Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Tetrahydropalmatine (THP) is an alkaloid extracted from plants such as Corydalis yanhusuo, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. In TCM, Corydalis preparations containing THP are employed to treat various types of pain, including headaches. The traditional rationale is based on the herb's reputed ability to "invigorate the blood" and "move Qi," thereby alleviating pain syndromes. While THP itself is recognized for its sedative and analgesic properties, its specific use for headache management comes primarily from historical and ethnobotanical records rather than modern scientific studies.

Modern pharmacological research has demonstrated that THP can influence dopaminergic and other neurotransmitter systems, and animal studies confirm its general analgesic effects. However, direct scientific studies evaluating THP specifically for headaches, such as tension-type headache or migraine, are limited or lacking. Most available evidence is extrapolated from its general analgesic and sedative actions, as well as historical accounts from TCM. Thus, while there is a long-standing traditional use supporting its application for headache, scientific validation remains limited, making the evidence moderate but not robust.

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