Phellodendron Amurensis Extract
Also known as: Amur cork tree extract, Huang Bai extract, Phellodendron amurense extract
Overview
Phellodendron amurense extract is derived from the bark of the Amur cork tree, a plant traditionally utilized in East Asian medicine. This botanical extract is rich in bioactive alkaloids, including berberine, palmatine, and 4-O-feruloylquinic acid, which are believed to be responsible for its therapeutic properties. It is commonly investigated for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and potential cardiovascular benefits. While traditional use is extensive, modern scientific research, including clinical trials and mechanistic studies, is emerging. However, comprehensive systematic reviews specifically focusing on P. amurense extract alone are currently limited, indicating a need for more dedicated research to fully establish its efficacy and safety profile.
Benefits
Preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits for cardiovascular health, particularly in overweight individuals. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study involving a proprietary blend containing P. amurense extract standardized to berberine showed potential improvements in cardiovascular biomarkers. However, this study used a combined extract, limiting definitive conclusions on P. amurense alone. In vitro studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and skin protective effects, with P. amurense extract and its compounds (berberine, palmatine) modulating inflammatory pathways in human keratinocytes, suggesting potential dermatological applications. The strength of evidence for these benefits is currently low, primarily based on in vitro studies and small pilot clinical trials using multi-ingredient formulations. No high-quality meta-analyses or large-scale randomized controlled trials focusing solely on P. amurense extract have been identified, meaning its specific efficacy for any condition is not yet definitively established.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Phellodendron amurense extract are primarily attributed to its bioactive alkaloids, such as berberine and palmatine. These compounds exert anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Mechanistically, they are known to modulate various signaling pathways, including PAR-2 in keratinocytes, which plays a role in inflammatory responses in the skin. Berberine, a key component, is also recognized for its ability to influence lipid metabolism and inflammatory cytokines, which could contribute to the observed cardiovascular effects in combination products. The absorption of these alkaloids is moderate, and their bioavailability can be enhanced through specific formulation techniques.
Side effects
Based on limited clinical data, Phellodendron amurense extract appears to have a generally safe profile when used appropriately in the short term. A pilot clinical study reported no serious adverse events or significant side effects during the intervention period. However, comprehensive safety data, including long-term effects, specific adverse reactions, and drug interactions, are largely lacking. Due to its berberine content, there is a plausible risk of interactions with drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, which could alter the metabolism and efficacy of other medications. Individuals taking prescription drugs, especially those with narrow therapeutic windows, should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use. Specific risk factors for adverse events have not been clearly identified, and contraindications are not well-defined due to insufficient research.
Dosage
Specific dosing guidelines for Phellodendron amurense extract as a standalone supplement are not well-established due to the limited number of clinical trials focusing exclusively on this extract. The pilot study that investigated cardiovascular benefits used a proprietary blend where the exact dose of P. amurense extract was not isolated, though it was standardized for berberine content. In traditional herbal medicine, preparations vary widely. For standardized extracts, clinical contexts often aim for a berberine content in the range of 100-300 mg per day, which may be derived from P. amurense or other berberine-containing plants. Without more specific research, it is difficult to recommend a precise dosage for P. amurense extract alone. Upper limits and safety thresholds are also not clearly defined.
FAQs
Is Phellodendron amurense extract effective for cardiovascular health?
Preliminary evidence from a combined extract suggests potential benefits for cardiovascular biomarkers, but isolated effects of P. amurense extract require further dedicated study to confirm efficacy.
Is Phellodendron amurense extract safe to use?
Limited clinical data indicate good tolerability in short-term use, with no serious adverse events reported. However, comprehensive long-term safety profiles and potential drug interactions are not yet fully established.
What are the main active compounds in Phellodendron amurense extract?
The primary bioactive compounds are alkaloids such as berberine, palmatine, and 4-O-feruloylquinic acid, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and other potential effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2409365/ – This double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study randomized 80 subjects, with 45 completing, to receive either a treatment blend containing P. amurense extract standardized to berberine or a placebo. The study found potential improvements in cardiovascular biomarkers, particularly in overweight subjects, and reported no serious adverse events. Limitations include a small sample size, high dropout rate, and the use of a combined extract rather than isolated P. amurense extract, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to P. amurense.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7824043/ – This in vitro study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of P. amurense bark extract and its isolated compounds (berberine, palmatine) on human skin cells. It demonstrated that the extract could modulate PAR-2 receptor activity and inflammatory responses in keratinocytes, supporting its potential for dermatological applications. This mechanistic research provides biological plausibility for some of the extract's traditional uses but requires clinical correlation to confirm efficacy in humans.