Amur Cork Bark Fights Cancer and Obesity Naturally

Amur Cork Bark Fights Obesity, Cancer, and Parkinsons Disease

Bruce Marlin, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Amur Cork Bark (Phellodendron amurense) is from the Rutacea family native to Korea, China, Japan, and has now moved to other parts of the world like the United States, is used in Chinese, Indian, and Japanese traditional medicine (Yale Nature Walk). Has a yellow bark unique among similar species, with the females producing fruit and males fruitless (Woody Invasives of the Great Lakes). 

Antibiotic and Antimicrobial Properties

The alkaloids present inside the bark make it antibiotic and antimicrobial (Sturluson). 

Natural Supplement Nexrutine

Nexrutine is a natural supplement made up of amur cork bark which inhibits fibrosis, COX-2 and sometimes COX-1 acting as anti- inflammatory agent preventing cancer (and the scarring that goes along with many cancers), heart and gastric problems as well (Allen). Recent studies show it "inhibited the proliferation of prostate and lung cancer cells" (Science Direct).

Bioactive Compound Berberine

Amur cork bark is great for weight loss, cancer, depression, liver, and heart failure because of its bioactive compound berberine (Zyair). Berberine is a natural compound that improves type 2 diabetes and obesity (Ye, Yu, et al). Also increases brown adipose tissue (BAT) levels and ignites the process for defeating obesity (Wu et al). BAT is a fairly new discovery for losing weight. 

Quote From Cancer.Gov

According to Cancer.gov "This agent appears to block the activation of the transcription factor cAMP response binding protein (CREB) and inhibits Akt signaling, thereby inhibiting tumor cell growth and inducing apoptosis in Akt- and CREB-overexpressing cancer cells. In addition, this agent inhibits cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX - 2), nuclear factor kappa b (NF-kB) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a)-mediated signaling; COX-2, NF-kB and TNF-a are upregulated in certain types of cancer and during inflammation" (National Cancer Institute). I am not a cancer expert or scientist, but this sounds like some serious cancer defense from this natural tree bark. 

Comparable to the Drug Depranyl

Has anti-aging properties, helps with Parkinsons disease, and with the MAO-B enzyme it showed to be one of the most potent and selective inhibitors among all of the plants comparable to the drug Depranyl (Falloon). 

The cancer and brain studies really highlight this special discovery. Fighting off prostate and lung cancers in a way with no side effects can only help people beat the disease. Another significant find is improving the brain health with people with Parkinsons. Two very different diseases with major discoveries in the fight to destroy them. 

Works Cited 

Yale Nature Walk. “Amur Cork | Yale Nature Walk.” Naturewalk.yale.edu, naturewalk.yale.edu/trees/rutaceae/phellodendron-amurense/amur-cork-75.

Woody Invasives of the Great Lakes. “Amur Cork Tree | Woody Invasives of the Great Lakes Basin.” WIGL, woodyinvasives.org/woody-invasive-species/amur-cork-tree/. Accessed 2 Dec. 2022.

Sturluson, Thordur. “Amur Cork Tree – Health Benefits and Side Effects.” The Herbal Resource, 17 Dec. 2013, www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/amur-cork-tree.html.

Allen, Elizabeth. “From Ancient Chinese Medicine to Modern Texas Labs.” UT Health San Antonio, 3 Aug. 2015, www.uthscsa.edu/stories/nexrutine-cancer-side-effects. Accessed 3 Dec. 2022.

Zyair, Isla. “What Makes Amur Cork Bark the Ultimate Weight Loss Supplement?” Obesity Controller, 16 Feb. 2022, obesitycontroller.com/amur-cork-bark. Accessed 3 Dec. 2022.

National Caner Institute. “Https://Www.cancer.gov/Publications/Dictionaries/Cancer-Drug/Def/Phellodendron-Amurense-Bark-Extract.” Www.cancer.gov, 2 Feb. 2011, www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/phellodendron-amurense-bark-extract. Accessed 3 Dec. 2022.

Ye, Yu, et al. “Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone for Several Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 12, 26 Apr. 2021, 10.3389/fphar.2021.653887.

Science Direct. “Phellodendron Amurense - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.” Www.sciencedirect.com, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/phellodendron-amurense.

Falloon, William. “Boost Your Brain with Dopamine - Life Extension.” Www.lifeextension.com, www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2021/4/brain-dopamine-boosters. Accessed 3 Dec. 2022.

Wu, Lingyan, et al. “Berberine Promotes the Recruitment and Activation of Brown Adipose Tissue in Mice and Humans.” Cell Death & Disease, vol. 10, no. 6, 13 June 2019, pp. 1–18, www.nature.com/articles/s41419-019-1706-y#Sec10, 10.1038/s41419-019-1706-y. Accessed 3 June 2022.