PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Betula alba (white birch) is a tree species whose extracts are used in traditional medicine and dermocosmetics [PMID:30106978, PMID:21709432].
Background
Betula alba, also known as white birch, is a tree species [PMID:23369181]. It is closely related to other birch species such as Betula pendula (silver birch) and Betula platyphylla [PMID:36394364].
Traditional uses
Birch buds (Gemmae Betulae) are used in Russian and Chinese traditional medicine primarily as diuretic and diaphoretic agents, as well as for antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic purposes [PMID:30106978].
Active compounds
Bark and leaves of Betula alba contain cyclic diarylheptanoid glucosides, diarylheptanoids, phenylethanoids, methyl salicylate glycosides, dihydrobenzofuran glucosides, arylbutanoid glycosides, lignan glycosides, flavanone glucosides, and triterpenes [PMID:33121272]. Betulinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid, is found in Betula alba bark [PMID:29784509].
Mechanism of action
Certain compounds from B. alba bark and leaves (specifically compounds 14 and 17-20) exhibit inhibitory activity against aldose reductase (AR) [PMID:33121272]. Betulinic acid-loaded nanoparticles have been shown to reduce the pro-parasitic, anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and increase nitric oxide (NO) production in L. donovani-infected macrophages [PMID:29784509].
Clinical evidence
Evidence CDry skin
Topical application of Betula alba birch bark extract increased skin hydration, reduced transepidermal water loss, or promoted keratinocyte differentiation in humans in vivo [PMID:21709432]
Safety & adverse effects
Birch (Betula alba) is used as a standard allergen extract in European skin prick tests to confirm IgE-mediated allergic sensitization [PMID:23369181].
Evidence summary
The evidence is primarily based on phytochemical analysis, in vitro studies, and a review of dermocosmetic ingredients, with limited clinical data provided in the abstracts.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 23369181 (2013) — The skin prick test - European standards. · Clinical and translational allergy
- 2.PMID: 36394364 (2023) — Genomic signals of local adaptation and hybridization in Asian white birch. · Molecular ecology
- 3.PMID: 30106978 (2018) — Cytotoxicity of white birch bud extracts: Perspectives for therapy of tumours. · PloS one
- 4.PMID: 21709432 (2011) — Dermocosmetics for dry skin: a new role for botanical extracts. · Skin pharmacology and physiology
- 5.PMID: 33121272 (2022) — Chemical constituents and aldose reductase inhibitory activities of Betula alba bark and leaves. · Natural product research