Traditional Chinese Herb may be as Effective as Opiates

A recent study suggests that a traditional Chinese medicine could actually be better at relieving chronic pain than opiates.

According to researchers from the University of California, Irvine, they discovered that the century-old Chinese reliever known as dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB) that's typically found in the roots of the flowering plant Corydalis can help fight chronic pain.

"Our study reports the discovery of a new natural product that can relieve pain," lead study author Olivier Civelli of the University said, via a press release. "This analgesic acts in animal assays against the three types of pain that afflict humans, including acute, inflammatory and neuropathic or chronic pain."

Researchers set out to determine if the plant contained similar compounds to those found in morphine. They focused on Corydalis plants that are typically used to relieve headaches and back pain.

Their findings went along with previous research that the dopamine D2 receptor plays a role in pain sensation.

"We landed on DHCB but rapidly found that it acts not through the morphine receptor but through other receptors, in particular one that binds dopamine," Civelli said, via the release.

Researchers determined that Corydalis extracts or isolated DHCB actually contain the power to work against all types of pain. In other words, it may be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from persistent, mild, chronic pain as the drug's effectiveness works in the same way as traditional opiates.

"We have good pain medications for acute pain: codeine or morphine, for example," Civelli said. "We have medication for inflammatory pain, such as aspirin or acetaminophen. We do not have good medications for chronic pain. DHCB may not be able to relieve strong chronic pain, but may be used for low-level chronic pain."

More information regarding the study can be found via the journal Current Biology.