Cortex Coriariae Nepalensis
Aliases：Ma Sang; Ha Ma Shu; A Si Mu; Shang Tian Ti; Lian Hua Xian; Si Lian Shu; Hei Guo Guo; Zui Yu Er; Nao Yu Er; Shui Ma Sang; Ye Ma Sang; Ma An Zi; Qian Nian Hong; Hei Hu Da Wang; Zi Sang.
Ma Sang Shu Pi (Chinese Coriaria Bark) is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the bark of Coriaria nepalensis Wall., a plant in the family Coriariaceae. It grows in mountain thickets at elevations of 400–3,200 meters. It is recorded in Guizhou Herbal Medicine, Dictionary of Chinese Materia Medica, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears Heat.
Indications
Oral thrush (an oral mucosal disease caused by Candida albicans infection).
Modern Pharmacology
Dedicated pharmacological research on Chinese Coriaria Bark itself remains insufficient. Chemical and pharmacological studies on the whole Coriaria plant (root, stem, leaf, and fruit) suggest the following activity directions for reference: Central nervous system stimulant effect: The whole Coriaria plant contains toxic sesquiterpene lactones such as coriamyrtin and tutin, which exert excitatory effects on the respiratory center, vasomotor center, and vagal center in the medulla oblongata and can enhance spinal reflexes. Coriamyrtin is also used to induce epilepsy models in rats. This represents a toxic mechanism, not a therapeutic effect. Antibacterial effect: The root of Coriaria is used in folk medicine to treat toothache, wounds, and other conditions. Extracts of the plant possess certain antibacterial activity. Antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory bioactivities: A study published in 2024 reported that the stem of Coriaria possesses antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory bioactivities. Astringent effect of tannins: The bark is rich in hydrolyzable tannins, which possess astringent, hemostatic, and wound-healing properties. This is consistent with its traditional external use for oral mucosal conditions. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from studies on the whole plant or root of Coriaria. Dedicated pharmacological research on the bark alone is extremely limited. Traditional indications should remain the primary basis for use, and preliminary pharmacological findings should not be used to expand the indications without professional guidance.
Ingredients
Chinese Coriaria Bark mainly contains the following constituents: Tannins (principal constituents): Hydrolyzable tannins, with relative molecular weights of 424–1,464 Da, composed of galloyl units. Major structural components: Tri-O-galloylglucose, Tetra-O-galloylglucose, Penta-O-galloylglucose, and Hexa-O-galloylglucose. Gallic acid. Others: Kaempferol. Coriaria sugar. Note: Chinese Coriaria Bark is rich in tannins. This is the material basis for its potential use as a leather-tanning material and the chemical basis for its external astringent effect. Hydrolyzable tannins can be hydrolyzed to produce gallic acid, with a yield of up to 53.2%.
Usage & Dosage
External use: Fresh Chinese Coriaria bark 1–2 g, pounded into a soft paste, wrapped in blue cloth, and held in the mouth. Remove after 5 minutes. Repeat at intervals, several times a day.
Contraindications
Contraindications for internal use: The entire Coriaria plant is toxic. The bark is generally for external use only, and internal use requires extreme caution. Contraindicated for internal use in children, pregnant women, and debilitated individuals. Risk of poisoning: The toxic constituents of Coriaria are sesquiterpene lactones such as coriamyrtin and tutin. They stimulate the respiratory center, vasomotor center, and vagal center, and enhance spinal reflexes, potentially causing convulsions, respiratory failure, and even death. Poisoning typically manifests 0.5–3 hours after ingestion. Initial symptoms include nausea, vomiting, salivation, dizziness, headache, chest tightness, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Severe cases may present with frequent convulsions, status epilepticus, high fever, coma, sinus tachycardia or bradycardia, and death from respiratory or cardiac arrest. Avoid eating beans after use (this is a contraindication recorded for the root; it may be applied by reference when the bark is used).
Selected Formulas
For rheumatic bone pain and traumatic fractures (Guizhou Herbal Medicine) Take 6–9g of the whole plant of Jinghua Laijiangteng (Brandisia cauliflora). Decoct in water and take orally; for external use, take an appropriate amount of fresh herb, crush and apply to the affected area.
Medicinal Parts
Bark.
Selection & Storage
Dried material should be stored in a well-ventilated, dry place. Protect from moisture and insect damage. Airtight storage is recommended. Avoid direct sunlight. Fresh material should be used promptly or refrigerated for short-term storage. Special note: Chinese Coriaria Bark is toxic. It should be stored separately from other medicinal materials and clearly labeled with a prominent toxicity warning to prevent accidental misuse.
