Cortex Laticis Potaninii
Aliases：Hongshan bark (Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica), also known as Larch bark.
Hongshan (Larch Inner Trunk Bark) is a Chinese medicinal material. It is the inner trunk bark of Larix potaninii Batalin (family Pinaceae). The plant grows in mountainous regions at elevations of 2,500–4,000 m. It is recorded in Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica, Zhonghua Bencao (Chinese Materia Medica), and other herbal compendia.
Efficacy & Actions
Stop dysentery and promote qi movement.
Indications
For dysentery, rectal prolapse, qi-stagnation abdominal distension, and enteritis (Supplement to Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica) Take 9–15g of Hongshan bark, decoct in water and take orally; for enteritis, combine with Machixian (Portulaca oleracea) and Huanglian (Coptis chinensis), etc., decoct in water and take orally.
Modern Pharmacology
Antibacterial and antioxidant effects: The bark of Larix plants is rich in tannins, which possess astringent, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities, consistent with the traditional effects of stopping diarrhea and promoting qi movement. Hypoglycemic and vascular protective effects: Sequoyitol is a natural compound extracted from plants such as Taxus (yew). Animal studies show that it significantly lowers blood glucose in diabetic model animals, improves insulin resistance, and protects vascular endothelium in diabetes. Sequoyitol strongly inhibits α-glucosidase, and its hypoglycemic effect is partly achieved through this inhibition. Note: Sequoyitol is mainly sourced from Taxus, which is not the same botanical source as Hongshan bark (Larix, Pinaceae). The above research is for pharmacological reference only and cannot be directly equated with the efficacy of Hongshan bark. Anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities: Chemical studies on endangered Pinaceae plants endemic to Qinling (including Larix potaninii var. chinensis) have isolated 24 structurally diverse terpenoids from branches and leaves, some of which possess biological activities. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Hongshan bark itself remains to be further conducted. Note: The above pharmacological studies are mostly derived from research on plants of the same genus or related plants. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Hongshan bark (the inner trunk bark of L. potaninii) is still in its infancy. Its use should be primarily based on traditional effects and indications.
Ingredients
Tannins: The bark contains tannins, one of its main active components, serving as the material basis for astringent, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. Terpenoids: Twenty-four structurally diverse triterpenoids and diterpenoids have been isolated from the branches and leaves of a plant of the same genus (Larix potaninii var. chinensis), some of which are new compounds. However, systematic studies on the terpenoid constituents of Hongshan bark itself are still insufficient. Others: It also contains resins, flavonoids, and other components. Note: Systematic research on the chemical constituents of Hongshan bark is still insufficient; the above components are largely inferred from studies on plants of the same genus.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 9–15 g.
Contraindications
Individuals with Yin deficiency should not use it (as recorded by the China Medical Information Query Platform). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it under the guidance of a physician. Not suitable for long-term or high-dose use. Use with caution in individuals with an allergic constitution.
Selected Formulas
For dysentery, rectal prolapse, and qi-stagnation abdominal distension (Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica) Take 9–15g of Hongshan bark (redwood bark). Decoct in water and take orally. For enteritis (Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica) Take 9–15g of Hongshan bark, combined with Machixian (Portulaca oleracea) and Huanglian (Coptis chinensis), etc. Decoct in water and take orally.
Medicinal Parts
Trunk inner 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.
