Cortex Phoebes Zhennan
Aliases：Qiubai Pi (Qianjin Fang); Nan Pi.
Nanmu Bark is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the bark of Phoebe zhennan S. Lee et F. N. Wei, a plant in the family Lauraceae. It grows in broad-leaved forests below 1,500 meters in elevation and is also cultivated. It was first recorded in the Haiyao Bencao (Overseas Materia Medica) of the Five Dynasties period and is documented in Chinese Materia Medica, Dictionary of Chinese Materia Medica, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Warms the Stomach and harmonizes the Middle; redirects upward-rising Qi downward and stops vomiting.
Indications
Cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea with muscle cramps; vomiting and counterflow due to cold in the Stomach; vomiting of milk in infants; swelling of the feet (for external fumigation and washing).
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological research on Nanmu Bark specifically remains insufficient. The following findings are primarily derived from chemical and pharmacological studies on the essential oil of Nanmu (Phoebe zhennan) and related species of the same genus, and are provided for reference: Anti-inflammatory effect: Alantolactone and farnesol in the essential oil of Nanmu exhibit good anti-inflammatory activity, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the IL-17 signaling pathway. Limonene and other volatile oil constituents in Nanmu Bark also possess anti-inflammatory effects and can alleviate local redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Antibacterial effect: Extracts of Nanmu Bark inhibit common pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Antioxidant effect: The essential oils from the bark and leaves of Nanmu possess antioxidant activity. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from studies on the essential oil of Nanmu or related species of the same genus. Dedicated pharmacological research on Nanmu Bark (the bark of P. zhennan) is extremely limited. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
The bark of Nanmu mainly contains the following constituents: Volatile oils: α-calacorene, τ-cadinol, β-eudesmol, and δ-cadinene, among others. These are constituents shared by the essential oils of the bark and leaves. Sesquiterpene lactones: Alantolactone, among others. Others: It also contains tannins, flavonoids, and other constituents. Note: Systematic chemical studies on Nanmu Bark remain insufficient. The barks of Lauraceae plants are generally rich in essential oils and tannins, which is consistent with their effects of warming the Middle, redirecting upward-rising Qi downward, and astringing.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 6–15 g. External use: Appropriate amount, decocted in water for washing or fumigation-washing.
Contraindications
Pregnant women should use it with caution. Use with caution in individuals with Yin deficiency and hyperactive Fire. Use with caution in individuals with an allergic constitution, as it may cause skin allergies or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Selected Formulas
For cholera with muscle cramps (Pu Ji Fang) Take Nanmu bark, decoct in water and wash the affected area. For stomach cold with vomiting (Xiao'er Weisheng Zongwei Lun Fang, Nanmu Tang) Decoct Nanmu bark in water and take the decoction. For swelling of the feet (Caomu Bianfang) Decoct Nanmu bark in water for fumigation and washing.
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.
