb whose root is rich in berberine, a compound being studied for blood sugar, cholesterol, and antimicrobial effects. Strong human eviden...

Read the full Goldthread monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Coptis's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 3 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Goldthread 3 references
  1. Chan E. Displacement of bilirubin from albumin by berberine. Biol Neonate 1993;63:201-8. PubMed
  2. Wu X, Li Q, Xin H, Yu A, Zhong M. Effects of berberine on the blood concentration of cyclosporin A in renal transplanted recipients: clinical and pharmacokinetic study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2005;61:567-72. PubMed
  3. Chuang CH, Doyle P, Wang JD, et al. Herbal medicines used during the first trimester and major congenital malformations: an analysis of data from a pregnancy cohort study. Drug Saf 2006;29:537-48. PubMed

See these in context on the Goldthread monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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