Árbol de Cera, Arbre à Cire, Candleberry, Cirier de Pennsylvanie, Morella caroliniensis, Morella cerifera, Morella pensylvanica, Myrica, Myrica caroliniensis, Myrica cerifera, Myrica heterophylla, Myrica pensylvanica, Myrica pumila, Myrique de Pennsylvanie, Southern Bayberry, Southern Wax Myrtle, Tallow Shrub, Vegetable Tallow, Wax Myrtle, Waxberry.
Bayberry is a shrub that grows in Texas and the eastern US. The root bark and berries are used to make medicine.
Despite safety concerns, some people take bayberry for head colds, painful and swollen intestines (colitis), diarrhea, and nausea. In large amounts, bayberry is used to cause vomiting.
Some people also use it to stimulate the circulatory system.
Bayberry is sometimes used as a gargle for sore throat, as a douche for vaginal discharge, and as an ointment for skin ulcers and wounds.
In manufacturing, the wax extract taken from the berries is used in fragrances and candles.
How does it work?
Bayberry contains chemicals called tannins. These tannins have a drying effect on the skin.
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerInsufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Colds.
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea.
- Sore throat, when used as a gargle.
- Vaginal discharge, when used as a douche.
- Skin ulcers and wounds, when applied to the skin.
- Other conditions.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
SLIDESHOW
Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See SlideshowPregnancy and breast-feeding: Bayberry is considered POSSIBLY UNSAFE to take by mouth or apply to the skin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding because it contains a chemical that can cause cancer. Bayberry can cause nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.
High blood pressure: Bayberry contains large amounts of chemicals called tannins. Tannins can increase the amount of sodium that the body retains. This can cause extra fluids to build up, and that can raise blood pressure. It's especially important to avoid bayberry if you have high blood pressure.
Water retention (edema): Bayberry might make edema worse. It's especially important to avoid bayberry if you tend to retain water.
The appropriate dose of bayberry depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for bayberry. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Alam, A., Iqbal, M., Saleem, M., Ahmed, S., and Sultana, S. Myrica nagi attenuates cumene hydroperoxide-induced cutaneous oxidative stress and toxicity in Swiss albino mice. Pharmacol.Toxicol. 2000;86(5):209-214. View abstract.
Amakura, Y., Okada, M., Tsuji, S., and Tonogai, Y. High-performance liquid chromatographic determination with photodiode array detection of ellagic acid in fresh and processed fruits. J Chromatogr.A 10-27-2000;896(1-2):87-93. View abstract.
Anthonsen, T., Falkenberg, I., Laake, M., Midelfart, A., and Mortensen, T. Some unusual flavonoids from Myrica gale L. Acta Chem.Scand. 1971;25(5):1929-1930. View abstract.
Bao, J., Cai, Y., Sun, M., Wang, G., and Corke, H. Anthocyanins, flavonols, and free radical scavenging activity of Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra) extracts and their color properties and stability. J Agric.Food Chem. 3-23-2005;53(6):2327-2332. View abstract.
Chen, J. W., Chen, Z. M., Qian, J. B., Qin, Q. P., Liu, X. K., Xie, M., Yang, R. X., and Zhang, S. L. [Carbohydrate metabolism during fruit development of bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.)]. Zhi.Wu Sheng Li Yu Fen.Zi.Sheng Wu Xue.Xue.Bao. 2006;32(4):438-444. View abstract.
Cheng, H. Y., Lin, T. C., Ishimaru, K., Yang, C. M., Wang, K. C., and Lin, C. C. In vitro antiviral activity of prodelphinidin B-2 3,3'-di-O-gallate from Myrica rubra. Planta Med 2003;69(10):953-956. View abstract.
Chistokhodova, N., Nguyen, C., Calvino, T., Kachirskaia, I., Cunningham, G., and Howard, Miles D. Antithrombin activity of medicinal plants from central Florida. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002;81(2):277-280. View abstract.
Fang, Z., Zhang, M., Tao, G., Sun, Y., and Sun, J. Chemical composition of clarified bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) juice sediment. J Agric.Food Chem. 10-4-2006;54(20):7710-7716. View abstract.
Fujimoto, M., Mihara, S., Nakajima, S., Ueda, M., Nakamura, M., and Sakurai, K. A novel non-peptide endothelin antagonist isolated from bayberry, Myrica cerifera. FEBS Lett. 6-22-1992;305(1):41-44. View abstract.
