Amur cork tree

The Amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense) is a deciduous tree native to East Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Japan. It belongs to the family of rue plants (Rutaceae) and is known for its thick, cork-like bark, which is rich in bioactive compounds. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the Amur cork tree has been used for centuries, primarily to treat inflammation, infections, and digestive problems.

What benefits does the Amur cork tree offer?

The bark of the Amur cork tree contains a wide variety of constituents that are valued in traditional and modern medicine. Some of these constituents have also been linked to numerous effects in studies. However, some of these studies are animal experiments, which is why further research is needed to fully verify these findings. The potential benefits include:

  • Anti-inflammatory effects: The bark contains berberine, a compound that exhibited anti-inflammatory properties in studies and was able to help in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions (1,2,3).
  • Antimicrobial properties: Studies show that the bark extract has antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which could potentially make it useful for treating infections (4,5,6).
  • Support for the gastrointestinal tract: The tree is traditionally used to relieve diarrhea, stomach pain, and digestive disorders. Modern research suggests that berberine could inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut (6,7,8).
  • Anticarcinogenic properties: Various studies have been able to link the constituents of the Amur cork tree to anticarcinogenic and antitumor effects (9,10,11)
  • Support for liver health: According to studies, the extract could have protective effects on the liver by reducing oxidative damage (3,12).

How does the Amur cork tree work?

The medicinal effects of the Amur cork tree are primarily due to the bioactive compounds in the bark; however, just as with the health benefits, it should be kept in mind that some findings come solely from animal experiments and further research is needed to confirm them:

  • Berberine: This alkaloid compound is known for having shown anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering properties in studies (1,2,4,5,13)
  • Palmatine: Another alkaloid that was able to show a variety of different effects in studies and could therefore potentially have a supportive effect on some health problems (3,14).

Recommended use

Extracts of the bark of the Amur cork tree are available in various forms, including powder, capsules, and tinctures. They should be taken according to the instructions of a physician or alternative practitioner, as the concentration of berberine can cause side effects at high doses.

What risks does the use of the Amur cork tree involve?

  • Side effects: Berberine can cause gastrointestinal complaints, low blood pressure, or fatigue in sensitive individuals.
  • Risks: Pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as children should refrain from taking it.
  • Interactions: The Amur cork tree can influence the effects of certain medications, particularly antibiotics and blood pressure-lowering drugs.

Conclusion

The Amur cork tree is a versatile medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and liver-protective properties. Its bark in particular is rich in valuable constituents such as berberine, which have a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. Despite its potential benefits, the Amur cork tree should be used with caution and under professional guidance, as high doses can cause side effects and interactions with medications.

Sources:

  1. Cuéllar MJ, Giner RM, Recio MC, Máñez S, Ríos JL. Topical anti-inflammatory activity of some Asian medicinal plants used in dermatological disorders. Fitoterapia. 2001 Mar;72(3):221-9. doi: 10.1016/s0367-326x(00)00305-1. PMID: 11295297.
  2. Vlavcheski F, O'Neill EJ, Gagacev F, Tsiani E. Effects of Berberine against Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer. Molecules. 2022 Dec 6;27(23):8630. doi: 10.3390/molecules27238630. PMID: 36500723; PMCID: PMC9738201. ( also anticarcinogenic)
  3. Long J, Song J, Zhong L, Liao Y, Liu L, Li X. Palmatine: A review of its pharmacology, toxicity and pharmacokinetics. Biochimie. 2019 Jul;162:176-184. doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.04.008. Epub 2019 Apr 30. PMID: 31051209.
  4. A. H. Amin, T. V. Subbaiah, and K. M. Abbasi. 1969. Berberine sulfate: antimicrobial activity, bioassay, and mode of action. Canadian Journal of Microbiology. 15(9): 1067-1076. https://doi.org/10.1139/m69-190
  5. Sun D, Courtney HS, Beachey EH. Berberine sulfate blocks adherence of Streptococcus pyogenes to epithelial cells, fibronectin, and hexadecane. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1988 Sep;32(9):1370-4. doi: 10.1128/AAC.32.9.1370. PMID: 3058020; PMCID: PMC175870.
  6. Kaneda Y, Torii M, Tanaka T, Aikawa M. In vitro effects of berberine sulphate on the growth and structure of Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis. Ann Trop Med Parasitol. 1991 Aug;85(4):417-25. doi: 10.1080/00034983.1991.11812586. PMID: 1796883.
  7. Zhang L, Wu X, Yang R, Chen F, Liao Y, Zhu Z, Wu Z, Sun X, Wang L. Effects of Berberine on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021 Feb 19;10:588517. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.588517. PMID: 33680978; PMCID: PMC7933196.
  8. Yang F, Gao R, Luo X, Liu R, Xiong D. Berberine influences multiple diseases by modifying gut microbiota. Front Nutr. 2023 Aug 3;10:1187718. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1187718. PMID: 37599699; PMCID: PMC10435753.
  9. Anis KV, Rajeshkumar NV, Kuttan R. Inhibition of chemical carcinogenesis by berberine in rats and mice. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2001 May;53(5):763-8. doi: 10.1211/0022357011775901. PMID: 11370717.
  10. Ortiz LM, Lombardi P, Tillhon M, Scovassi AI. Berberine, an epiphany against cancer. Molecules. 2014 Aug 15;19(8):12349-67. doi: 10.3390/molecules190812349. PMID: 25153862; PMCID: PMC6271598.
  11. Almatroodi SA, Alsahli MA, Rahmani AH. Berberine: An Important Emphasis on Its Anticancer Effects through Modulation of Various Cell Signaling Pathways. Molecules. 2022 Sep 10;27(18):5889. doi: 10.3390/molecules27185889. PMID: 36144625; PMCID: PMC9505063.
  12. Lin GS, Zhao MM, Fu QC, Zhao SY, Ba TT, Yu HX. Palmatine attenuates hepatocyte injury by promoting autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR pathway after alcoholic liver disease. Drug Dev Res. 2022 Nov;83(7):1613-1622. doi: 10.1002/ddr.21981. Epub 2022 Aug 17. PMID: 35976121.
  13. Kong W, Wei J, Abidi P, Lin M, Inaba S, Li C, Wang Y, Wang Z, Si S, Pan H, Wang S, Wu J, Wang Y, Li Z, Liu J, Jiang JD. Berberine is a novel cholesterol-lowering drug working through a unique mechanism distinct from statins. Nat Med. 2004 Dec;10(12):1344-51. doi: 10.1038/nm1135. Epub 2004 Nov 7. PMID: 15531889.
  14. Tarabasz D, Kukula-Koch W. Palmatine: A review of pharmacological properties and pharmacokinetics. Phytother Res. 2020 Jan;34(1):33-50. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6504. Epub 2019 Sep 8. PMID: 31496018.
  15. Xiao T, Yu X, Yang L, Duan X. Palmatine treats urticaria by reducing inflammation and increasing autophagy. Front Immunol. 2023 Nov 14;14:1268467. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268467. PMID: 38035098; PMCID: PMC10682667.