Coptis is quickly becoming a popular alternative to Goldenseal for its many health benefits, including: fighting inflammation, improving gut health, increasing bile flow and much more. Despite this, there aren’t many Coptis supplements available – and some of the available ones aren’t the best quality. Here’s what you need to know about Coptis supplements and the best options.
Quick Pick: Hawaii Pharm Coptis Extract
This extract is made with organic Coptis chinensis. It’s high menstruum ratio and extraction method means it is very potent.
Coptis vs. Berberine Supplements
Coptis contains many alkaloids with health benefits. The most wellknown of these is berberine. It is possible to find many berberine supplements. However, research shows that taking Coptis chinensis extract is more effective than taking pure berberine extracts.
The other alkaloids on Coptis provide their own health benefits. Thus, taking a supplement made from Coptis root will provide more well-rounded benefits than taking just berberine. Further, there is evidence that the alkaloids work together to improve bioavailability (absorption): Berberine is better absorbed as Coptis than when it’s taken by itself.
How to Take Coptis?
Coptis plant can be taken orally as a:
- Tea/Infusion: The loose dry rhizome is steeped in hot water and consumed as an herbal tea.
- Powdered dry rhizome: The rhizome is dried and ground into a powder. It can then be mixed into food or drinks, or is put into capsules.
- Liquid extracts: These are made by soaking dry Coptis rhizome in a solvent (often alcohol or glycerol) and then straining. To take the extract, you drop it directly onto your tongue or mix it with food or drinks.
Which Type of Coptis Supplement Is Most Potent?
Coptis extracts are more potent than tea and powder forms of the supplement. Specifically, alcohol Coptis extracts contain the most alkaloids and are likely best absorbed by the body. Glycerin Coptis extracts are better than tea and powders, but not as potent as alcohol extracts.
Note about Potency: The potency of Coptis supplements can vary drastically. In addition to the type of supplement, factors like species, where the plant was grown, and whether it was dried under hot conditions can affect alkaloid content. Exposure to heat and light will also destroy alkaloids in Coptis. That’s why it’s important to choose a reputable brand of Coptis supplements.
Which Species of Coptis Is Best?
There are approximately 15 different species of Coptis plants. Of the ones commonly used, Coptis chinensis contains the most alkaloids. It is also the species of Coptis which has been studied the most and has lots of research backing its health benefits.
Coptis Dosage
While there is no set dosage for Coptis, the following recommendations are common:
- Powder: 200–550mg 1-3x per day
- Extract: 20-30 drops, 1-4x per day
Best Coptis Supplements
These Coptis supplements were chosen based on potency, whether they are certified organic and brand reputation.
1. Hawaii Pharm Coptis Extract
Choose if: Best overall Coptis for potency and quality
Quick Info:
- Type: Glycerin extract
- Species: Coptis chinensis
- Source: China
- Organic: Yes
- Amount: 1:3 menstruum ratio (330mg herb per 1ml)
- Buy Here
Hawaii Pharm is one of the best brands for medicinal plant extracts. Their Coptis chinensis extract is sourced from China and is certified organic. The organic certification is reassuring since some Chinese supplements can contain high amounts of agro-chemicals. Note that glycerin Coptis extracts generallyaren’t as strong as alcohol extracts. However, the menstruum ratio (amount of plant to liquid) is high so you get a potent product.
2. Herb Pharm Coptis Extract
Choose if: You prefer an alcohol extract, even if it isn’t organic
Quick Info:
- Type: Alcohol extract
- Species: Coptis chinensis
- Source: China
- Organic: No
- Amount: 1:5 menstruum ratio (200mg herb per 1ml)
- Buy Here
HerbPharm is another reputable brand of plant extracts. Compared to the Hawaii Pharm extract, this one is alcohol-extracted but has a lower menstruum ratio. Thus, the potency of the two products are likely similar. However, Hawaii Pharm still gets the top pick because it is certified organic and this one isn’t. The Hawaii Pharm Coptis is usually more affordable per fl. ounce.
3. Gaia Herbs Wormwood Black Walnut Supreme
Choose if: You want to take Coptis for parasites
Quick Info:
- Type: Alcohol extract
- Species: Coptis chinensis
- Contains: Blend of natural herbs
- Buy Here
This extract by Gaia Herbs was formulated for digestive health and getting rid of parasites naturally. In addition to Coptis chinensis, this extract contains black walnut hulls, wormwood, pomegranate arils, Gentian, clove and ginger. It is quite effective but be warned that it tastes nasty and you shouldn’t take it for prolonged periods of time.
4. Bulk Supplements Coptis Root
Choose if: You want the cheapest Coptis available
Quick Info:
- Type: Dried root
- Species: Coptis chinensis
- Source: N/G
- Organic: No
- Amount: 250 grams/8.8oz
- Buy Here
If you prefer to take powdered Coptis root, this is a good option. Because it is packaged in bulk (as opposed to individual capsules), the supplement ends up being very cheap. You can mix the powder in with water, tea or food. While the Bulk Supplements brand is generally reputable, they don’t provide much info on their Coptis source. They could change suppliers, which means you might not get the same Coptis next time you order.
5. Supreme Nutrition Coptis Capsules
Choose if: You want to take Coptis in capsules, and are willing to pay more for the convenience
Quick Info:
- Type: Dried root in capsules
- Species: Coptis chinensis
- Source: N/G
- Organic: No
- Amount: 545mg per capsule; 60 capsules per bottle
- Buy Here
Here’s another powdered Coptis supplement. It is much more expensive than the Bulk Supplements Coptis because it is in vegetable cellulose capsules. However, this does make it more convenient to take. The brand doesn’t provide info on where they source their Coptis.