Gafner, S., Wolfender, J. L., Mavi, S., and Hostettmann, K. Antifungal and antibacterial chalcones from Myrica serrata. Planta Med 1996;62(1):67-69. View abstract.
Inoue, T. [Constituents of Acer nikoense and Myrica rubra. On diarylheptanoids]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1993;113(3):181-197. View abstract.
Inoue, T., Arai, Y., and Nagai, M. [Diarylheptanoids in the bark of Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1984;104(1):37-41. View abstract.
Jacinto, C. M., Nelson, R. P., Bucholtz, G. A., Fernandez-Caldas, E., Trudeau, W. L., and Lockey, R. F. Nasal and bronchial provocation challenges with bayberry (Myrica cerifera) pollen extract. J Allergy Clin.Immunol. 1992;90(3 Pt 1):312-318. View abstract.
Jaenson, T. G., Palsson, K., and Borg-Karlson, A. K. Evaluation of extracts and oils of mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) repellent plants from Sweden and Guinea-Bissau. J Med Entomol. 2006;43(1):113-119. View abstract.
Jaenson, T. G., Palsson, K., and Borg-Karlson, A. K. Evaluation of extracts and oils of tick-repellent plants from Sweden. Med Vet.Entomol. 2005;19(4):345-352. View abstract.
Khan, Y., Sagrawat, H., Upmanyu, N., and Siddique, S. Anxiolytic Properties of Myrica nagi Bark Extract. Pharmaceutical Biology 2008;46(10/11):757-761.
Kirira, P. G., Rukunga, G. M., Wanyonyi, A. W., Muregi, F. M., Gathirwa, J. W., Muthaura, C. N., Omar, S. A., Tolo, F., Mungai, G. M., and Ndiege, I. O. Anti-plasmodial activity and toxicity of extracts of plants used in traditional malaria therapy in Meru and Kilifi Districts of Kenya. J Ethnopharmacol. 7-19-2006;106(3):403-407. View abstract.
Kobayashi, K., Ihara, S., Kobata, A., Itoh, K., Kusunoki, N., and Yoshizaki, F. Inhibitory effect of Myrica bark on lipase activity in mouse plasma and gastrointestinal tract. J Med Food 2008;11(2):289-293. View abstract.
Kuo, P. L., Hsu, Y. L., Lin, T. C., and Lin, C. C. Prodelphinidin B-2 3,3'-di-O-gallate from Myrica rubra inhibits proliferation of A549 carcinoma cells via blocking cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis. Eur.J Pharmacol. 10-6-2004;501(1-3):41-48. View abstract.
Kuo, P. L., Hsu, Y. L., Lin, T. C., Lin, L. T., and Lin, C. C. Induction of apoptosis in human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells by prodelphinidin B-2 3,3'-di-O-gallate from Myrica rubra via Fas-mediated pathway. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2004;56(11):1399-1406. View abstract.
Lawrence, B. M. and Weaver, K. M. Essential oils and their constituents. XII. A comparative chemical composition of the essential oils of Myrica gale and Comptonia peregrina. Planta Med 1974;25(4):385-388. View abstract.
Liao, X., Lu, Z., Du, X., Liu, X., and Shi, B. Collagen fiber immobilized Myrica rubra tannin and its adsorption to UO2(2+). Environ.Sci Technol. 1-1-2004;38(1):324-328. View abstract.
Liu, Z., Ji, S., Zhang, Y., Meng, D., and Li, X. Myricarborin A and n-butyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, two novel compounds from the bark of Myrica rubra. Nat.Prod.Commun. 2009;4(4):513-516. View abstract.
Malterud, K. E. and Faegri, A. Bacteriostatic and fungistatic activity of C-methylated dihydrochalcones from the fruits of Myrica gale L. Acta Pharm Suec. 1982;19(1):43-46. View abstract.
Malterud, K. E. C-Methylated dihydrochalcones from Myrica gale fruit exudate. Acta Pharm.Nordica 1992;4:65-68.
Malterud, K. E. Myricanone from Myrica gale. Scientia Pharmaceutica 9-30-1981;49:346-347.
Malterud, K. E., Diep, O. H., and Sund, R. B. C-methylated dihydrochalcones from Myrica gale L: effects as antioxidants and as scavengers of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. Pharmacol.Toxicol. 1996;78(2):111-116. View abstract.
