Chinese corktree, phellodendron, phellodendron-bark, phellodendron, Amur corktree

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 9 min read

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বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

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Article Summary

Key Takeaways

This article explains Amur Cork Tree Scientific Classification in simple medical language.
This article explains Health Benefits of Amur Cork Tree in simple medical language.
This article explains Traditional uses in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.

Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Also referred as Chinese corktree, phellodendron, phellodendron-bark, phellodendron, Amur corktree, Huang Bai, cortex Phellodendri, nark of Chinese corktree, phellodendron bark, cortex phellodendri Chinensis, Amur corktree bark, Amur cork bark, Japanese corktree, this tree species belongs to the family Rutaceae. The tree typically grows up to the height of 30-60′. The trunk is 1-3′ across with gray outer bark that is furrowed and has rough texture and inner bark is bright yellow, soft and corky. The green leaves are 10-15 inches in length that is pinnately compound and opposite. The leaflets are 2½-5″ long, 1-1¾” in across, lanceolate to ovate, broadly elliptic having smooth and ciliate margins. The glabrous and pubescent branches are light green to yellowish green. The tree bears yellowish to green flowers which turns to a green or black fruit of oval shape with ¼-½ inch in diameter. It has stout, light to yellow gray twigs. This deciduous plant requires full sun and rich soils. This herb contains limonin, alkaloids, obacunonic acid, obacunone, β-sitosterol, 7-dehydrostigmasterol, campesterol. It possess the alkaloids such as phellodendrine, berberine, jatrorrhizine, magnoflorine, and palmatine.

Name	Amur Cork Tree
Scientific Name	Phellodendron amurense Rupr
Native	Inherent to Eastern Asia that includes Japan, Korea, Northern China (Ussuri, Manchuria, Amur). It got introduced for ornamental purposes in United States in 1856. It has been intrusive in Maryland, Illinois, New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Common/English Name	Chinese corktree, phellodendron, phellodendron-bark, phellodendron, Amur corktree, Huang Bai, cortex Phellodendri, nark of Chinese corktree, phellodendron bark, cortex phellodendri Chinensis, Amur corktree bark, Amur cork bark, Japanese corktree
Name in Other Languages	Swedish: japanskt korkträd, sachalinkorkträd, sibiriskt korkträd; French: phellodendron de l’Amour, arbre liège de Chine, arbre à liège de l’Amour, phellodendre de l’Amour, phellodendron de Sibérie Japanese Rōmaji: kihada; Transcribed Korean: hwangbyeognamu; Chinese: Yuán bǎi (元柏), Guān huángbò (关黄柏), Bò mù (檗木), Huáng bó lì (黄伯栗), Huángbò (黄柏), Huángbò mù (黄檗木), Huáng bō luó shù (黄波椤树); Finnish: Amurinkorkkipuu; Japanese: amûru-kihada, ezo-kihada, Kihada; Korean: hoanggjongpinamu; Russian: barchat amurskij, bartskhat amurskiy (барцхат амурский);
Plant Growth Habit	Deciduous
Soil	Full sun, rich soils
Plant Size	Height: 30-60′
Bark	Outer bark: Gray-brown, rough texture, furrowed Inner bark: Bright yellow, soft, corky
Trunk	Across: 1-3′
Branches	Light green-yellowish green; glabrous, pubescent
Leaf	Length: 10-15 inches, opposite, pinnately compound, green
Leaflets	Length: 2½-5″; Across: 1-1¾”; Lanceolate to ovate, broadly elliptic; Margins: smooth, ciliate
Twigs	Stout, light to yellow gray
Flowering Season	May-June
Flower	Yellowish to green
Fruit shape & size	Diameter: ¼-½ inch, oval
Fruit color	Green, Black
Odor	Aromatic, strong
Fruit Season	Mid-June to Mid-July

Amur Cork Tree Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Phellodendron amurense Rupr.

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Infrakingdom	Streptophyta (land plants)
Superdivision	Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
Division	Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class	Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass	Rosidae
Order	Sapindales
Family	Rutaceae (Rue family)
Genus	Phellodendron Rupr.(corktree)
Species	Phellodendron amurense Rupr. (Amur corktree)
Synonyms	Phellodendron amurense f. insulare (Nakai) H.S.Kim Phellodendron amurense f. molle (Nakai) W.T.Lee Phellodendron amurense f. molle (Nakai) Y.C. Zhu Phellodendron amurense var. molle (Nakai) S.H. Li & S.Z. Liou Phellodendron insulare Nakai Phellodendron kodamanum Makino Phellodendron molle Nakai

History

Inherent to Eastern Asia that includes Japan, Korea, Northern China (Ussuri, Manchuria, Amur). It got introduced for ornamental purposes in United States in 1856. It has been intrusive in Maryland, Illinois, New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

This tree got introduced around 1856 in U.D. Firstly the sachalinense variety was acquired by Havard University Arnold Arboretum in 1901 and in 1906, the true amurense. In 1933, it was reported by New York Botanical Garden to be naturalized in forests where it is found today. The bark is used in China, Japan and India for traditional medicines. In ancient China, the inner yellow bark is used to make special dye and yellow paper for the religious and governmental documents. It is used as street tree or ornamental purposes so its demand is increasing as shown by the study in Ohio of urban foresters. The wood is used for manufacturing railings as well as bollards for the erosion control.

