phellodendri chinensis cortex

Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (Chinese name 黄柏), also known as Huang Bai or Cortex Phellodendri, is the dried bark of the Phellodendron chinense tree. It is one of the fifty fundamental herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The herb has a bitter and cold property and primarily acts on the kidney and urinary bladder meridians. It is traditionally used to clear heat and dry dampness, purge fire and relieve steaming sensations, remove toxins, treat sores and ulcers. Its indications include diarrhea, dysentery with foul discharge, jaundice with dark urine, abnormal vaginal discharge due to damp-heat conditions in the lower body regions (lower jiao), painful urination symptoms (strangury), skin infections such as eczema or furuncles. Pharmacologically it exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial including antibacterial effects; immune modulation; anticancer; hypotensive; antiarrhythmic; antioxidant; antigastric ulcer; antipyretic activities among others. The main bioactive compounds include alkaloids such as berberine (notably higher content than in related species like Phellodendron amurense), palmatine and other isoquinoline alkaloids along with flavonoids like amurensin and limonoids such as obacunone which may contribute to its therapeutic effects including atopic dermatitis management. It can be administered internally typically as decoctions or powders for oral use or externally for skin conditions[2][3][5][8].

Other names

cortex phellodendrichuan huang bai川黄柏黄柏