Protoberberine alkaloids are a group of tetracyclic isoquinoline compounds known for their well-established antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Although protoberberine alkaloids are broadly found in various plant families such as Ranunculaceae, Papaveraceae, Berberidaceae, Menispermaceae and Rutaceae, the species of Coptis genus appears to be outstanding producers of protoberberine alkaloids in terms of quantity and diversity.