Cortex Mori
White Mulberry RootBark

Source:
The root bark of Morus alba L. (Fam. Moraceae).

Distribution:
Naturally grown or cultivated in most regions of China; also in Hong Kong.

Harvest & Processing:
Dig up roots between defoliation in late autumn and germination in the following spring; remove soil and rootlets while roots are fresh; scrape off yellowish-brown cork; cut open cortex longitudinally; peel off bark and dry it under the sun.

Description:
Twisted and tubular, sulciform (groove-like), or slat-like; 1-4 mm thick, varying in width and length. Outer surface white or pale yellowish-white, smooth, occasionally with remnants of orangeyellow or brownish-yellow squamiform (scale-like) cork; inner surface yellowish-white or pale yellow, marked with fine longitudinal striae. Light in weight; pliable; heavily fibrous; difficult to break but easy to tear off longitudinally, producing a burst of white powder. Odour: faint; taste: slightly sweet.

Indications:
1. Cough, dyspnoea
2. Facial dropsy, oedema, oliguria
3. Trauma.

Chemical Composition:
Mainly contains flavonoids such as mulberrin and morusin.