Phellodendron Amurense Extract
Also known as: Phellodendron amurense Rupr., Amur cork tree, Huang Bai, Phellodendron amurense
Overview
Phellodendron amurense extract is derived from the bark of the Amur cork tree, a plant native to East Asia. It is a traditional medicine ingredient, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is known as Huang Bai. The extract is rich in bioactive alkaloids, primarily berberine and palmatine, which are believed to be responsible for its therapeutic properties. Traditionally, it has been used for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and metabolic health benefits. Modern research is exploring its potential applications in supporting cardiovascular health, mitigating inflammation, and investigating its possible anticancer properties. While preclinical and some pilot clinical studies show promise, large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comprehensive meta-analyses specifically on P. amurense extract are still limited, indicating that the research is of moderate maturity.
Benefits
Phellodendron amurense extract shows several promising, though mostly preliminary, benefits: * **Cardiovascular Health:** A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 80 subjects indicated that a proprietary blend containing P. amurense bark extract (standardized to berberine) improved lipid profiles, blood pressure, and fasting glucose levels compared to a placebo, particularly in overweight individuals. This suggests potential for supporting metabolic and cardiovascular health, though larger studies are needed to confirm these effects. * **Anti-inflammatory Effects:** The extract has been shown to modulate inflammatory pathways, specifically by controlling PAR-2 receptor expression, which is implicated in inflammation and pain. This mechanistic insight supports its traditional use as an anti-inflammatory agent. * **Potential Anticancer Effects:** Some preclinical studies suggest that alkaloids found in P. amurense may possess antiproliferative effects. While a systematic review and meta-analysis on related compounds like berberine support anticancer potential, high-quality clinical evidence specifically for P. amurense extract in cancer treatment is currently lacking and requires further investigation.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of Phellodendron amurense extract are primarily attributed to its rich content of isoquinoline alkaloids, notably berberine and palmatine. These compounds exert their biological actions through several mechanisms. They are known to modulate inflammatory signaling pathways, including the inhibition of PAR-2 receptor expression, which plays a role in inflammation and pain perception. Furthermore, the alkaloids, particularly berberine, are thought to influence lipid metabolism and glucose regulation, potentially by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key enzyme involved in cellular energy homeostasis. Additionally, these alkaloids may exhibit antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects through mechanisms such as DNA intercalation and enzyme inhibition. The bioavailability of berberine, a major active component, is generally low, which may influence the overall efficacy of the extract.
Side effects
Phellodendron amurense extract is generally considered well-tolerated based on available preliminary data. In a pilot RCT, no serious adverse events were reported. However, specific common side effects for P. amurense extract alone are not extensively documented. Based on the known effects of its primary active component, berberine, mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as constipation, diarrhea, or stomach upset may occur, especially at higher doses. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications specifically reported for P. amurense extract itself. However, due to its berberine content, caution is advised when co-administering with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, as berberine can inhibit these enzymes, potentially altering drug metabolism and increasing systemic exposure to certain drugs. Individuals on medications for diabetes, blood pressure, or cholesterol should consult a healthcare professional before use. Safety data for special populations, including pregnant or breastfeeding women and children, are insufficient, and therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without medical supervision.
Dosage
There is no standardized or universally established dosing guideline for Phellodendron amurense extract due to the limited number of large-scale clinical trials. The pilot study that showed promising results used a proprietary blend containing P. amurense bark extract, but the exact dosage of the extract itself was not detailed, making direct extrapolation difficult. For its primary active constituent, berberine, typical doses in related studies often range from 500 mg two to three times daily. However, it is uncertain whether this dosage directly translates to P. amurense extract, as the extract contains a complex mixture of compounds and varying concentrations of berberine. Optimal dosing would require further randomized controlled trials that clearly specify the standardization of the extract and provide pharmacokinetic data to determine effective and safe ranges. Consumers should follow product-specific recommendations or consult a healthcare professional.
FAQs
Is Phellodendron amurense extract safe?
Preliminary data suggest good tolerability with no serious adverse events reported in short-term studies. However, long-term safety and effects in specific populations are not yet fully established.
Does it help with cardiovascular risk?
Early evidence indicates potential for improving lipid profiles, blood pressure, and fasting glucose. However, these findings are from pilot studies, and larger, more definitive trials are needed to confirm these benefits.
Can it reduce inflammation?
Yes, research suggests it modulates inflammatory pathways, such as PAR-2, which may contribute to reducing inflammation. This aligns with its traditional uses.
Is it effective for cancer?
Evidence for anticancer effects is primarily preclinical and indirect, largely based on its berberine content. There is no conclusive clinical proof of its efficacy in treating cancer in humans yet.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2409365/ – This pilot randomized controlled trial investigated a proprietary blend containing P. amurense extract. It found that the blend improved lipid profiles, blood pressure, and fasting glucose in overweight and normal-weight adults, with no serious adverse events reported. The study suggests potential cardiovascular and metabolic benefits but is limited by its small sample size and the use of a proprietary blend.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7824043/ – This preclinical study explored the mechanistic actions of P. amurense, specifically focusing on how its active compounds like berberine and palmatine modulate PAR-2 receptor expression. The findings suggest that these compounds have anti-inflammatory potential by influencing key inflammatory pathways, providing a scientific basis for its traditional use.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/6/1339 – This systematic review and meta-analysis, while not exclusively on P. amurense, discusses the potential anticancer effects of berberine-containing extracts, including those from P. amurense bark. It suggests a promising role for these compounds in cancer therapy but highlights the need for more direct and high-quality clinical evidence specifically for P. amurense in human cancer treatment.
