bayberry_monograph_01

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Bayberry - Myrica cerifera

DescriptionMyrica cerifera is a 1-3 tall shrub found along the eastern coast of the United States from New Jersey

to southern Florida and through the Gulf states to Texas. Often found on sandy sites along the coast, it

also inhabits a wide variety of sites from swamps to upland woods. The leaves are very fragrant when

rubbed. The bark is aromatic, taste astringent, bitter and very acrid. The wax was first introduced into

medicinal use by Alexandre in 1722. It is removed from the berries by boiling them in water. The wax

is harder and more brittle than beeswax. Candles made from it are aromatic, smokeless after snuffing,

and very brittle. It makes an aromatic and softening shaving lather. It has also been used for making

sealing-wax. Two kg of berries yield about half a kilo of wax.1Common names include wax myrtle

and candleberry. The medicinal parts are the dried root bark and the wax extracted from the berries.

ConstituentsThe bark contains tannins, resin (containing myricinic acid), triterpenoids including taraxerol,

taraxerone and myricadiol, flavonoids including myricitrin, traces of volatile oil. The wax (lipid)

contains esters of palmitic, myristic and lauric acids.2

Therapeutic activities

Mineralcorticoid activity

Myricadiol has mineralcorticoid activity and could therefore cause salt retention and potassium

excretion; however the emetic action is likely to come into effect before a clinically significant

mineralcorticoid effect is seen. The resin is acrid. A methanol extract of bayberry was found to have

antithrombin activity in a bioassay system.3

Antibacterial

Myricitrin has bactericidal and spermatocidal activity.4

Lipase inhibition

The methanolic extract of bayberry bark has been shown to inhibit lipase in mouse plasma in vitro.

The extract has also been shown to depress the elevation of blood triglyceride level in olive-fed mice.

Myricetin and gallic acid were suspected to be responsible for the inhibition of the lipase activity

however, the contents of these compounds in the methanol extract is insufficient to be responsible for

anti-lipase activity in the gastrointestinal tract also seen in vivo. Myricitrin, which is present in

abundance in the methanol extract (about 61%), did not show the inhibitory activity. However,

administration of isolated myricitrin was shown to suppress the elevation of blood triglyceride level to

a slightly smaller extent compared with the methanol extract. Consequently, it likely that myricitrin

may function as a pro-drug, which becomes activated after its conversion to myricetin, the active

substance, by enterobacilli in the gastrointestinal tract. 5

Antioxidant

Myricitrin, and its alkaline degradation products had a strong inhibitory effect on the LDL oxidation

induced by radical scavenging and copper-ion chelation. Myricitrin has been shown to strongly inhibit

oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in an experimental study simulating human digestion.

Myricitrin was shown to be very stable under an acidic condition (pH 1.8) corresponding to the

gastric environment but it was easily degraded under an alkaline condition (pH 8.5) corresponding to


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the intestinal environment. However, degraded myricitrin also had a strong inhibitory effect on the

oxidative degradation of alpha-tocopherol, cholesterol and apolipoprotein B-100 in low-density

lipoprotein. The study shows that degraded myricitrin still retains the antioxidant and copper-

chelating activities toward low-density lipoprotein.6

Anti-inflammatoryMyricitrin has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive (reducing sensitivity to painful stimuli) actions

Nociceptive pain is physiological pain as opposed to pathological pain and may be treated with anti-

inflammatory medication rather than medication with just analgesic activity. Myricitrin has been

shown to produce a nociceptive response in models of acute pain. The effects of myricitrin have

mainly been attributed to the inhibition of PI 3-kinase and protein kinase c activities, nitric oxide

(NO) production, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) over-expression and NF-kB activation. More recently,

myricitrin was found to cause a potent inhibition of calcium transport in vitro and in vivo. Taken

together, these findings suggest that myricitrin may relieve both neuropathic and inflammatory pain.

Pathological (chronic) pain is an unrelenting condition that often becomes debilitating. A recent study

demonstrated that systemic (i.p.) administration of the myricitrin produced an inhibition of tactileallodynia (a painful response to a usually non-painful stimulus) induced by two chronic pain models

(sciatic nerve partial constriction and chemically-induced inflammation) in mice. Although myricitrin

did not reduce neutrophil migration it did succeed in decreasing paw oedema in drug-induced local

inflammation, possibly because of its antioxidant activity associated with a decrease in

myeloperoxidase activity. This suggests that myricitrin may be beneficial in the treatment of

chronic pain and inflammation.7,8

Chemopreventive

Myricitrin has been shown to prevent colon carcinogenesis in an experimental bioassay. Thirty-four

rats were divided randomly into five experimental groups. Rats in groups 1-3 were given

subcutaneous injections of a cancer-inducing compound once a week for 3 weeks. Starting 1 week

before the first injection, rats in groups 2 and 3 were fed a diet containing 500 or 1000 mg/kg

myricitrin, respectively, for 11 weeks. Rats in group 4 were fed a diet containing 1000 mg/kg

myricitrin. Rats in groups 1 and 5 were given the basal diet alone during the study. The experiment

was terminated 11 weeks after the start. The frequency ofaberrant crypt foci (aprecursor of colon

cancer) per colon in group 3 treated with 1000 mg/kg myricitrin was significantly lower than that in

group 1 (control group) (p


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Possible actions (based on the myricitrin research): Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, apoptosis-

inducing, chemo-protective, lipase-inhibiting.

