Huang Bai

[4] Some pharmacological activities of the bark can be standardized by analyzing the level of berberine using a monoclonal antibody,[5] thin-layer chromatography,[6][7] HPLC,[8] potentiometry,[9] or acidic potassium permanganate chemiluminescence.

[10] There are quantitative differences between the two species of Cortex Phellodendri (P. amurense and chinense) and it has been suggested that they should be used as separate resources in the clinic.

[12] The levels of four harmful trace heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and thallium) in P. chinense for export are limited by the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China and the Green Trade Standard for Importing and Exporting Medicinal Plant and Preparation.

[13] The earliest known writings about this preparation are found in the Shennong ben cao jing[3] The bark is categorized in a traditional Chinese medicine counterpart of humorism, Wu Xing, as bitter and cold, affecting the kidney, urinary bladder and large intestine meridians.

Is said "to clear heat and dry dampness", and "to reduce fire and release toxins".