2024 aluminum alloy has garnered attention from researchers because of its numerous applications in the oil and gas, aerospace, and marine sectors. However, its constituent high Cu content (the primary alloying element) poses a significant challenge to its use, particularly in applications that demand high corrosion resistance. This is particularly troubling in oxygen-containing chloride systems. Herein, we developed a protection strategy for 2024 Al alloy in an acid-chloride environment (composed of 0.5M NaCl and 0.25M H2SO4) using natural tetrahydropalmitine (THP) isolated from Corydalis yanhusuo. THP was effectively characterized from its 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and FTIR spectra, and its anticorrosion potentials were methodically investigated by electrochemical, gravimetry and theoretical experiments. Upon the addition of THP to the test system, EIS measurements revealed a steady increase in the Nyquist semicircles, as well as the Bode impedance and phase angle plots, attaining an optimum inhibition efficiency of 91.5% at 2.0g/L THP. Tafel plots manifested mixed-type anticorrosion effects with dominant cathodic properties, ascribed to the ordered shielding effect of both the hydrogen evolution reaction and the oxidation of oxide-free ions. According to gravimetric corrosion assessment, the 2024 Al alloy mainly retained its protection over time in the presence of THP, exhibiting only minor decline in its protectability. This is attributed to the combined effect of stable oxide film formation and the adsorbed THP on the alloy surface. SEM afforded the proof of THP adsorption on 2024 Al while XPS offered clarity into its anticorrosion mechanism. Conceptual DFT parameters, molecular electrostatic potential and molecular dynamics simulation were used to comprehend the inhibition process of THP on Al surface. Generally, THP was proven to be a viable and sustainable bio-based anticorrosion material for the protection of 2024 Al alloy.