Traditional usageThe early American colonists used bayberry to make fragrant candles rather than medicines. Initially

bayberry was used medicinally only in the South, where the Choctaw Indians boiled the leaves and

drank the decoction as a treatment for fever. Later, Louisiana settlers adopted the plant and drank

bayberry wax in hot water for the most violent cases of dysentery. During the early 19th century,

bayberry was popularised by Samuel A. Thomson, a New England herbalist. He used it for producing

"heat within the body. Thomson recommended bayberry for colds, flu, and other infectious diseases

in addition to diarrhoea and fever. Contemporary American herbalists recommend using the herb

externally for varicose veins and internally for diarrhoea, dysentery, colds, flu, bleeding gums, and

sore throat.10

Jethro Kloss, in his book, Back To Eden writes:Bayberry is excellent as an emetic after narcotic

poisoning of any kind. It is good to follow the bayberry with an emetic, such as lobelia. Bayberry isalso valuable when taken in the usual manner for all kinds of haemorrhages, whether from the

stomach, lungs, or excessive menstruation, and when combined with capsicum it is an unfailing

remedy for this. Very good in leucorrhoea. Has an excellent general effect on the female organs, also

has an excellent influence on the uterus during pregnancy, and makes a good douche. Excellent

results will be obtained from its use in goitre. In diarrhoea and dysentery, use the tea as an enema.

For gangrenous sores, boils, or carbuncles, use as a wash and poultice, or apply the powdered

bayberry to the infection. The tea is an excellent wash for spongy and bleeding gums. The tea taken

internally is useful in jaundice, scrofula, and canker sores in the throat and mouth. The tea taken

warm promotes perspiration, improves the whole circulation and tones up the tissues. Taken in

combination with yarrow, catnip, sage, or peppermint, it is unexcelled for colds.11

M. Grieve writes inA Modern Herbalthat bayberry is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, jaundice and

scrofula. Externally, the powdered bark is used as a stimulant to indolent ulcers, though in poultices it

should be combined with elm. The decoction is good as a gargle and injection in chronic

inflammation of the throat, leucorrhoea and uterine haemorrhage. It is an excellent wash for the gums.

The powder is strongly sternutatory and excites coughing.1

The specific indication according to the Eclectics were as a stimulating astringent indicated when

there is excessive mucous discharge, where catarrhal conditions exist in any locality, especially in the

gastro-intestinal tract. Also where atonic diarrhoea, or persistent diarrhoea, accompanies prostrating

disease; also where there is feeble capillary circulation of the mucous membranes, accompanied withphlegmenous ulceration. Locally and internally for sore mouth, with spongy, bleeding gums.

It was a remedy for those conditions where the vital powers are at low ebb. It aids the nutrition,

stimulating the absorption of food, and promotes the restoration of depraved blood. It is considered a

valuable alterative and a mucous membrane tonic where it was used in any condition where the

mucous surfaces have lost tone, and are throwing out a profuse discharge. Bayberry was given with

capsicum for its stimulating and tonic properties. It was combined with pleurisy root for breaking up

recent severe colds. Bayberry was also used in chronic stomatitis, where the breath is bad, and there is

slow ulceration, the mucous membranes. It was combined with Hydrastis and applied to the mucous

surfaces in chronic nasal catarrh. Bayberry is described as combining stimulating and astringing

powers in about equal proportions. The entire circulation is slowly but steadily elevated by it, and agood outward flow of blood secured.12


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Priest and Priest describe bayberry as a positive diffusive stimulant that arouses circulation and

eliminative organs. Indicated for a soft, compressible pulse and peripheral laxity. For heavy catarrhal

states of mucous membranes where it removes thick, viscid secretions from gastro-intestinal tract.

Babyberry was also recommended for its positive influence upon the uterus and the venous system.13

The great Eclectic Scudder claimed that the agent was astimulant to the essential processes ofdigestion, blood-making and nutrition. The remedy may be given to advantage to those patients who

are afflicted with chronic malarial symptoms and jaundice, with imperfect liver action, who are

troubled with headaches, which are worse in the morning. The tongue is coated yellow, there is

weakness and the patient complains of muscular soreness and aching in the limbs. The pulse is slow

and the temperature is inclined to be subnormal. There is dull pain in the right side. No appetite,

unrefreshing sleep, or where there are catarrhal conditions of the bile ducts resulting, in jaundice.12

