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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)

Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang (Tankuei and Six-yellow Decoction) 當歸六黃湯 (当归六黄汤)

Er Xian Tang (Two-Immortal Decoction) 二仙湯

Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (Coptis Decoction to Resolve Toxicity) 黃蓮解毒湯 (黄连解毒汤)

Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan (Aucklandia and Betel Nut Pill) 木香檳榔丸

Shi Gao Tang (Gypsum Decoction) 石膏湯

Wu Mei Wan (Mume Pill) 烏梅丸 (乌梅丸)

Yi Huang Tang (Change Yellow (Discharge) Decoction) 易黃湯

Bai Tou Weng Jia Gan Cao E Jiao Tang (Pulsatilla Decoction plus Licorice and Ass-Hide Gelatin) 白頭翁加甘草阿膠湯

Bai Tou Weng Tang (Pulsatilla decoction) 白頭翁湯

Da Zao Wan (Great Creation Pill) 大造丸

Dang Gui Long Hui Wan (Tangkuei, Gentian, and Aloe Pill) (delete she xiang) 當歸龍薈丸 (減麝香)

Zi Yin Jiang Huo Tang (Decoction to Enrich the Yin and Direct Fire Downward) 滋陰降火湯



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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.