Phellodendron Chinense Extract
Also known as: Phellodendron chinense Schneid., Chinese cork tree, Huang Bai, Phellodendron chinense
Overview
Phellodendron chinense extract is derived from the bark of the Chinese cork tree, a botanical traditionally used in East Asian medicine, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Its historical applications include 'clearing heat,' reducing fever, and detoxification. The extract is rich in bioactive alkaloids, notably berberine and phellodendrine, which are believed to be responsible for its therapeutic properties. Modern research indicates that P. chinense possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and endocrine-modulating effects. While several in vitro and animal studies support these properties, and some human clinical trials exist, systematic reviews focusing exclusively on P. chinense are limited. The overall evidence quality varies, with a few randomized controlled trials meeting rigorous criteria, but more comprehensive research is needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety across various applications.
Benefits
Phellodendron chinense offers several potential benefits, primarily due to its active alkaloids like berberine and phellodendrine: - **Neuroprotective Effects:** In vitro studies have shown that an ethanol extract of P. chinense significantly inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. This suggests a potential role in conditions like Alzheimer's disease by increasing acetylcholine availability and protecting neuronal cells from oxidative stress and damage. While promising, these findings are primarily from laboratory settings and require human clinical validation. - **Endocrine Modulation:** Research indicates that Cortex Phellodendri, the bark from Phellodendron species, can influence hormonal pathways. It has been reported to delay puberty onset by suppressing hypothalamic GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) synthesis and promoting pituitary growth hormone secretion. This effect has been observed in clinical studies, particularly in the context of managing central precocious puberty (CPP) as part of multi-herb traditional Chinese medicine formulas. - **Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties:** Phellodendrine, a key alkaloid, exhibits notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These properties contribute to its overall therapeutic potential by mitigating cellular damage and reducing inflammatory responses. While these effects are well-documented in various studies, their specific contribution to human health outcomes needs further elucidation. - **Other Potential Benefits:** Berberine, a major constituent of P. chinense, is widely studied for its effects on metabolic conditions such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia, as well as its anticancer properties. However, these benefits are attributed to berberine generally and are not exclusive to P. chinense extract.
How it works
Phellodendron chinense exerts its effects through several proposed mechanisms, primarily mediated by its active alkaloids, berberine and phellodendrine. - **Neuroprotection:** The extract inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. By inhibiting AChE, P. chinense increases the availability of acetylcholine in the brain, which is crucial for cognitive functions and is a target in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. - **Hormonal Regulation:** In the context of central precocious puberty (CPP), P. chinense appears to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It suppresses the synthesis of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the hypothalamus, which in turn delays the onset of puberty. Concurrently, it promotes the secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. - **Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Pathways:** Phellodendrine and berberine interact with various cellular pathways involved in inflammation and oxidative stress. They help to neutralize free radicals and modulate inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing cellular damage and systemic inflammation. The precise molecular targets for these effects are still under investigation.
Side effects
Phellodendron chinense extract is generally considered safe when used within traditional and experimental contexts, with no serious adverse effects reported in reviewed clinical studies. However, specific side effects directly attributable to P. chinense alone are not extensively documented. - **Common Side Effects:** There is a lack of specific data on common side effects for P. chinense. However, high doses of related Phellodendron species or other berberine-containing herbs might potentially affect lactation and breast tissue development, warranting caution. - **Drug Interactions:** Due to the presence of berberine, P. chinense extract may interact with certain medications. Berberine is known to affect cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which are crucial for drug metabolism and transport. This could potentially alter the efficacy or increase the toxicity of concurrently administered drugs. Patients on prescription medications, especially those with a narrow therapeutic index, should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional. - **Contraindications:** Specific contraindications for P. chinense are not well-established. However, given its reported hormonal effects, particularly on puberty and growth hormone, its use during pregnancy and lactation should be approached with caution and under medical supervision. The impact on fetal development or infant health is not sufficiently studied. - **Special Populations:** The effects of P. chinense on children, particularly its potential to delay puberty, necessitate careful monitoring if used in this demographic. Its use in children should only be under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider, especially when addressing conditions like central precocious puberty.
Dosage
There is no standardized or universally established dosing guideline for Phellodendron chinense extract based on high-quality, isolated randomized controlled trials. Most clinical applications have involved multi-herb traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas rather than isolated P. chinense. - **Experimental Studies:** Some research has utilized ethanol extracts with quantified alkaloid content, such as berberine at approximately 270 mg/g and phellodendrine at about 22 mg/g. However, these are experimental concentrations and not direct dosage recommendations for human consumption. - **Traditional Formulations:** Traditional Chinese medicine formulations containing Phellodendron bark vary widely in composition and concentration. Clinical trials for conditions like central precocious puberty (CPP) have used complex herbal formulas where the specific contribution and isolated dosage of P. chinense cannot be precisely determined. - **Form and Absorption:** Specific pharmacokinetic data for P. chinense extract are limited. While berberine, a major constituent, is known for its poor oral bioavailability, it still exerts significant systemic effects, often through its metabolites. The form of the extract (e.g., powder, capsule, liquid) and its preparation method can influence absorption. - **Upper Limits and Safety Thresholds:** Due to the lack of standardized dosing and isolated clinical trials, clear upper limits or safety thresholds for P. chinense extract are not well-defined. Users should exercise caution and adhere to product-specific recommendations or consult with a healthcare professional experienced in herbal medicine.
FAQs
Is Phellodendron chinense effective for Alzheimer's disease?
In vitro studies show P. chinense inhibits acetylcholinesterase, suggesting neuroprotective potential. However, clinical efficacy in humans for Alzheimer's disease remains unproven and requires further research.
Can it delay puberty?
Some clinical data, primarily from multi-herb formulas, suggest P. chinense can suppress GnRH and promote growth hormone, potentially delaying puberty onset in central precocious puberty patients.
Is it safe?
Generally considered safe in studied doses with no serious adverse events reported. However, caution is advised due to potential drug interactions and hormonal effects, especially in special populations like pregnant women or children.
How fast do benefits appear?
The time course for benefits is unclear. Hormonal effects, such as those related to puberty delay, likely require weeks to months of consistent use to manifest.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6152634/ – This in vitro study by Kim et al. (2017) demonstrated that an ethanol extract of Phellodendron chinense inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and protects neuronal cells from oxidative damage. The research identified berberine and phellodendrine as key alkaloids contributing to the extract's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The study's limitation is its in vitro design, meaning the findings need to be validated in human clinical trials.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1934578X251323772 – This systematic review and meta-analysis on Chinese herbal medicine for central precocious puberty (CPP) found that Cortex Phellodendri (from Phellodendron species) contributes to delaying puberty by suppressing hypothalamic GnRH and promoting pituitary GH secretion. The review included randomized controlled trials showing efficacy as an adjuvant therapy with no serious adverse effects. A key limitation is that the herbal formulas often combined multiple herbs, making it difficult to isolate the specific effects of P. chinense.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7676565/ – This article by Du et al. (2020) is a protocol for a network meta-analysis focusing on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for lipodermatosclerosis, which includes Phellodendron chinense among the herbs to be studied. While it does not present results, it highlights ongoing efforts to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM herbs through rigorous research methodologies. This indicates a growing interest in evidence-based assessment of traditional remedies.
