* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Barberry Berberis vulgaris L.
Family: Berberidaceae.
Other Names: Common barberry; European barberry; épine-vinette, berbéris commun (French); Gewohnliche Berberitze, Sauerdorn (German); crespino (Italian); bérbero, agracejo (Spanish).
Description: Barberry is a thorny shrub of up to 3 in high with small leathery leaves in clusters along the stem, small yellow flowers and edible, bright red berries.
Origin: Barberry is indigenous to Europe and Asia. Berberis species (e.g. B. thunbergii, similar to B. vulgaris) are popular garden shrubs.
Parts Used: Fresh or dried fruits (Berberidis fructin), stem bark (Berberidis cortex), root bark (Berberidis radicis cortex) or root (Berberidis radix).
Uses and Properties: Bark and roots are traditionally used for digestive complaints, liver ailments, and disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract. Berberis is used to treat hepatitis, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder), jaundice and gallstones. Pure berberine has been included in eye drops to treat conjunctivitis.
Active Ingredients: Several isoquinoline and protoberberine alkaloids (up to 13 %) are present, including berberine (the main compound), columbamine, jatrorrhizine and palmatine. The ripe berries are almost free of alkaloids.
Pharmacological Effects: Protoberberine alkaloids intercalate DNA and inhibit various enzymes and neuroreceptors. They show broad anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, amoebicidal and cytotoxic activities. Pure berberine is toxic above a level of 0.5 g. Berberis alkabids exhibit hypotensive and cholekinetic properties.
Note: All Berberis species contain bioactive alkaloids and several have been used in medicine in much the same way as B. vulgaris; e.g., several Chinese species, including B. soulieana and B. wilsoniae. The related garden, plant, Mahonia aquifolium, the Oregon grape of North America is chemically similar to Berberis species and is traditionally also used as bitter tonic and liver stimulant. In addition, it is employed to treat psoriasis and other skin conditions. Yet another member of the family is blue cohosh or squaw root, Caulophyllum thalictroides, a traditional North American Indian remedy for gynaecological ailments and rheumatism (rich in N-methylcytisine and other quinolizidine alkaloids).
Status: Traditional medicine; Pharm.; modern medicine: herberine.
Preparation and Dosage: Tea made from 2 g of the dried bark or root can be taken up to twice a day.
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Directions
Take 1 capsule, 3 times daily, with meals.
Cautions
Avoid during pregnancy.
Additional Information
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
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ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
