Bayberry
Scientific Name(s): Myrica cerifera L., Myrica rubra (Lour.) Siebold and Zucc.
Common Name(s): Bayberry, Candleberry, Chinese bayberry, Red bayberry, Wax myrtle plant, Waxberry, Yang-mei
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 22, 2021.
Clinical Overview
Use
Bayberry has been used traditionally for many conditions; however, clinical trials are lacking to validate these claims. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities have been demonstrated in 1 small clinical trial and animal data only, respectively, as well as some protective effects on the liver in 1 small study and in animal models of diabetes.
Dosing
Clinical trials are lacking to guide dosage of bayberry.
Contraindications
Contraindications have not yet been identified.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.
Interactions
Case reports are lacking; however, inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and CYP2C9 has been reported. Antithrombotic activity has been described.
Adverse Reactions
Plant allergy, including anaphylaxis, has been documented. Cross-sensitivity with other fruits was reported.
Toxicology
Carcinogenicity of the root bark has been reported. Myricadiol has been shown to be spermatocidal.
Scientific Family
- Myricaceae (bayberry)
Botany
Bayberry or wax myrtle grows as a large evergreen shrub or small tree that is widely distributed throughout the southern and eastern US. It is known for its small bluish-white berries. Chinese or red bayberry is native to China and other Asian countries. Plant parts used include the fruits, leaves, bark, and roots. Geographical location and differing methods of harvesting, processing, and storage result in varying constituents in the juice and extract. A synonym is Morella cerifera (L.) Small.Khan 2009, Sun 2013, USDA 2014
History
Bayberry is best known for its berries, from which a wax is derived to make fragrant candles. In folk medicine, bayberry has been consumed as a tea for its tonic and stimulant properties, and for treating diarrhea. Chinese traditional medicine texts have recorded bayberry’s use for more than 2,000 years. Among Native American tribes, the leaves were used as a vermifuge, the leaves and stems were used for treating fever, and the roots were applied as a poultice. It is also reported to have been used as a charm medicine to exorcise spirits of the dead and to prevent diseases. The dried root bark is often used medicinally and as a dyeing/tanning agent.Chistokhodova 2002, Fu 2014, Khan 2009, Sun 2013
Chemistry
A number of compounds have been identified in bayberry. In the bark, tannins, triterpenes (myricadiol, taraxerol, and taraxerone), flavonoid glycosides, astringent resin, and gum have been described. The leaves and fruit contain anthocyanins (eg, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside) and phenolic acids (ferulic, caffeic, sinapic, and salicylic). Spectroscopic and chromatographic methods for identification of myricetin, myricitrin, quercetin, and gallic acid have been listed. The kernel contains proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, tannins, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.Fu 2014, Kang 2012, Khan 2009, Li 2011, Sun 2013, Wang 2012, Xu 2014
