Phellodendron Amurense (Phellodendron amurense): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Phellodendron amurense work in the body?

Phellodendron amurense works primarily through its alkaloid compounds, particularly berberine and phellodendrine. These compounds exhibit antimicrobial activity by interfering with bacterial cell division and inhibiting inflammatory pathways including NF-κB signaling. Berberine also modulates glucose metabolism and demonstrates antioxidant effects. The bitter properties stimulate digestive function while the anti-inflammatory compounds help clear heat and dampness according to traditional Chinese medicine principles. Evidence level: C.

What drugs interact with Phellodendron amurense?

Phellodendron amurense may interact with several medication classes. Due to its berberine content, it can potentiate the effects of antidiabetic medications, potentially causing hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or oral hypoglycemics. Berberine may inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes, affecting metabolism of drugs processed through these pathways. It may enhance sedative effects when combined with CNS depressants. Patients taking antibiotics, anticoagulants, or immunosuppressants should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Phellodendron amurense?

The typical adult dosage for Phellodendron amurense is 3-12 grams of dried bark prepared as a decoction daily. For standardized berberine extracts, 500mg taken two to three times daily is commonly used. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners may adjust dosages based on individual constitution and condition severity. The bark should be simmered in water for 15-20 minutes to extract active compounds. Always follow product label instructions or consult a qualified practitioner for personalized dosing. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

Is Phellodendron amurense safe during pregnancy?

Phellodendron amurense is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided entirely. The berberine content can cross the placenta and may stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to miscarriage or premature labor. Animal studies suggest berberine may interfere with fetal development. Breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb as berberine passes into breast milk. Women trying to conceive should discontinue use before pregnancy. Evidence level: C. Consult a healthcare provider for safe alternatives.

What is Phellodendron amurense used for in traditional Chinese medicine?

Phellodendron amurense bark, known as Huang Bai in traditional Chinese medicine, is primarily used to clear heat and drain dampness from the body. It treats urinary tract infections, vaginal discharge, skin conditions like eczema and boils, and inflammatory conditions affecting the lower body. The bitter, cold properties make it effective for conditions involving excess heat, including fever, night sweats, and certain gastrointestinal disorders. Modern research supports antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory applications. Evidence level: C/Traditional.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Phellodendron amurense (Amur corktree) is a medicinal plant rich in isoquinoline alkaloids, notably berberine, used for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties [PMID:27671811, PMID:31057654, PMID:36122814].

Contexte

Phellodendron amurense Rupr. is a species of the Rutaceae family, often referred to as 'Guan Huang bai' in Chinese medicine [PMID:31057654, PMID:36980934]. The medicinal part of the plant is the dried trunk bark [PMID:31057654].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used to treat various inflammatory diseases including arthritis [PMID:21182922], as well as excessive thirst, abdominal distension, diarrhea, and jaundice [PMID:41061909]. It is also used in traditional Mongolian medicine (Xieriga-4 Decoction) for urinary system diseases such as frequent urination, urgent urination, urine occlusion, hematuria, and bladder irritation [PMID:36118011], and in traditional Chinese medicine for liver diseases and jaundice [PMID:40786032].

Composés actifs

The plant contains isoquinoline alkaloids, specifically berberine [PMID:27671811, PMID:39612339], palmatine [PMID:39701220, PMID:40786032], and oxypalmatine [PMID:40826411]. It also contains the triterpenoid obacunone [PMID:38675611] and neutral homogeneous polysaccharides (PAP) [PMID:41518482].

Mécanisme d'action

Berberine exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in vitro and has been shown to downregulate the MAPK and NF-κB pathways to ameliorate hypothalamic inflammation [PMID:27671811, PMID:41061909]. Oxypalmatine induces apoptosis and protective autophagy in lung cancer cells via inactivation of the PI3K/AKT signaling cascade [PMID:40826411]. Phellodendron amurense polysaccharides (PAP) protect against diabetic nephropathy by upregulating the PI3K/AKT pathway and activating the TGF-β/Smad pathway via Nrf2 [PMID:41518482]. Palmatine inhibits pyroptosis via the NLRP3 inflammasome to reduce gouty inflammation [PMID:39701220].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BProstate Cancer

Bark extract (Nexrutine®) was tolerated in patients undergoing surgery or radiation; 81% of patients showed a decline in prostate-specific antigen [PMID:25205619]

Preuve BLipid levels and Insulin Resistance

Lipid-lowering and insulin-resistance improving actions of berberine (found in P. amurense) have been demonstrated in numerous randomized clinical trials [PMID:27671811]

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence ranges from high-level clinical trials for berberine's metabolic effects to preliminary clinical trials for prostate cancer and extensive in vitro/in vivo animal models for anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 27671811 (2016) — Berberine and Its Role in Chronic Disease. · Advances in experimental medicine and biology
2.PMID: 39612339 (2024) — Convergent evolution of berberine biosynthesis. · Science advances
3.PMID: 31057654 (2019) — Phellodendri Cortex: A Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Pharmacokinetic Review. · Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
4.PMID: 35629433 (2022) — Antiproliferative Effect of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. Based on Angiogenesis. · Life (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 41518482 (2026) — Phellodendron amurense Rupr. Polysaccharides protects against diabetic nephropathy via alteration of PI3K/GSK-3β/Nrf2/TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and gut microbiota. · Natural products and bioprospecting

Phellodendron Amurense

Sources et citations

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