| | | | Barberry | | | This attractive, but thorny, deciduous shrub is native to the open woods
of Europe but also grows wild in the Eastern United States. Striking
plumes of yellow flowers arch gracefully and abundantly from woody stems.
The barberry, however, has been cultivated in gardens for its berries
which have been used in both culinary and medicinal practices for
centuries. The stem, root, and bark have been used in medicinal
preparations since ancient times, so all parts of this exceptional plant
are beneficial from a health standpoint. The presence of bitter alkaloids
in the roots, bark, stems, and fruit of the barberry stimulate bile
secretion, aid in digestion, and promote healthy liver and gallbladder
function. Additionally, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic
properties, to name a few, make barberry an invaluable part of a treatment
program for a wide variety of disorders. Those with stubborn skin
infections or compromised digestive abilities may find barberry to be very
beneficial herb. | |
| Common Name | | | Barberry | | | Botanical Latin Name / Classification | | | Berberis vulgaris | | | Parts Used | | | Stem bark, root bark, fruit (berries) | | | Other Names | | | Berberidis cortex, Berberis dumetorum (Gouan.), Berberidis radicis cortex,
European Barberry, Berbery, Jaundice Berry, Pepperidge, Pepperidge Bush,
Pipperidge Bush, Sour-Spine, Sowberry, Wood Sour
Browse Sections | View Barberry products | | | Description | | | The barberry shrub, native to Europe, grows in open woods and thickets,
but also grows wild in the eastern parts of New England. It is sometimes
cultivated in gardens for its berries which are used in syrups, jams, and
preserves, as well as garnishing dishes.
Barberry is a deciduous
shrub with gray, thorny branches and fine yellow wood that can grow 6 to
10 feet in height. Dense plumes of bright yellow flower clusters bloom in
spring and early summer, becoming elegant, drooping bunches of red berries
in the fall. Some may find that the flowers emit an unpleasant odor from a
close distance. Barberries are more sour but less bitter than cranberries.
Both the berries and the bark are used for medicinal purposes.
Browse Sections | View Barberry products | | | Traditional Internal Uses | | | The berries of the barberry bush have long been used in syrups, jams,
jellies, and preserves, as well as decorative garnishes for dishes.
Medicinally, barberries possess astringent and anti-scorbutic properties
due to the presence of citric and malic acids.
The Egyptians are
believed to have used diluted barberry juice for the treatment of
malignant fevers. It was also blended with fennel seed and taken to ward
off the plague
In Europe, the bitter barberry roots and bark have
been boiled to make a yellow dye for wools and linens. Medicinally,
barberry bark has been a part of many herbal preparations formulated to
treat stomach, digestive, liver, and gallbladder abnormalities. In Iran,
it is still used today for these purposes.
Barberry is known for
its purgative and antiseptic properties, as well as its role as a bitter
stomachic tonic. Due to the presence of substances called berberine
alkaloids, barberry, much like goldenseal, has the ability to combat
infections, fevers, bacteria, and stimulate the immune system.
Theoretically, barberry can be used to treat a wide variety of disorders
of the digestive tract, the respiratory tract, and several skin
conditions.
Some conditions for which barberry is indictated
include poor digestive function, diarrhea, constipation, gallbladder
disease, gallstones, drug or chemical toxicity, jaundice and liver
problems, biliary insufficiency, an enlarged spleen, malaria, labour
pains, and eye inflammation.
The German Commission E Monographs
list Barberry not only as useful for treating liver diseases, but also as
a stimulant for the circulatory and respiratory systems.
Browse Sections | View Barberry products | | | Traditional Topical Uses | | | Irritable sore throats may be eased by gargling with a diluted solution of
powdered barberry bark. Alternatively, a jelly made from the berries can
be taken to reduce soreness and inflammation. Barberry solutions can be
used topically to prevent vaginal infections, or as an antiseptic on the
surface of the skin to kill bacteria.
