Mahoniae cortex

Mahoniae cortex, also called mahonia bark, is a drug extracted from the branch and twig bark and twig tips of common mahonia , used as a herbal medicine for digestive disorders and skin rashes.

Commisison E: negative evaluation!

HMPC: not processed

ESCOP: not processed

Currently only homeopathic preparations(Commission D) available.

Empirical medicine: mild to moderate psoriasis, acne vulgaris, seborrhea, itchy dry dermatoses.

The bark of the mahonia contains isoquinoline alkaloids: in the bark of the roots between 7 and 16 %, in the branch bark: 2 to 4,5 %, especially of the protoberberin type, including berberin, of the aporphin type, including magnoflorin, and of the bisbenzylisoquinoline type.

Antiphlogistic, promotes wound healing by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxgenase, antiproliferative, mitosis inhibiting, antibacterial, antiseborrheic, keratolytic, free radical scavenger, inhibits histamine secretion.

The alkaloids berberine, oxyacanthine and berbamine extracts from the bark of mahonia are used in various antieczematous and antipsoriatic topical preparations.

Mahoniae cortex is mainly used in the American naturopathy and is used there for digestive disorders and skin rashes. Due to a mutagenic risk, however, the drug is only intended for external use. Due to its antiproliferative properties, it is produced in ointment form with a homeopathic mother tincture, and used topically for the treatment of psoriasis.

In a prospective non-randomised study, a cream containing 10% mahony extract was used with clear success (Level of incidence: LOE-B) in patients with atopic eczema. In the same indication, a combination cream (made from: mahony extracts, pansyherb (Violae herba cum flore) and water navelherb (Centellae asiaticae herba) did not show superiority over the vehicle.

Furthermore, there are numerous reports (without evidence) of success with psoriasis vulgaris.

Satisfactory personal experiences are available on the "mild" seborrhoeic eczema of adults .

Apply a thin layer 2-3 times/day on the affected skin areas and massage in lightly.

10% as ointment

Various Externa (e.g. Rubisan® cream and ointment) contain Mahonia mother tincture in different applications and concentrations.

1. Lit: Donsky H et al (2007) Mahonia aquifolium extract for the treatment of adult patients with atopic dermatitis. At J Ther 14: 442-446
2. Reuter J et al (2010) Which plant for which tanuki? Part 1: Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, condylomas and herpes simplex. JDDG 10: 788-796
3. Wiesenauer M (2008) PhytoPraxis. Springer Medicine Publishing House Heidelberg