Sang Bai Pi (Morus alba (bark)): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Sang Bai Pi work to treat cough and wheezing?

Sang Bai Pi (Morus alba bark) contains bioactive compounds including kuwanon G, morusin, sanggenone, and mulberrofuran, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties. These compounds help clear lung heat and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, making it effective for coughs with phlegm and wheezing associated with lung heat patterns. Research suggests these flavonoids may inhibit inflammatory mediators in the airways. (Evidence Level: C)

Does Sang Bai Pi interact with blood pressure medications?

Sang Bai Pi may have additive effects when taken with antihypertensive medications, as it has been traditionally used to support healthy blood pressure levels and promote diuresis. Patients taking ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or diuretics should monitor their blood pressure closely and consult a healthcare provider before combining with Sang Bai Pi. Limited clinical data exists on specific drug interactions (Evidence Level: C/Traditional).

What is the correct dosage for Sang Bai Pi?

The standard adult dosage for Sang Bai Pi is 6-12 grams daily when prepared as a decoction. The bark is typically boiled in water for 20-30 minutes and consumed as tea. This dosage range is based on traditional Chinese medicine texts and clinical experience rather than large-scale clinical trials (Evidence Level: Traditional). Dosage may vary based on individual constitution and the specific formula being used.

Is Sang Bai Pi safe to take during pregnancy?

Sang Bai Pi is generally considered safe during pregnancy according to traditional Chinese medicine sources. However, pregnant women should always consult a qualified healthcare provider or licensed acupuncturist before taking any herbal medicine. The safety rating is based on traditional use rather than clinical studies in pregnant populations (Evidence Level: Traditional). Proper diagnosis by a TCM practitioner is essential before use.

What are the side effects of Sang Bai Pi?

Sang Bai Pi is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild digestive upset or loose stools. These side effects are typically mild and often resolve on their own. The herb should be avoided in cases of lung cold without heat or wind-cold cough, as it may worsen these conditions (Evidence Level: Traditional). If you experience persistent digestive discomfort, reduce dosage or discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.

What conditions does Sang Bai Pi treat in Chinese medicine?

Sang Bai Pi is primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine for lung heat cough, wheezing, asthma, and edema (fluid retention). It clears lung heat, descends lung qi, and promotes urination to reduce water retention. Research has explored its potential anti-asthmatic properties, though clinical evidence remains limited (Evidence Level: C). It is most effective when prescribed by a qualified practitioner who can confirm the presence of lung heat pattern rather than cold pattern.

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

Sang Bai Pi is the root bark of Morus alba, a traditional Chinese medicine used for treating inflammatory, respiratory, and metabolic disorders [PMID:40840729, 41552606].

Background

Sang Bai Pi (also known as Mori Cortex or Sōhakuhi) is the root bark of the Morus alba L. (white mulberry) tree [PMID:17405088, 34047126].

Traditional uses

It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat colds, respiratory infections [PMID:40840729], cough [PMID:25993806], inflammation, nephritis, and asthma [PMID:27702666], and as a liver protective, kidney protective, hypotensive, diuretic, and analgesic agent [PMID:24962785].

Active compounds

Key constituents include prenylated flavonoids and Diels-Alder adducts such as sanggenons (A, B, C, D, G) [PMID:17405088, 17405101, 22294264, 25161875], kuwanons (G, H, L) [PMID:38790847, 16356713], albanols (A, B) [PMID:30470128, 16313926], mulberroside A [PMID:16313926, 40352504], moracin (M, O, P) [PMID:22483586, 16356713], and morutamins A-L [PMID:41552606].

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms include inhibition of TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways to ameliorate renal fibrosis [PMID:39756310], suppression of iNOS, COX-2, and NF-κB activation to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines [PMID:30470128, 24962785], inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) [PMID:38790847], and induction of cyclin D1 proteasomal degradation via GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation in cancer cells [PMID:26926171].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DRenal Fibrosis

Sang-Bai-Pi extract and regiafuran C ameliorate renal fibrosis in a unilateral ureteral obstruction rat model [PMID:39756310]

Evidence DInflammation/Pancreatitis

Methanolic extract reduced serum amylase, lipase, and caspase-1 levels in alcohol and cerulein-induced pancreatitis rat models [PMID:30302330, 30335608]

Evidence DHypertension

Ethyl acetate fractions reduced heart weight and lowered serum renin and angiotensinogen levels in high-salt diet mice [PMID:38790847]

Evidence DColorectal and Breast Cancer

Extracts inhibited the proliferation of human colorectal (HCT116, SW480, LoVo) and breast (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7) cancer cells in vitro [PMID:26926171]

Evidence DDiabetes

Prenylated flavanones from the root bark exhibit α-glucosidase inhibitory activity [PMID:39102223, 38147942]

Evidence DBacterial Infections

Constituents show antibacterial activity against S. aureus, MRSA, and Enterococcus spp. [PMID:40840729, 34986725]

Evidence summary

The current evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating significant anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antihypertensive, and anti-cancer potential, but lacks human clinical trial data.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 39756310 (2025) — Sang-Bai-Pi extract and its constituent regiafuran C ameliorate renal fibrosis through TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
2.PMID: 30470128 (2020) — Anti-inflammatory effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) root bark and its active compounds. · Natural product research
3.PMID: 17405088 (1983) — Constituents of the Chinese crude drug "sāng-bái-pí" (Morus root bark). · Planta medica
4.PMID: 39102223 (2024) — Prenylated Flavanone Enantiomers with α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity from the Root Bark of Morus alba. · Chemistry & biodiversity
5.PMID: 40840729 (2025) — Sanggenon C - A novel anti-enterococcal agent from Morus alba root bark.

Sang Bai Pi

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Sang Bai Pi