Chinese Goldthread (Coptis chinensis), known as "Huang Lian" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has long been used for its bitter, cooling properties. In TCM, it is considered effective for "clearing heat" and "drying dampness," which often includes treating fever, especially when associated with infections, inflammation, or digestive disturbances. The traditional rationale is based on pattern differentiation rather than Western biomedical understanding of fever.

The primary active compounds in Goldthread are isoquinoline alkaloids such as berberine, coptisine, and palmatine, which exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities in laboratory studies. While these properties could theoretically support its use in infections that cause fever, there is limited direct clinical evidence in modern research specifically validating Goldthread's efficacy in reducing fever in humans. Most scientific studies focus on antimicrobial effects, metabolic benefits, or anti-inflammatory mechanisms, with fever reduction often inferred rather than demonstrated.

Overall, the use of Chinese Goldthread for fever is well-established in traditional practice, but the scientific evidence directly supporting its effectiveness for this specific symptom is modest. Thus, its application for fever is justified primarily by tradition, with limited but plausible pharmacological basis.