Phellodendron bark (from Phellodendron amurense), known as "Huang Bai" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal remedies. In TCM, it is commonly employed for its "clearing heat and dampness" properties and is sometimes included in formulas intended to address symptoms that may overlap with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and irritability. Its use for menopausal symptoms is primarily based on traditional diagnostic principles rather than biomedical mechanisms or clinical evidence.

Scientifically, there is limited research focused specifically on Phellodendron bark for menopause. Most studies on the bark relate to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and metabolic effects, not to hormone regulation or menopausal symptom relief. A few modern herbal formulas combining Phellodendron with other botanicals (such as Magnolia officinalis) have been studied for stress and mood regulation in peri- and post-menopausal women, but these studies do not isolate the effects of Phellodendron bark itself. There are no high-quality randomized controlled trials confirming its efficacy for menopausal symptoms, and major medical guidelines do not recognize it as a validated treatment for menopause.

In summary, the use of Phellodendron bark for menopause is rooted in traditional herbal practice, with very limited scientific validation.