Browse Sections | View Barberry products | | | Indications | | | Primary Indications: Indigestion, Diarrhea (Diarrhoea), Constipation, Gallbladder Disorders, Gallstones, Liver Disorders, Jaundice
Secondary Indications: Skin Disorders, Eczema (Dermatitis), Psoriasis, Immunity / Immune Disorders, Infections
Other Indications: Alcoholism, Bladder Infections (Cystitis), Bronchitis, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Kidney Disorders, Labor Support / Promotion, Malaria, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), Spleen Disorders, Toxicity / Toxemia, Ulcers, Uveitis (Eye Inflammation), Yeast Infection (Candida Albicans)
Secondary Indications: Skin Itch
Other Indications: Fever, Sore Throat
Browse Sections | View Barberry products | | | Actions | | | Anti-Diarrheal, Anti-Emetic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Antibiotic, Anticholinergic, Antifungal, Antihistaminic, Antimicrobial, Antiparasitic, Antipsoriatic, Antiscorbutic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Bitter Tonic, Cholagogue, Hepatic, Hypotensive (Anti-Hypertensive), Immunoactive / Immunomodulatory / Immunostimulative, Laxative, Purgative, Refrigerant, Stomachic, Tonic
Browse Sections | View Barberry products | | | Constituents / Nutrients | | | Berberine alkaloids are widely considered to be the most influential
active compounds within barberry. These bitter alkaloids, also present in
goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium),
aid in digestion, the secretion of bile, and promote healthy liver
function.
Berberine and its related constituents (such as
oxyacanthine) are antibacterial1 and have been shown to kill amoebae in a
test tube study.2 Berberine inhibits bacteria from attaching to human
cells, which helps prevent infection.3 This compound treats diarrhea
caused by bacteria, such as E. coli.4 Berberine also stimulates some
immune system cells to function better.5 Berbamine is another alkaloid
found in barberry. It may help reduce inflammation6 and is an
antioxidant.7
Browse Sections | View Barberry products | | | Pharmacological Summary | | | Several animal and in vitro studies have been conducted on a
variety of berberis species. The anti-hypertensive and vasodilating
effects of berberis have been confirmed, and thus barberry may be used to
treat hypertension in circumstances where there is endothelial
dysfunction.
In much of the research, the focus is on the bitter
alkaloid, berberine, which has been extracted from various barberry
species. So, while studies may confirm anti-microbial or anti-inflammatory
properties exhibited by berberine, in many instances the alkaloid at the
center of a particular study may be from a plant other than berberis
vulgaris. Nevertheless, the berberis family of species, all containg the
active berberine, seem to exhibit similar properties within the confines
of the laboratory.
While barberry seems to have great potential
for the treatment of a wide variety of bodily infections and diseases,
consistent clinical evidence is required to confidently recommend barberry
for any specific disorder.
Browse Sections | View Barberry products | | | Scientific Research and Pharmacologicial Actions | | | The antihypertensive and vasodilator effects of aqueous extract from
Berberis vulgaris fruit on hypertensive rats. Phytother Res.
2005 Jun 2;19(3):222-225
The aqueous extract from Berberis
vulgaris fruit - barberry - was tested to evaluate its antihypertensive
effects on DOCA-induced hypertension in the rats. The present results
suggest that the antihypertensive and vasodilatory effects of barberry
fruit extract are mainly endothelial-independent and it may be used to
treat hypertension, a status with endothelial dysfunction.
Determination of four alkaloids in Berberis plants by HPLC]
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Dec;28(12):1132-4.
In order
to assess Berberis, a simple and effective high-performance liquid
chromatographic (HPLC) method was established.
Method: By
applying HPLC with gradiation elution, this method was developed for
determination of four kinds of alkaloids including berbamine,
Jatrorrhizine, berberine and palmatine in methanolic extracts from root
bark, root, stem bark and stem of Berberis.
Result: The
alkaloids berbamine, jatrorrhizine, berberine and palmatine shown good
linear correlations in the range of 0.028-4.74 microg (r = 0.9998);
0.012-2.0 microg (r = 0.9996); 0.026-0.52 microg (r = 0.9999); 0.015-2.56
microg (r = 0.9998), respectively. The correlation coefficients of the
calibration curve for the analytes exceeded
0.9998.
Conclusion: The optimized HPLC method was applied to
analyze various samples, and the results shown that the content of
alkaloids were obvious difference in Berberis from different area,
different species and different parts.
Antimicrobial activity of
aqueous extracts and of berberine isolated from Berberis
heterophylla. Fitoterapia. 2003 Dec;74(7-8):702-5.
The antimicrobial activity of Berberis heterophylla leaves, stems and root
aqueous extracts was studied in vitro on Gram-positive and Gram-negative
bacteria and fungi. The in vitro antifungal activity of berberine isolated
from the same source against different Candida species was also
investigated.
Berberis aetnensis C. Presl. extracts:
antimicrobial properties and interaction with ciprofloxacin.
Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2003 Jul;22(1):48-53.
