Birch bark
Birch Bark
Birch bark or betula bark (pronunciation: /ˈbɜːrtʃ bɑːrk/) is the protective outer covering of the trunk, branches and twigs of the birch tree, genus Betula. The term originates from the Old English bierce and bark.
Description
Birch bark is characterized by its white to cream color, thin and papery texture. It is marked by horizontal lenticels, which are small openings that allow for gas exchange between the atmosphere and the internal tissues of the tree. The bark is highly weather-resistant and has notable medicinal properties.
Medicinal Uses
Historically, birch bark has been used in traditional medicine practices across various cultures. It contains several compounds, including betulin and betulinic acid, which have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties.
- Betulin: A triterpene that is abundant in the bark of birch trees. It has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
- Betulinic Acid: A pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from betulin. It has been studied for its potential antiviral and anticancer properties.
Related Terms
- Birch: A broadleaved deciduous hardwood tree of the genus Betula in the family Betulaceae, which also includes alders, hazels, and hornbeams.
- Lenticel: A porous tissue consisting of cells with large intercellular spaces in the periderm of the secondarily thickened organs and the bark of woody stems and roots of dicotyledonous flowering plants.
- Triterpene: A type of chemical compound composed of three terpene units with the molecular formula C30H48; they may also be thought of as consisting of six isoprene units.
- Pentacyclic Triterpenoid: A type of chemical compound with 30 carbon atoms, and is made up of five rings.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Birch bark
- Wikipedia's article - Birch bark
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