Populi Nigrae Italicae Cortex
Aliases：Bǐ Yáng (Pen Poplar), Jiàn Gǎn Yáng (Arrow-stem Poplar), Bái Yáng Shù (White Poplar), Měi Yáng (American Poplar), Měi Guó Bái Yáng (American White Poplar).
Zuān Tiān Yáng is a traditional Chinese medicinal material derived from the dried bark of Populus nigra L. var. italica (Moench) Koehne, a plant belonging to the family Salicaceae. This plant is a deciduous tree, reaching up to 30 meters in height, with a cylindrical crown and an upright, towering appearance. The bark appears as plate-like pieces. The outer surface is dark greyish-brown or blackish-brown, rough, with grooves; after removing the outer bark, it appears yellowish-white or brownish-yellow and fibrous; the inner surface is relatively smooth, yellowish-white or yellowish-brown, and light in weight. The fracture surface is lamellar and fibrous. It has a faint odor and a bland taste. Zuān Tiān Yáng was first recorded in the National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine.
Efficacy & Actions
Cools the blood, detoxifies, dispels wind, and removes dampness.
Indications
Indicated for common cold, hepatitis, dysentery, rheumatic pain, beriberi with edema, burns and scalds, and scabies and tinea.
Modern Pharmacology
Studies have shown that the bark of Zuān Tiān Yáng contains flavonoid components, with the cortex containing rhamnetin and rhamnocitrin. The flower buds contain various caffeic acid ester compounds. Its traditional effects of cooling blood, detoxifying, and dispelling wind-dampness require further pharmacological verification.
Ingredients
Bark cortex: Rhamnetin, rhamnocitrin. Flower buds: 3,3-Dimethylallyl-trans-caffeate, 3,3-dimethylallyl-cis-caffeate, isopent-3-enyl-cis-caffeate, isopent-3-enyl-trans-caffeate.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 10–30 g; or steep in wine for consumption. For fresh product, up to 60–120 g may be used. For external use: apply an appropriate amount, burn to charcoal and grind into powder for topical application; or make into an ointment for application.
Contraindications
Should be used under the guidance of a physician. Do not self-medicate.
Selected Formulas
For hepatitis, dysentery, and common cold (empirical formula) Take 60–120g of fresh bark of Populus nigra var. italica (Zuantian Yang), decoct in water and drink. For rheumatic pain and beriberi with swelling (empirical formula) Take the bark of Zuantian Yang, soak in wine and drink. For hypertension (empirical formula) Take 30g of the bark of Zuantian Yang, decoct in water and drink. For burns and scalds (empirical formula) Take an appropriate amount of Zuantian Yang twigs, burn to ash, add a small amount of Bingpian (Borneol), mix evenly with sesame oil, and apply to the affected area. For scabies, tinea, and ringworm of the scalp (empirical formula) Take the bark of Zuantian Yang, burn to charcoal, mix with sesame oil, and apply several times daily. Alternatively, make a paste from the bark and flowers.
Daily Consumption
Wine infusion: Take an appropriate amount of Zuān Tiān Yáng bark, steep it in white wine to make a medicinal wine, and consume in moderation.
Medicinal Parts
The dried bark of Populus nigra L. var. italica (Moench) Koehne, a plant belonging to the family Salicaceae. Its leaves are also used medicinally for the same purposes.
Selection & Storage
Store dried products in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture and mold.
