Cortex seu Radix Bruguierae Gymnorrhizae
Aliases：Wu Li Jiao; Wu Jiao Li; Hong Shu (Red Mangrove); Chang Gu (Long Drum); Bao Luo Jian Ding; Tie Lan (Iron Bruguiera); Da Tou Lan (Big-Headed Bruguiera); Ji Zhua Lang (Chicken-Claw Wave); Jian Ding; Jia Ding; Ji Zhua Lan (Chicken-Claw Bruguiera).
Mangrove Bark is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the bark or root bark of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam., a plant in the family Rhizophoraceae. It grows in beach mangrove forests. It is recorded in the Taiwan Medicinal Plant Flora and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears Heat and removes toxin; stops diarrhea and bleeding.
Indications
Sore throat with swelling and pain; sores and swellings; diarrhea and dysentery due to Heat-toxin; bleeding from various sources.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies suggest that Mangrove Bark (the bark and root bark of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza) possesses the following pharmacological activities: Antibacterial and antiviral effects: Mangrove Bark possesses antibacterial and antiviral activities. Anti-inflammatory effect: Mangrove Bark possesses anti-inflammatory activity. Antitumor effect: Mangrove Bark possesses antitumor activity. Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and hypotensive effects: Mangrove Bark possesses hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and hypotensive effects. Anticoagulant, diuretic, antipyretic, analgesic, and sedative effects: Mangrove Bark possesses anticoagulant, diuretic, antipyretic, analgesic, and sedative activities. Immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effects: Mangrove Bark possesses immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effects. Astringent and hemostatic effects: Mangrove Bark contains a large amount of tannins, which provide the material basis for its astringent and hemostatic effects. Tannins possess astringent properties and contribute to the wound healing process. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from comprehensive studies and preliminary experiments on Mangrove Bark. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Mangrove Bark (the bark and root bark of B. gymnorrhiza) remains to be further conducted. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use. Special warning: Mangrove Bark has a certain toxicity and should not be taken for an extended period, so as to avoid liver and kidney damage.
Ingredients
The bark of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (Mangrove Bark) mainly contains the following active constituents: Tannins (principal constituents): Tannin, present in abundance, is the main active constituent of Mangrove Bark. Holocellulose, content 35.5%. Klason lignin, content 14.1%. Sugars: Rhamnose. Arabinose. Glucose. Galactose. Xylose. Mannose. Galacturonic acid. Gibberellins: Gibberellin A3. Gibberellin A4. Gibberellin A7. Triterpenoids and sterols: 13(18)-Oleanenol (gymnorhizol). Sitosterol. α-Amyrin. β-Amyrin. Lupeol. Oleanolic acid. Ursolic acid. Cholesterol. Campesterol. Stigmasterol. Stigmast-7-en-3β-ol. Characteristic constituents: Brugierol. Isobrugierol. Others: Luteolin, quercetin, kaempferol, coumarins, and others. Note: In the original Chinese text, “克拉松木素 (klason lignin)” is standardized in English as Klason lignin; “羽扇豆醇 (lupool)” should be lupeol.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 6–15 g. External use: Appropriate amount, decocted in water for washing; or fresh material pounded and applied topically.
Contraindications
This product has a certain toxicity and should not be taken for an extended period, so as to avoid liver and kidney damage. Overdose may cause poisoning, manifesting as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stool, bloody urine, skin rashes, and other symptoms. Use with caution in pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children, the elderly, and debilitated individuals. Fresh Mangrove Bark may contain trace amounts of toxins and must be sun-dried or processed before use. A light diet should be maintained during use, and pungent or irritating foods should be avoided. Liver and kidney function should be checked regularly during use. It should not be used together with other Chinese medicines to avoid drug interactions.
Selected Formulas
For diarrhea (astringent and antidiarrheal) (Taiwan Medicinal Plant Flora) Appropriate amount of Mangrove Bark. Decoct in water and take orally. For pharyngitis (root bark) (Taiwan Medicinal Plant Flora) Appropriate amount of Mangrove root bark. Decoct in water and take orally.
Medicinal Parts
Bark or root 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.
