The Chinese goldthread (Coptis chinensis) is a species of goldthread native to China. Petiole 5-12 cm, glabrous; leaf blade ovate-triangular, 4--10 * 4--10 cm, 3-sect, papery to subleathery, abaxially glabrous, adaxially sparsely puberulous on veins, base cordate; lateral segments slightly shorter than central one, obliquely ovate, unequally 2-parted; central segment petiolulate, ovate-rhombic, 3--8 cm, deeply 3--5 lobed, ultimate lobes margin acute serrate, apex acute. The rhizomes of Coptis chinensis are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and serve as a source for the isoquinoline alkaloids berberine, palmatine, hydrastine, and coptisine among others. Coptis chinensis is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. A variety of pharmacological effects of Coptis chinensis extracts or its chemical components have been reported, but the relevance of these in vitro and animals studies to human health are unknown.