Amur cork tree bark / huang bai (黄柏)

Phellodendron amurense

Chinese

Photo credit: Bruce Marlin

Safety information

Toxicity: Crude bark mild at traditional doses; berberine in large amounts can cause GI upset; berberine contraindicated in neonates (kernicterus risk via bilirubin displacement).

Contraindications: Pregnancy and lactation (berberine); neonates/infants; spleen-stomach cold patterns in TCM theory.

Interactions: Berberine inhibits CYP3A4/CYP2D6 and P-gp -> can raise levels of co-administered drugs (cyclosporine, statins); additive with hypoglycemics.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid in pregnancy and lactation (berberine).

Evidence level

Clinical

Supported by clinical trials in humans.

Preparations

powder · stem bark

Part used: stem bark

Evidence:Preclinical

processed (salt-fried, charred) in formula · stem bark

Part used: stem bark

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

decoction · stem bark

Part used: stem bark

Traditional use: clears damp-heat from lower jiao; dysentery/diarrhea, jaundice, vaginal discharge, hot painful urination, sores

Proposed mechanism: berberine (principal alkaloid) — antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, AMPK-activating, lipid- and glucose-lowering

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

vaginal discharge sores Diarrhoea Dysentery Jaundice urinary tract infection

Nutritional notes

n/a

Healing traditions

Chinese

Sources (2)

[E1] berberine cardiovascular review
[E2] Phellodendri Cortex ethnopharmacology review

All sources →