Cinchonae cortex

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

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Last updated on: 17.04.2025

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Synonym(s)

Chinese cortex; cinchonae succirubrae; Fever bark; King Bark; Peruvian bark; Pharmacy bark

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Cinchona cortex, also known as cinchona bark, is a herbal medicine that was formerly used as whole or chopped dried bark as a malaria remedy, against fever or as a bittering agent, among other things. Today, the drug or the ingredients quinine and quinidine are used in finished medicinal products.

Quality is specified in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

HMPC : not processed

ESCOP: not processed
Commission E-monograph: Loss of appetite, dyspeptic complaints, flatulence, bloating.

Empirical medicine: Obsolete as antipyretic, bitter substance still used for loss of appetite and digestive complaints, flu-like infections.

IngredientsThis section has been translated automatically.

Cinchonae cortex contains between 5 and 15 % bitter tasting Chinese alkaloids, with a minimum of 30 % and a maximum of 60 % quinine. Further ingredients are catechin tanning agents and triterpene type bitter substances. There must be a minimum content of 6.5 % total alkaloids.

EffectsThis section has been translated automatically.

China bark promotes the secretion of gastric juice and saliva. In addition, it has a toning effect on the entire organism, especially during convalescence after banal infections.

Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.

Cinchonae cortex can be used in accordance with the guidelines of Commission E in cases of loss of appetite and dyspeptic complaints such as flatulence and bloating.

Pregnancy/nursing periodThis section has been translated automatically.

Contraindicated

DosageThis section has been translated automatically.

The usual daily dose is 1 to 3 g of the drug, 0.6 to 3 g of quinafluide extract (Tinctura Chinae) with 4 to 5% total alkaloids, 0.15 to 0.6 g of quinafluide extract with 15 to 20% total alkaloids.

Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.

Rare are hypersensitivity reactions such as allergic skin reactions or fever; in rare cases there may also be an increased bleeding tendency due to thrombocytopenia.

ContraindicationThis section has been translated automatically.

In case of pregnancy, hypersensitivity to quinine alkaloids such as quinine or quinidine, gastrointestinal ulcers.

Not recommended for children under 12 years of age in the absence of data.

Trade namesThis section has been translated automatically.

Contained in Amara® Pascoe drops

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Rajan A et al.(2013) Antimalarial potential of China 30 and Chelidonium 30 in combination therapy against lethal rodent malaria parasite: Plasmodium berghei. J Complement Integr Med 10. PubMed PMID: 23652641
  2. Ravishankara MN et al. (2001) HPTLC method for the estimation of alkaloids of Cinchona officinalis stem bark and its marketed formulations. Planta Med 67:294-296.
  3. Sen T et al. (2015) Medicinal plants, human health and biodiversity: a broad review. Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol. 2015;147:59-110.
  4. Schilcher H (2016) Leitfaden Phytotherapie, Urban & Fischer Verlag Munich, p. 98f.
  5. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/chinarindenbaum.php
  6. Blaschek W (2015) Wichtl-Teedrogens and phytopharmaceuticals. A handbook for practice. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Munich. S 127-129

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Last updated on: 17.04.2025