Diuretic

• Bark medicinals primarily consist of tree bark and root bark, but can also include fruit peels, seed coats, and the outer layers of fungal medicinal materials.• The primary functions of bark medicinals include heat-clearing, qi-regulating, warming the interior, wind-dispelling and dampness-eliminating, diuretic and edema-reducing, and astringent effects. Modern research on plant barks focuses on identifying active ingredients and has found that they mostly have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and immune-regulating properties.Bark medicinals refer to the parts of plants external to the cambium layer, including the periderm, cortex, primary phloem, and secondary phloem. In layman's terms, these are tree barks (including trunk and branch barks) and root barks. Additionally, fruit peels, seed coats, and the outer layers of fungal medicinals are sometimes classified as bark medicinals based on practical applications. These medicinals have broad clinical applications and distinct scopes and patterns of use. This article will review and analyze relevant literature.Classification by FunctionThe Shennong Bencao Jing provides a detailed understanding of bark medicinals, classifying some like Wujiapi, Diguipi, Rougui, Duzhong, and Huangbai as superior, Baixianpi, Hehuapi, Mudanpi, Houpu, Qinpi as middling, and Kuanliapi as inferior.Based on historical records and clinical practice, the functions of bark medicinals can be grouped into six…