Berberine Hydrochloride | CAS 633-65-8 | Isoquinoline Alkaloid (Research Use Only) | Knowlux

Product Summary

Knowlux supplies berberine hydrochloride as a synthetic or plant-derived isoquinoline alkaloid reference material for laboratory research, analytical method development and formulation pre-studies. The substance is the chloride salt of berberine, a quaternary ammonium alkaloid bearing a methylenedioxy group and two methoxy substituents on a tetracyclic isoquinoline core. It presents as a yellow crystalline powder with a distinctly bitter taste and is soluble in hot water. Each consignment ships with a batch-tied analytical file (COA, SDS, chromatograms and origin documentation) so the material can be traced from container to bench.

Specification Sheet

Structural and Stability Notes

Berberine hydrochloride is a quaternary isoquinoline alkaloid. The positively charged nitrogen is delocalised across the tetracyclic core, which accounts for the intense yellow colour and the pH-independent solubility profile. The methylenedioxy bridge and the two methoxy groups contribute to the molecule's lipophilic character despite the permanent positive charge.

Three practical consequences follow:

Hygroscopicity. The chloride salt absorbs moisture from air. Containers should be kept tightly closed and stored under dry conditions. Weighing should be performed promptly to avoid mass drift.

Photolability is moderate. The solid is reasonably stable when protected from light, but prolonged exposure to UV or strong daylight can drive degradation. Amber glass or light-blocking containers are recommended.

Aqueous solubility is temperature-dependent. The compound dissolves readily in hot water but only sparingly in cold water. Stock preparation may require gentle warming, followed by cooling to the assay temperature while monitoring for precipitation.

Analytical Release

Each batch is released with the chromatogram set generated for that lot, not a generic specification sheet.

Handling and Storage

Keep containers tightly closed, protected from light, and stored in a dry environment at 2-8 C. Working solutions should be prepared fresh; if warming is required for dissolution, cool to the working temperature and inspect for precipitate before use. Discolouration toward brown or dark orange may indicate degradation. Sealed, light-protected storage under the recommended conditions supports the retest period stated on the COA.

Research Applications

• Certified reference material for berberine quantification in Coptis and Phellodendron matrices

• Fluorescent staining of heparin in mast cells

• P-glycoprotein (MDR efflux pump) substrate and inhibitor studies

• Antimicrobial susceptibility and synergy research models

• Analytical method validation for HPLC and LC-MS platforms

• Formulation stability screening for quaternary alkaloid actives

Documentation and Traceability

Each lot is released against its own file: certificate of analysis with raw chromatograms, safety data sheet, certificate of origin, residual-solvent statement (on request), and a stability/retest note. Method-transfer packages and supplier audit support are available project by project.

Packing and Dispatch

Primary containment: amber glass vial or high-barrier aluminium pouch with tamper-evident seal. Secondary containment: light-blocking carton with desiccant. Shipments leave Hubei within the quoted lead time, ambient by default, with cold packs where route or season requires. Export documents (invoice, packing list, COA, SDS, origin certificate) are prepared before dispatch.

About Knowlux

Knowlux Biotechnology operates from Hubei, China, as a GMP-oriented supplier of peptides, active substances and fine-chemical research compounds. Customers include academic laboratories, CDMOs, formulation developers and distributors in more than 40 countries. Beyond catalogue supply, we handle custom synthesis, bespoke pack sizes and documentation packages built to a client's audit template.

Compliance and Use Restriction

This material is released strictly for laboratory research use. It must not be administered to humans or animals, must not be used in diagnosis or therapy, and is not offered for retail, personal or household use.

Berberine hydrochloride is approved in China as an over-the-counter drug for intestinal infections and is regulated as a pharmaceutical active substance in many jurisdictions. Those regulatory positions attach to compliant pharmaceutical-grade supply chains and do not apply to, and are not represented by, this research-grade lot.

Statements describing published research are scientific background only. They are not medical advice, not a health claim, and not dosing or therapeutic guidance.