Mahoniae cortex

Mahoniae cortex, also known as mahonia bark, is a drug obtained from the branch and bark as well as from the two tips of the common mahonia and is used as a phytopharmaceutical for digestive disorders and skin rashes.

Commisison E: negatively evaluated!

HMPC: not processed

ESCOP: not processed

Currently only homeopathic preparations(Commission D) available.

Studies: Significant improvement of symptoms in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

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 American naturopathy, where it is used to treat digestive disorders and skin rashes. However, due to a mutagenic risk, the drug is only intended for external use. Due to its antiproliferative properties, it is prepared in ointment form with a homeopathic mother tincture and used topically for the treatment of psoriasis.

In a prospective, non-randomized study, a cream with 10% mahonia extract was applied to patients with atopic eczema with clear success (level of incidence: LOE-B). In the same indication, a combination cream (consisting of: mahonia extracts, pansy herb(Violae herba cum flore) and pennywort herb(Centellae asiaticae herba) did not show any superiority over the vehicle.

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

Satisfactory personal experiences are available for "mild" seborrhoeic eczema in 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. Am J Ther 14: 442-446
2. Reuter J et al. (2010) Which plant for which skin disease? Part 1: Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, condyloma and herpes simplex. JDDG 10: 788-796
3. Wiesenauer M (2008) PhytoPraxis. Springer Medizin Verlag Heidelberg
4. Janeczek M et al. (2018) Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Mahonia aquifolium for the Treatment of Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018 Dec;11(12):42-47. Epub 1. PMID: 30666279; PMCID: PMC6334833.