Evidence supporting the use of: Phellodendron Bark
For the health condition: PMS (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Phellodendron bark, also known as Huang Bai in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal practices. While it is most commonly employed for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and damp-heat clearing properties, some traditional sources have used it within formulas aimed at addressing symptoms that can overlap with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as irritability, swelling, or discomfort. However, there is no strong or direct tradition of using Phellodendron bark specifically for PMS as understood in modern clinical terms. Instead, its inclusion in PMS-related herbal formulas is usually as part of a broader approach to balance the body’s internal conditions rather than as a single agent targeting PMS.
Scientific evidence for the use of Phellodendron bark in treating or supporting PMS is minimal to nonexistent. Most of the available research focuses on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and possible mood-modulating effects due to compounds like berberine, but these have not been specifically investigated in the context of PMS symptoms in clinical trials. Thus, while some traditional use exists, especially within multi-herb formulas, the evidence supporting its efficacy for PMS is weak and largely anecdotal.
Other ingredients used for PMS (general)
ashwagandhabeet
black cohosh
borage oil
bupleurum falcatum
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
green tea
inositol
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
motherwort
pollen
quail egg
relora® (proprietary)
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
watermelon
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
bee pollen
lingusticum wallichii
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
peach
27-deoxyactein
Alchemilla
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Agnuside
Ashoka
Borage
banana
Cohosh
Calendula
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cyathula
Chocolate
Dong Quai
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Lotus
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Phellodendron Bark
AcneAllergies (respiratory)
Arthritis
Asthma
Bladder Infection
Bronchitis
Colds (antiviral)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (damp)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Kidney Infection
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Menopause
Pain (general remedies for)
Phlebitis
PMS (general)
Psoriasis
Rhinitis
Sinus Infection
Skin (infections)
Stress
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores