Cortex Machili Thunbergii
Aliases：Xiao Nanmu (Small Nanmu); Dongqing (Evergreen) (China Medical Information Query Platform); Shanzhangshu (Mountain Camphor Tree); Baiqichai (White Lacquer Wood); Wuzhang (Black Camphor); Diaozhang (Fishing Camphor); Zhujiaonan (Pig's Foot Nanmu); Nanzaimu (Nanmu Wood); Nanchai (Nanmu Firewood) (Science China).
Hongnan is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the root bark of Machilus thunbergii Sieb. et Zucc., a plant in the family Lauraceae. It grows in mountain broad-leaved mixed forests. It is recorded in Zhejiang Tianmu Mountain Medicinal Plant Flora, Chinese Materia Medica, Compendium of Modern Research on Chinese Materia Medica, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Regulates Qi and harmonizes the Stomach; relaxes the sinews and activates the collaterals; reduces swelling and relieves pain.
Indications
Vomiting due to Cold stagnation; diarrhea; vomiting of milk in infants; poor appetite with reduced food intake; sprains and contusions; muscle cramps; cold-dampness leg qi; swelling of the feet.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Red Nanmu possesses the following significant pharmacological activities: Antitumor effect: Lignans extracted from Red Nanmu exhibit antiproliferative effects on MGC-803 gastric cancer cells and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Studies indicate that lignans exert antitumor effects by affecting the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, and modulating the expression of related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, p21, p27, c-myc, etc.). A study published in the Korean Journal of Pharmacology in 2026 further confirmed that the water extract of Red Nanmu has cytotoxic effects on human acute Jurkat T lymphoma cells. Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects: Licarin A is a natural neolignan extracted from Red Nanmu with anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects. It significantly reduces immediate hypersensitivity by decreasing TNF-α and PGD₂ production and inhibiting COX-2 expression, making it a candidate compound for anti-inflammatory drug development. The ethanol extract of Red Nanmu exerts a protective effect on an ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma model, with a mechanism involving the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Neuroprotective effect: Four lignans isolated from the bark of Red Nanmu—(-)-isoguaiacin, meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid, licarin A, and (+)-guaiacin—exhibit protective effects against glutamate-induced toxicity in primary cultures of rat cortical neurons, with protection rates of 35%, 58.5%, 54.2%, and 36.1%, respectively. Hepatoprotective effect: Lignans from the bark of Red Nanmu protect primarily cultured rat hepatocytes against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced injury. Hypolipidemic and ACAT inhibitory effects: Lignans from the bark of Red Nanmu exhibit inhibitory activity against acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT-1 and ACAT-2), contributing to blood lipid regulation. Digestive and astringent effects: Red Nanmu possesses digestive and astringent pharmacological effects, consistent with its traditional effects of warming the Middle and harmonizing the Stomach. Analgesic effect: Red Nanmu possesses analgesic pharmacological activity, consistent with its traditional effects of reducing swelling and relieving pain. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from modern experimental studies on extracts and isolated compounds from the bark and leaves of Red Nanmu. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Red Nanmu is still ongoing. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
Red Nanmu (root bark, stem bark, and heartwood) mainly contains the following active constituents: Alkaloids (root): N-Norarmepavine. Reticuline. Lignans (stem bark): Licarin A. (-)-Isoguaiacin. meso-Dihydroguaiaretic acid. (+)-Guaiacin. Tannins and resins (stem bark): Tannin, content 0.48%. Resin, content 12.38%. Rubber, content 0.688%. A large amount of mucilage. Heartwood constituents: Lignoceric acid. Quercetin. dl-Catechin. Leaf and twig constituents: Mucilage (a complex of polysaccharides and proteins), the mucopolysaccharide portion of which is composed of arabinose, xylose, rhamnose, galactose, glucose, and glucuronic acid. Myristic acid, among others.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 10–15 g. External use: Appropriate amount. Pounded and applied topically; or decocted in water for fumigation and washing.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy. Use with caution in individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. Not suitable for long-term or high-dose use. Use with caution in individuals with an allergic constitution.
Selected Formulas
For sprains and contusions with tendon injury (China Medical Information Query Platform) Take 300g of Hongnan (Machilus thunbergii) bark or root and 300g of Jiegumu (Sambucus williamsii) branches and leaves. Decoct in water and use for fumigation and washing of the injured area. For sprains and contusions with tendon injury (Zhejiang Tianmu Mountain Medicinal Plant Records) Take Hongnan root or bark, add salt, crush and apply. For persistent vomiting and diarrhea (Zhejiang Tianmu Mountain Medicinal Plant Records) Take Hongnan bark, decoct in water and drink. For muscle cramps and foot swelling (Zhejiang Tianmu Mountain Medicinal Plant Records) Take Hongnan bark, decoct in water for fumigation and washing.
Medicinal Parts
Root bark or stem 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.
