Goldthread (Coptis trifolia ) LC

sliced Chinese goldthread root. Photo by X. Zhang

Description

Goldthread is a perennial herb growing from slender bright yellow to orange rhizomes. Goldthread grows in wet coniferous and mixed forests, bogs, willow scrub and tundra, in areas include Japan, China, Korea, Eastern Siberia and North America [1].

Historical importance

Goldthread, like all photoberberin dyes, is used as a direct dye, in a hot dye-bath, to obtain a bright golden yellow on silk or wool. The Micmac of the Gaspe peninsula and Acadia boiled the rhizomes to dye yellow [2]. The French settlers in Canada adopted this dye for their woolen cloth [3]. Japanese used Coptis japonica as a traditional dye.

Chromatograms

Absorbance at 350nm (mAU)

Sample information

sample information, By R. A. Laursen, Boston University

Identified compounds

Compound	RT (min.)	MW	UV/vis	Other
Berberine	38.8	335	344,424	Major compound
Palmatine	38.8	351	344,424	Co-elute with Berberine, could be detected with extracted ion mass.
Jatrorrhizine	34.3	337	352,458	Major compound
Coptisine	34.3	319	352,458	possible

References

[1] Cardon, Dominique. "Natural dyes, sources, Traditions, Technology and Science" 331 (2007).

[2] Whitehead, R. H. (1982) Micmac Quillwork; Micmac Indian Techniques of Porcupine Quill Decration, 1600-1950. Halifax: Nava Scotia Museum. p. 68;

[3] Yamazaki K. The illustrated book of dye plants, vol. 1 (1985/2002). pp. 46-7.