Mathiesen, L., Malterud, K. E., and Sund, R. B. Antioxidant activity of fruit exudate and C-methylated dihydrochalcones from Myrica gale. Planta Med 1995;61(6):515-518. View abstract.
Mathiesen, L., Malterud, K. E., and Sund, R. B. Hydrogen bond formation as basis for radical scavenging activity: a structure-activity study of C-methylated dihydrochalcones from Myrica gale and structurally related acetophenones. Free Radic.Biol.Med 1997;22(1-2):307-311. View abstract.
Mathiesen, L., Malterud, K. E., and Sund, R. B. Uncoupling of respiration and inhibition of ATP synthesis in mitochondria by C-methylated flavonoids from Myrica gale L. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 1996;4:373-379.
Mathiesen, L., Malterud, K. E., Nenseter, M. S., and Sund, R. B. Inhibition of low density lipoprotein oxidation by myrigalone B, a naturally occurring flavonoid. Pharmacol.Toxicol. 1996;78(3):143-146. View abstract.
Matsuda, H., Higashino, M., Chen, W., Tosa, H., Iinuma, M., and Kubo, M. Studies of cuticle drugs from natural sources. III. Inhibitory effect of Myrica rubra on melanin biosynthesis. Biol.Pharm Bull. 1995;18(8):1148-1150. View abstract.
Matsuda, H., Morikawa, T., Tao, J., Ueda, K., and Yoshikawa, M. Bioactive constituents of Chinese natural medicines. VII. Inhibitors of degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells and absolute stereostructures of three new diarylheptanoid glycosides from the bark of Myrica rubra. Chem.Pharm Bull.(Tokyo) 2002;50(2):208-215. View abstract.
Matsuda, H., Yamazaki, M., Matsuo, K., Asanuma, Y., and Kubo, M. Anti-androgenic activity of Myricae Cortex--isolation of active constituents from bark of Myrica rubra. Biol.Pharm Bull. 2001;24(3):259-263. View abstract.
McKAY, A. F. Occurrence of stearic acid in bayberry tallow (wax). J Org.Chem. 1948;13(1):86-88. View abstract.
Mihara, S. and Fujimoto, M. The endothelin ETA receptor-specific effect of 50-235, a nonpeptide endothelin antagonist. Eur.J Pharmacol. 6-15-1993;246(1):33-38. View abstract.
Mochida, K. Anti-influenza virus activity of Myrica rubra leaf ethanol extract evaluated using Madino-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Biosci.Biotechnol.Biochem. 2008;72(11):3018-3020. View abstract.
Nagai, M., Sakurai, N., Yumoto, N., Nagumo, S., and Seo, S. Oleanane acid from Myrica cerifera. Chem.Pharm Bull.(Tokyo) 2000;48(10):1427-1428. View abstract.
Neha, T. H. Liver tumours-comparitive profile of Chelidonium majus, Hydrastis and Myrica cerifera. Homoeopathic Heritage 1999;24(1):42-43.
Njung'e, K., Muriuki, G., Mwangi, J. W., and Kuria, K. A. Analgesic and antipyretic effects of Myrica salicifolia (Myricaceae). Phytother Res 2002;16 Suppl 1:S73-S74. View abstract.
Ohta, S., Sakurai, N., Kamogawa, A., Yaguchi, Y., Inoue, T., and Shinoda, M. [Protective effects of the bark of Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc. on experimental liver injuries]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1992;112(4):244-252. View abstract.
Patel, K. G., Bhalodia, P. N., Patel, A. D., Patel, K. V., and Gandhi, T. R. Evaluation of bronchodilator and anti-anaphylactic activity of Myrica sapida. Iran Biomed.J 2008;12(3):191-196. View abstract.
Patel, K. G., Patel, K. V., Shah, J. H., Monpara, K. B., and Gandhi, T. R. Evaluation of the effect of Myrica sapida on bronchoconstriction and bronchial hyperreactivity. Pharmazie 2008;63(4):312-316. View abstract.
Paul, B. D., Rao, G. S., and Kapadia, G. J. Isolation of myricadiol, myricitrin, taraxerol, and taraxerone from Myrica cerifera L. root bark. J Pharm Sci 1974;63(6):958-959. View abstract.
