Cortex Phellodendri
Source
Bark of Phellodendron chinense Schneid. or P. amurense Rupr., family Rutaceae.
Characteristics
Bark yellow, lamellar, unequal in length and width, 2-6 mm thick. Outer
surface
yellow-brown, flat or longitudinally grooved when cork peeled off. Inner
surface densely longitudinally striated. Cross section surface fibrous
and lamellar. Prepared as crosscut fine strips. Bitter in taste, cold
in nature, and attributive to kidney, urinary bladder and large intestine
channels.
Indication
1. Clear away heat and deprive dampness from middle-jiao; For diarrhea,
dysentery, jaundice, leucorrhagia, stranguria, edema of lower limbs, prurigo,
etc. of dampness-heat type.
2. Purge the sthenic fire and clear away toxic materials: For skin infection,
furunclosis complicated by septicemia, bum, and seasonal febrile diseases.
3.
Purge the kidney-fire and reduce asthenia-heat: For syndrome of fire-hyperactivity
and yin-deficiency manifestated as hectic fever, night sweat, emission
and red-dry tongue.
Pharmacological
Action
Berberine is the main active component with an action similar to Rhizoina
Coptidis.
Administration Decoction: 3-9g.