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Phellodendron amurense

Phellodendron amurense is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb used for inflammation, infection, and bone conditions. Contains berberine (same alkaloid as in berberine supplements) and other alkaloids. Often combined with Magnolia officinalis in 'Relora' for stress/cortisol. NO GRADED OUTCOMES for the herb itself. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects in preclinical research. Limited Western clinical evidence. The berberine content may provide some of the effects attributed to berberine supplements.

Quick Answer

What it is

Phellodendron amurense is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb used for inflammation, infection, and bone conditions. Contains berberine (same alkaloid as in berberine supplements) and other alkaloids.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Stress and Anxiety
  • Grade C: Osteoarthritis Symptoms
  • Grade D: Anti-tumor Activity

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Phellodendron amurense

Quick Facts: Phellodendron amurense

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:3
  • Research Outcomes:6
  • Key Effect:Anxiety Disorders (Other)
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C2
D4
3 conditions · 6 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Stress and Anxiety
Two RCTs of Relora (Magnolia officinalis + Phellodendron amurense combination) in moderately stressed adults found significant reductions in perceived stress and anxiety. Talbott et al. (2013, n=56) reported −11% overall stress and improved global mood (p<0.05); Kalman et al. (2008, n=26 completers) found significant reduction in state anxiety (p=0.045). Effects are from combination products, not Phellodendron alone.
3 studies
moderate↓Improves
C
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
A pilot double-blind RCT (Oben et al. 2009, n=45 completers) of Phellodendron + Citrus sinensis extract showed significant improvement in Lequesne Algofunctional Index scores at 8 weeks (p<0.0001) and 49% CRP reduction in overweight subjects (p<0.001). In vitro studies demonstrate Phellodendron amurense inhibits IL-1α-induced cartilage degradation and suppresses MMP-1, -3, -13 in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes.
moderate↓Improves
D
Anti-tumor Activity
Multiple preclinical studies show Phellodendron amurense extract (Nexrutine) inhibits tumor growth in lung, prostate, skin, and colon cancer models via G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. In A549 xenograft mice, tumors grew to 6.4 mm³ vs 58.9 mm³ in controls (p<0.001). A Phase I tolerability study in 21 prostate cancer patients found the extract well-tolerated at 1500 mg/day with 81% showing PSA decline, but the study was not designed to evaluate efficacy.
small↑Improves
D
Inflammation
In animal models of collagen-induced arthritis, Phellodendron root extract (50-100 mg/kg) significantly decreased arthritic scores and serum TNF-α, IL-17, and PGE2, comparable to meloxicam. In vitro studies show COX-2 inhibition and suppression of inflammatory signaling pathways (MAPK, NF-κB). One human combination study showed 49% CRP reduction, but isolated Phellodendron data in humans is lacking.
moderate↓Improves
D
Cortisol Levels
Mixed results from Relora (Magnolia + Phellodendron) combination studies. Talbott et al. (2013) found −18% salivary cortisol exposure (p<0.05) vs placebo after 4 weeks. However, Kalman et al. (2008) found no significant cortisol difference between groups despite a trend toward reduction. Results are from combination products with inconsistent findings.
3 studies
small↓Improves
D
Body Weight Management
A small pilot RCT (Garrison & Chambliss 2006, n=28 completers) of Relora (Magnolia + Phellodendron combination) found the treatment group maintained weight while placebo gained 1.5 kg over 6 weeks. In a separate OA study (Oben et al. 2009), the Phellodendron + Citrus combination produced 5.1% weight loss in overweight subjects (p<0.001). Both used combination products, limiting attribution to Phellodendron alone.
small↓Improves

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