Single Herb Glossary
Huáng Bǎi 黃柏
| Pharmaceutical name | Phellodendri Cortex Phellodendron chinense bark Amur cork-tree bark "yellow fir" |
| Category | Clear Heat, Dry Dampness |
| Key Properties | Directs Fire downward Clears Damp-Heat in Lower Jiao |
| Properties | Bitter Cold |
| Tropism | KD, UB(LJ) |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Drains Damp Heat, particularly from Lower Burner 2) Drains Kidney Fire 3) Drains Fire & Resolves Fire Toxicity KD: urethra, vagina; steaming bone (Def Heat KD); Exc/Def |
| Dosages | 3-12g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Yang Def, Sp or KD Yang Def; Def and Cold of SP & ST; Yang Def |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Berberine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, α-phellodendrine, β-phellodendrine menisperine, candicine, magnoflorine, limonin, obacunone |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: moderate antibiotic action against S. aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus dysenteriae, β-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus meningitidis, Vibrio cholerae, Bacillus anthracis, dermatophytes and leptospira; the leaves, Huang Bai Ye (Folium Phellodendri), have demonstrated antiviral effect against herpes virus • Antihypertensive: xylopinin, derived from phellodendrine, demonstrated marked effectiveness to lower blood pressure via its effect on the CNS • Antitussive and expectorant: essential oil demonstrated antitussive and expectorant effects |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.