Health Benefits of Amur Cork Tree

This herb is used for treating bacillary dysentery, cerebrospinal meningitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, acute conjunctivitis, trichomoniasis vaginitis, cervical spondylosis, chronic suppurative otitis media and ear eczema.

Lowers chances of prostate cancer

The study shows that the diet based on plants lowers the chances of prostate cancer. The effect of Nexrutine was examined which an herbal extract is made from Phellodendron amurense which is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for about hundred years for its astringent, anti-diarrheal and infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells by induction of apoptosis and also inhibits the signaling of cell survival. The results shows that the treatment of Nexrutine inhibit proliferation of androgen independent and androgen responsive human prostate cancer cells with apoptosis induction. (1)

Treatment for fracture risk. সহজ বাংলা: হাড় দুর্বল হয়ে ভাঙার ঝুঁকি বেশি।" data-rx-term="osteoporosis" data-rx-definition="Osteoporosis means weak, fragile bones with higher fracture risk. সহজ বাংলা: হাড় দুর্বল হয়ে ভাঙার ঝুঁকি বেশি।">osteoporosis

Phellodendron amursense, Cinnamomum cassia and Astragalus membranaceus was used traditionally for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and fracture risk. সহজ বাংলা: হাড় দুর্বল হয়ে ভাঙার ঝুঁকি বেশি।" data-rx-term="osteoporosis" data-rx-definition="Osteoporosis means weak, fragile bones with higher fracture risk. সহজ বাংলা: হাড় দুর্বল হয়ে ভাঙার ঝুঁকি বেশি।">osteoporosis. It raised the mineral density of bones and prevents decrease of trabecular bone volume, trabecular number, connectivity density, thickness, trabecular number and separation at femur neck and total femur. The serum levels of phosphorus and calcium was decreased in OVX rats and increase in low density lipoprotein, cholesterol, osteocalcin, phosphatase, bone morphogenetic protein-2 and C-telopeptide type 1 collagen. The results shows that BHH10 has the ability to reverse osteoporosis in OVX rats as it stimulates the formation of bones and regulates bone resorption and as it is not related with toxicity. (2)

Memory dysfunction

The study in the improvement of memory defects caused due to administering scopolamine with the use of Phellodendron amurense and berberine. The effects of BER and PA were found on pro-inflammatory cytokines and acetylcholinergic system. The male rats were provided a daily dose of 100 or 200 mg /kg of PA for 14 days and BER of 20 mg/kg 30 minutes before scopolamine injection. It improved impairment of memory. It alleviated cholinergic immunoreactivity and also restored brain derived neurotrophic factor. It has neuroprotective effects on memory dysfunction and neuronal impairment. It stimulates cholinergic enzyme activity and alleviates inflammatory responses that helsp to improve cognitive functioning. (3)

Lowers anxiety and stress

The medicinal plants such as Phellodendron and Magnolia are used as traditional remedies for lowering anxiety and stress. The modern dietary supplements promote relaxation and promote stress and also stress related eating. The studies show that is combination lowers perception of anxiety as well as stress and cortisol exposure that improves weight loss. (4)

Traditional uses

The remedy made from bark acts as a detoxicant.
It is used to treat conjunctivitis and meningitis.
Its internal use helps to treat dysentery, acute diarrhea, vaginal infections, jaundice, enteritis, urinary tract infections, abscesses, boils, skin diseases and night sweats.
The preparation named “injection of three yellow herbs” is made with Coptis chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis that is useful for upper respiratory tract infections.
Ainu people use this plant as a pain killer.
It is used as a treatment for pneumonia, bacillary dysentery, meningitis, liver cirrhosis and tuberculosis.
The oil is used to treat pancreatitis, lowers cholesterol and sugar in blood and also treats skin ailments.
Traditionally, it is used to reduce fever.
The fruit is helpful for treating the cold symptoms.
Externally it is used to treat eczema around ears.
It is an aid for meningitis and used as an eyewash for conjunctivitis.
It lowers fever, blood pressure, blood sugar level and also treat kidney and urine problems.

Precautions

Pregnant women should not use it.
Not to be used by the people with weak or cold stomach and spleen conditions.
Use with professional advice.

Other Facts

Due to illegal and excessive harvesting, the population has declined.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Drink safe fluids and monitor temperature.
In dengue-prone areas, discuss CBC and platelet count when fever persists or warning signs appear.
Use tepid sponging for high fever discomfort; avoid ice-cold bathing.

OTC medicine safety

For fever, common fever medicine may be discussed with a clinician or pharmacist.
Avoid aspirin/ibuprofen-like medicines in suspected dengue unless a doctor says it is safe.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Fever with breathing difficulty, confusion, repeated vomiting, bleeding, severe weakness, stiff neck, or dehydration needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician

Tests to discuss with doctor

Temperature chart and hydration assessment
CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.