Sang Bai Pi - Morus Alba

Professional Data
 Pin Yin
Sang Bai Pi
 
 Latin
Cortex Mori albae radicis
 Introduction Back to Top
Cortex Mori albae radicis is officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as the dried root bark of Morus alba L. (Fam. Moraceae). The root is collected in late autumn while the leaves are falling off and in the early spring before germination, removed from the yellowish brown cork, cut longitudinally. The root bark is stripped off and dried in the sun. Used as an antiinflammatory and diuretic agent.
 Western medical Back to Top
Diuretic, Hypotensive, Sedative. Indicated in the treatment of cough, asthma, oliguria, facial edema and dysuria.
 Eastern medical Back to Top
  • Pattern: Transforms phlegm, alleviates coughing and wheezing.
  • Properties: Sweet, cold.
  • Channels entered: Lung.
 Chemical constituents Back to Top
Volatile components: The essential oil from Morus alba could be separated into neutral (32%, acidic (26%), phenolic (28%), carbonyl (11%0 and basic (4.4%) fractions.
Non-volatile components: Besides amino acids, saccharides and vitamins, certain acids were identified as well as flavonoids: morusin, morusinol, cyclomorusin, kuwanons A-Z. Benzofurans: mulberrofuran A,B,G,I,M,P and Q. Coumarins: umbellifierone, scopoletin.
 Pharmacological actions Back to Top
General effects

Both the water-soluable and butanol-soluble fractions of the rootbark of M. alba showed analgesic, diuretic, antitussive, antiedemic, sedative, anticonvulsive and hypotensive activities in rodents and dogs. These effect were similar to the clinical observations reported in the literature concerning traditional Chinese Medicine.

Cardiovascular action

The n-butanol extract 1mg/1ml initially caused a significant increase succeeded by weak inhibition of the contraction rate and contractility of the isolated rat atrium, whereas the aqueous extract only produced weak inhibition.

Diuretic action

Diuresis was produced in rabbits by M.alba decoction at 2g/kg PO (4%,50 ml/kg) and in rats by the aqueous or n-butanol extract at doses of 300-500 mg/kg PO or IP.

Sedative and tranquillizing action

The aqueous or n-butanol extract of M.alba at doses exceeding 50mg/kg IP exhibited sedative and tranquilizing effects in mice, decreasing the spontaneous activity and the sensitivity to pain and touch, as well as causing mydriasis.

Antibacterial action

Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Shigella flexneri as well as to some extent trichomyces were inhibited by the 100% M.alba decoction.

Smooth muscle action

Experiments have shown that injection of the n-butanol extract at 50mg/kg IV markedly enhanced gastrointestinal motility.

Analgesic effect

The aqueous extract demonstrated a prominent analgesic effect. The dose at 2g/kg PO was as potent as 0.5 g/kg of aspirin.
 Clinical Studies Back to Top
Common Cold

Morus Alba in combination in combination proved useful in the early stages of commonm cold with symptoms of cough, mild fever, headache and nasal congestion and also useful in the early stage of measles.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

The concentrate of Morus Alba in combination was used with good results in 40 children suffering from upper respiratory tract infecxtions with symptoms of acute fever and cough; 22 of these cases were given the decoction with no other medication.

Whooping Cough

Morus Alba in combination was used to treat 72 cases of whooping cough. Improvement of different extents was achieved in 69 cases after one dose; the cough was completely relieved in 24 cases after 3 doses.

Miscellaneous

Morus alba with Semen Sesami was reported to be effective against vertigo, blurred vision, chronic cough, constipation due to depletion of "body onload="highlight();" fluid", and rough dry skin.
 
 References Back to Top

Except those noted, all references come from Weng Weiliang, et al., Clinical Chinese materia medica, Henan Science & Technology Press, 1998