Popovici, J., Bertrand, C., Bagnarol, E., Fernandez, M. P., and Comte, G. Chemical composition of essential oil and headspace-solid microextracts from fruits of Myrica gale L. and antifungal activity. Nat.Prod.Res 2008;22(12):1024-1032. View abstract.
Prince, H. E. and Meyer, G. H. Hay fever from Southern Wax-Myrtle (Myrica cerifera): a case report. Ann Allergy 1977;38(4):252-254. View abstract.
Sakurai, N., Hosono, Y., Morihara, M., Ishida, J., and Nagai, M. New triterpenoid myricalactone and others from Myrica gale var. tomentosa. Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan 1997;117:211-219.
Sakurawi, K., Yasuda, F., Tozyo, T., Nakamura, M., Sato, T., Kikuchi, J., Terui, Y., Ikenishi, Y., Iwata, T., Takahashi, K., Konoike, T., Mihara, S., and Fujimoto, M. Endothelin receptor antagonist triterpenoid, myriceric acid A, isolated from Myrica cerifera, and structure activity relationships of its derivatives. Chem.Pharm Bull.(Tokyo) 1996;44(2):343-351. View abstract.
Santos, S. C. and Waterman, P. G. Condensed tannins from Myrica gale. Fitoterapia 2000;71(5):610-612. View abstract.
Stuart, A. E. The anti-fungal effect of oil distilled from the leaves of Myrica gale. Planta Med 1998;64(4):389. View abstract.
Sylvestre, M., Legault, J., Dufour, D., and Pichette, A. Chemical composition and anticancer activity of leaf essential oil of Myrica gale L. Phytomedicine. 2005;12(4):299-304. View abstract.
Tao, J., Morikawa, T., Toguchida, I., Ando, S., Matsuda, H., and Yoshikawa, M. Inhibitors of nitric oxide production from the bark of Myrica rubra: structures of new biphenyl type diarylheptanoid glycosides and taraxerane type triterpene. Bioorg.Med Chem. 2002;10(12):4005-4012. View abstract.
Tattje, D. H. and Bos, R. [The essential oil of Myrica pensylvanica Loisel]. Pharm Weekbl. 4-30-1971;106(18):361-365. View abstract.
Tene, M., Wabo, H. K., Kamnaing, P., Tsopmo, A., Tane, P., Ayafor, J. F., and Sterner, O. Diarylheptanoids from Myrica arborea. Phytochemistry 2000;54(8):975-978. View abstract.
Tong, Y., Zhou, X. M., Wang, S. J., Yang, Y., and Cao, Y. L. Analgesic activity of myricetin isolated from Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc. leaves. Arch.Pharm Res 2009;32(4):527-533. View abstract.
von Schantz, M. and Kapetanidis, I. [Qualitative and quantitative study of volatile oil from Myrica gale L.(Myricaceae)]. Pharm Acta Helv. 1971;46(10):649-656. View abstract.
Wang, D. Y. and Liu, E. G. A new diaryheptanoid from the bark of Myrica rubra. Nat.Prod.Res 3-10-2008;22(4):292-295. View abstract.
Wang, J. X., Xiao, X. H., and Li, G. K. Study of vacuum microwave-assisted extraction of polyphenolic compounds and pigment from Chinese herbs. J Chromatogr.A 7-11-2008;1198-1199:45-53. View abstract.
Wang, J., Dong, S., Wang, Y., Lu, Q., Zhong, H., Du, G., Zhang, L., and Cheng, Y. Cyclic diarylheptanoids from Myrica nana inhibiting nitric oxide release. Bioorg.Med Chem. 9-15-2008;16(18):8510-8515. View abstract.
Wang, M. Effects of light intensity and artificial wounding on monoterpene production in Myrica cerifera from two different ecological habitats. Canadian Journal of Botany 2004;82(10):1501-1508.
Yang, L. L., Chang, C. C., Chen, L. G., and Wang, C. C. Antitumor principle constituents of Myrica rubra Var. acuminata. J Agric.Food Chem. 5-7-2003;51(10):2974-2979. View abstract.
Zhong, Z., Yu, X., and Zhu, J. Red bayberry extract inhibits growth and virulence gene expression of the human pathogen Vibrio cholerae. J Antimicrob.Chemother. 2008;61(3):753-754. View abstract.
Murch SJ, Simmons CB, Saxena PK. Melatonin in feverfew and other medicinal plants. Lancet 1997;350:1598-9. View abstract.