Botanical Overview

Phellodendron amurense, commonly known as Amur cork tree, belongs to the Rutaceae family. The primarily utilized part of the plant is its bark, traditionally harvested and used medicinally. Native to East Asia, particularly China, Korea, Japan, and the Russian Amur region, it is notable for its distinctive cork-like bark and historical medicinal use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Common names include Amur cork tree, Yellow root, and Huang Bai.

Energetics

This herb is characterized by a cooling temperature and drying moisture quality with a bitter taste. It exhibits descending directionality and is considered tonifying with a primary influence on the body’s qi.

Primary Actions

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Antioxidant
• Cholagogue
• Hepatoprotective
• Nervine
• Astringent
• Antidiarrheal

Indications

Western

• Inflammation
• Gastrointestinal infections
• Diarrhea
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin infections

Syndromes

• Hepatitis
• Dysentery
• Cystitis
• Dermatitis

TCM

• Damp-heat symptoms
• Night sweats
• Fever
• Thirst
• Diarrhea
• Urinary burning

Syndromes

• Damp-heat in the lower jiao
• Kidney yin deficiency
• Heat toxin syndrome

Ayurveda

No well-established traditional uses recorded.

Unani

No well-established traditional uses recorded.

Constituents & Mechanisms

Contains important alkaloids such as berberine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, and phellodendrine, along with flavonoids and limonoids, contributing to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects.

Dosage & Preparations

• Decoction of bark, 3-9 grams daily
• Powder, 1-3 grams daily
• Standardized extract containing 10% berberine, 200-300 mg two to three times daily

Safety & Contraindications

Generally safe when used appropriately. Avoid during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Caution advised when combined with antihypertensive medications or drugs metabolized by the liver. Monitor blood pressure during concomitant use.

Astrological Correspondences

No reliable sources found for planetary or elemental rulers.

Selected References

• Pharmacological Effects of Phellodendron Amurense and Its Constituents – Kim et al., 2016
• WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 2, 1999
• Phellodendron amurense (Amur Cork Tree) – Plants for a Future
• The Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica – Dan Bensky et al., 2004