The Efficacy and Function of Chinaberry Bark

Generally, Cortex Toosendan (苦楝皮) has various functions and effects, including expelling and killing parasites, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, clearing heat and dampness, improving liver function, and promoting qi circulation to relieve pain. Details are as follows:

1. Expelling and Killing Parasites: Cortex Toosendan contains toxic components such as toosendanin and hamamelitannin, which can paralyze or kill parasites in the body, such as roundworms, pinworms, and hookworms. Therefore, Cortex Toosendan is widely used in treating various intestinal parasitic diseases and is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic traditional Chinese medicine.

2. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Cortex Toosendan has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively inhibiting the growth and proliferation of multiple bacterial strains and providing certain therapeutic effects on bacterial infection-related diseases. Additionally, it can alleviate inflammatory symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain.

3. Clearing Heat and Dampness: Cortex Toosendan is bitter in taste and cold in nature, possessing the effect of clearing heat and removing dampness. It can be used to treat symptoms such as leukorrhea and itching caused by downward infiltration of damp-heat, as well as dysentery and jaundice caused by accumulation of damp-heat.

4. Improving Liver Function: Cortex Toosendan helps improve liver function and promote bile secretion, thus aiding in the elimination of toxins from the body and lowering blood lipid levels. Long-term, moderate use of Cortex Toosendan may help prevent the occurrence of liver diseases such as hepatitis to a certain extent. However, individuals with impaired liver function should use it cautiously.

5. Promoting Qi Circulation and Relieving Pain: Cortex Toosendan can also promote qi circulation and relieve pain, offering a certain degree of pain relief for discomforts such as stomach pain, abdominal pain, and flank pain caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis. It can promote the circulation of qi and blood and dissipate blood stasis, thus alleviating pain.

Pregnant women, nursing women, children, and individuals with impaired liver function should avoid or cautiously use Cortex Toosendan. Additionally, Cortex Toosendan should not be taken with spicy, raw, cold, greasy, or fishy foods to avoid adverse reactions. Prior to using Cortex Toosendan, it is necessary to consult a physician to ensure safe medication use.