Overview

Phellodendron (Phellodendron amurense) is a plant found in tropical parts of Asia. Its thick bark is used to make medicine. It contains berberine.

Some chemicals in phellodendron might reduce redness and swelling. The berberine in phellodendron might lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, as well as protect the liver. But berberine can also be harmful.

People use phellodendron for acne, diabetes, obesity, osteoarthritis, stress, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse phellodendron with corkwood tree. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for PHELLODENDRON overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Phellodendron is possibly safe when used in combination with other ingredients, short-term. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if phellodendron is safe or what the side effects might be when used as a single ingredient.

When applied to the skin: Phellodendron is possibly safe when used short-term.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Phellodendron is possibly safe when used in combination with other ingredients, short-term. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if phellodendron is safe or what the side effects might be when used as a single ingredient.

When applied to the skin: Phellodendron is possibly safe when used short-term.

Pregnancy: Phellodendron is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Phellodendron contains a chemical called berberine, which can cross the placenta and might harm the fetus.

Breast-feeding: Phellodendron is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding. It contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine can be transferred to the infant through breast milk and can cause brain damage in newborns.

Children: Phellodendron is likely unsafe when given by mouth to newborn infants. It contains a chemical called berberine, which can cause brain damage, especially in premature infants with jaundice.

High bilirubin levels: Bilirubin is a chemical that is produced when old red blood cells break down. It is normally removed by the liver. Phellodendron contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine may keep the liver from removing bilirubin fast enough. This can cause brain problems in people with high levels of bilirubin. Avoid using.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with PHELLODENDRON

    The body breaks down cyclosporine to get rid of it. Phellodendron might decrease how fast the body breaks down cyclosporine. Taking phellodendron along with cyclosporine might increase the chance of side effects.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with PHELLODENDRON

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Phellodendron might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, others) interacts with PHELLODENDRON

    Phellodendron contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might decrease how quickly the body breaks down dextromethorphan. This might increase the effects and side effects of dextromethorphan.

  • Losartan (Cozaar) interacts with PHELLODENDRON

    The liver activates losartan to make it work. Phellodendron might decrease how quickly the body activates losartan, which might decrease the effects of losartan.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with PHELLODENDRON

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Phellodendron might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with PHELLODENDRON

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Phellodendron might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with PHELLODENDRON

    Phellodendron contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might lower blood sugar levels. Taking phellodendron along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with PHELLODENDRON

    Phellodendron contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might lower blood pressure. Taking phellodendron along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with PHELLODENDRON

    Phellodendron contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might slow blood clotting. Taking phellodendron along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Metformin (Glucophage) interacts with PHELLODENDRON

    Phellodendron contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might increase the amount of metformin in the body. This may increase its effects and side effects. This interaction seems to occur when berberine is taken around 2 hours before metformin. Taking berberine and metformin at the same time doesn't seem to increase the amount of metformin in the body.

  • Midazolam (Versed) interacts with PHELLODENDRON

    The body breaks down midazolam to get rid of it. Phellodendron contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine can decrease how quickly the body breaks it down. This might increase the effects and side effects of midazolam.

  • Pentobarbital (Nembutal) interacts with PHELLODENDRON

    Pentobarbital is a medication that can cause sleepiness. Phellodendron might also cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking phellodendron with pentobarbital might cause too much sleepiness.

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with PHELLODENDRON

    Phellodendron might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking phellodendron with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

  • Tacrolimus (Prograf) interacts with PHELLODENDRON

    Tacrolimus is removed from the body by the liver. Phellodendron contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might slow down the body's ability to remove tacrolimus. This might increase the effects and side effects of tacrolimus.

Dosing

Phellodendron has most often been taken by mouth by adults in combination products. It's also been applied to the skin in topical masks, ointments, and solutions. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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