Bayberry was also used as a warm infusion (in small doses so as to not cause vomiting) to induce

perspiration in colds or to relieve cramping diarrhoea (but not dysentery), uterine haemorrhage, and

haemorrhage from the bowels and lungs. Bayberry was used with capsicum in flooding and excessive

lochia (post-natal bleeding) where is exerts a direct stimulating influence on the uterus leading to its

firm contraction in cases of labour where the circulation is sluggish and the parts flaccid; whence it

is a valuable parturient under such circumstances, and at the same time anticipates flooding. 14

Used in cold preparations (such as alcohol extracts), bayberry was used in chronic menorrhagia, and

leucorrhoea with prolapse. For such purposes, it is combined with relaxing tonics; and it is noticeable

that the bayberry then is scarcely liable to cause constipation, its influence seeming to be spent wholly

on the vaginal and uterine membranes. In these conditions bayberry was given in frequent, small

doses. Bayberry wax was used externally as an ointment for ringworm, tinea capitis, and other dry and

excoriated sores.14

Indications

Fevers, colds

Diarrhoea, mucous colitis bayberry is having a relaxing effect on the bowels, reducing, but

not suppressing, the potentially debilitating eliminations of diarrhoea.15, 16

Poor appetite, poor digestion (stimulates the flow of bile)

Leucorrhoea (douche), sore throat (gargle), sores and indolent ulcers (poultice)

Stomatitis, bad breath and mouth ulcers (gargle)

Use in pregnancyNot recommended during pregnancy.

Contraindications and cautionsMyricadiol has mineralcorticoid activity; however the emetic action is like to come into effect before

a clinically significant mineralcorticoid effect is seen. It is however theoretically possible those high

doses could interfere with steroid medication or medication for blood pressure regulation.2

In large doses, bayberry root bark may cause stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting. Those with

chronic gastrointestinal conditions, such as colitis should use it cautiously.


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Administration and DosagePowdered herb: 0.6-2 g by infusion or decoction.16

Bayberry (Bark) 1:1 45% alc: 0.6 to 2.0 ml 3 times daily.16

References


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1 Grieve M. A Modern Herbal 1931 http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/bayber20.html Accessed 15/09/2008

2 Van Wyk BE, Wink M Medicinal Plants of the World 2004; Arcadia: Briza. 209

3 Chistokhodova N, Nguyen C, Calvino T, Kachirskaia I, Cunningham G, Howard Miles D. Antithrombin activity of

medicinal plants from central Florida.J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Jul;81(2):277-80.

4 Taguri T, Tnaka T, Kounob I.Antibacterial Spectrum of Plant Polyphenols and Extracts Depending upon HydroxyphenylStructure. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 29(11) 22262235 (2006)

5 Kobayashi K, Ihara S, Kobata A, Itoh K, Kusunoki N, Yoshizaki F. Inhibitory effect of Myrica bark on lipase activity inmouse plasma and gastrointestinal tract. J Med Food. 2008 Jun;11(2):289-93

6 Yokomizo A, Moriwaki M.Myricitrin degraded by simulated digestion inhibits oxidation of human low-density

lipoprotein. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2005 Apr;69(4):693-9.

7 Meotti FC, Missau FC, Ferreira J, Pizzolatti MG, Mizuzaki C, Nogueira CW, Santos ARAnti-allodynic property of

flavonoid myricitrin in models of persistent inflammatory and neuropathic pain in mice. Biochem Pharmacol. 2006 Dec

15;72(12):1707-13.

8 Meotti FC, Senthilmohan R, Harwood DT, Missau FC, Pizzolatti MG, Kettle AJ. Myricitrin as a substrate and inhibitor of

myeloperoxidase: implications for the pharmacological effects of flavonoids. Free Radic Biol Med. 2008 Jan 1;44(1):109-20

9 Asano N, Kuno T, Hirose Y, Yamada Y, Yoshida K, Tomita H, Nakamura Y, Mori H. Preventive effects of a flavonoid

myricitrin on the formation of azoxymethane-induced premalignant lesions in colons of rats. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2007Jan-Mar;8(1):73-6.

10 Holistic Online http://holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h75.htm Accessed 15/09/2008

11 Kloss J Back to Eden 1939 http://books.google.com.au/books?

id=Pjma9L3OLWwC&pg=PA90&lpg=PA90&dq=Myrica+cerifera&source=web&ots=iBIqyAWWpV&sig=UltCEuA4Dpy

v8AYaqcCnklNLr-I&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result#PPA91,M1 Accessed 15/09/2008

12 Ellingwood F The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919

http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/ellingwood/myrica.htmlAccessed 15/09/08

13 Priest AW, Priest LR. Herbal Medication - A clinical and dispensary handbook 1982 Romford: Fowler;66

14 Cook W The Physiomedical Dispensatory, 1869,

http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/cook/MYRICA_CERIFERA.htm Accessed 18/09/08

15 Mills SY The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. 1991. London:Arkana;157

16 British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1983 Cowling:British Herbal Medicine Association;146-147

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