Previous
research showed that berberine-containing Berberis species synthesise the
substances 5'-methoxyhydnocarpin-D (5'-MHC-D) and pheophorbide a, which
have no antimicrobial activity but inhibit the expression of multidrug
resistant efflux pumps (MDRs) in Staphylococcus aureus and potentiate the
action of berberine. The MDR pumps extrude synthetic and natural
antimicrobials from bacterial cells. We searched for these compounds in
Berberis aetnensis C. Presl. (Berberidaceae), an endemic plant of the
volcano Mount Etna. This work confirms the presence of pheophorbide a and
permits us to hypothesise the presence of 5'-MHC-D in leaf extracts. In
fact, the activity of ciprofloxacin was improved when two chromatographic
fractions isolated from leaf extracts were added. These results are
indicative of the presence of MDR pump inhibitors. Moreover, crude
extracts were tested on several micro-organisms and showed antimicrobial
activity mainly against Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts.
A
comparative study on the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and
antipyretic effects of isoquinoline alkaloids from the roots of Turkish
Berberis species. Life Sci. 2002 Dec
27;72(6):645-57.
Roots and barks of various Berberis species
are used as folk remedy for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases
such as lumbago, rheumatism and to reduce fever. Six isoquinoline
alkaloids namely berberine, berbamine, palmatine, oxyacanthine,
magnoflorine, and columbamine were isolated as the main components of
alkaloidal fraction from the roots of Turkish Berberis species and effects
were studied using various in vivo models in mice. All alkaloids inhibited
inflammations in varying degrees, among them berberine, berbamine and
palmatine were shown to possess significant and dose-dependent inhibitory
activity against serotonin-induced hind paw oedema both on oral and
topical applications and acetic acid-induced increase in vascular
permeability on oral administration. Moreover, these three alkaloids were
also shown to possess dose-dependent antinociceptive activity, which
assessed by using the model based on the inhibition of
p-benzoquinone-induced writhing movements as well as antipyretic activity
on FCA-induced increased rectal temperature on subacute administration.
However, all alkaloids induced gastric lesions in varying
degrees.
Antihistaminic and anticholinergic activity of barberry
fruit (Berberis vulgaris) in the guinea-pig ileum. J
Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Feb;64(2):161-6.
Barberry (Berberis
vulgaris) is a well known medicinal plant in Iran and has also been used
as food. The antihistaminic and anticholinergic activity of aqueous
extract of barberry fruits were investigated on isolated guinea-pig ileum,
and dose response curves of histamine and acetylcholine with and without
extract were plotted. The results indicated antihistaminic and
anticholinergic activity of extract that seems to be of the competitive
type.
Browse Sections | View Barberry products | | | Research | | | "Barberry Bush Beats Bacteria" "Barberry: Plant May Hold Key To Ultimate Antibiotic"
Browse Sections | View Barberry products | | | Precautions / Contraindications | | | Before taking barberry, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care
professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any
medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/ health
supplements. Barberry may not be recommended in some situations.- Do
not take barberry without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant. It is not known whether barberry will harm an
unborn baby.
- Do not take barberry without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether
barberry will harm a nursing infant.
- There is no information
available regarding the use of barberry by children. Do not give any
herbal/ health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's
doctor.
Browse Sections | View Barberry products | | | Interaction with Medications | | | There are no known scientific reports of interactions between
barberry and conventional medications. However, it is recommended that
those who are taking Doxycycline or Tetracycline should consult their
healthcare practitioner before using barberry.
Browse Sections | View Barberry products | | | Possible Side Effects | | | Berberine has been reported to interfere with normal liver function in
infants, raising a concern that it might worsen jaundice.8 For this
reason, berberine-containing plants, including barberry, goldenseal, and
Oregon grape should be used with caution during pregnancy and
breast-feeding.
Strong standardized extracts may cause stomach
upset and should be used for no more than two weeks continuously. Other
symptoms of excessive berberine intake include lethargy, nose bleed, skin
and eye irritation, and kidney irritation.9
Although rare, allergic
reactions to barberry may occur. Stop taking barberry and seek emergency
medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic
reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling
of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Browse Sections | View Barberry products | | | Dosage | | | Children: There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric
use of barberry. However, many professional herbalists use barberry to
reduce diarrhea in children. For this reason, barberry should be used with
caution in children and only under the supervision of a qualified
healthcare practitioner.
Adult: Barberry (as a single herb)
should not be taken for more than five to seven days, but it may be used
for longer periods if taken in combination with other herbs recommended by
a qualified healthcare practitioner. Three to five days is generally
sufficient for an upset stomach.
For Most Internal
Infections: (sore throats, bladder infections, diarrhea, bronchitis,
or yeast infections)
Tea: 2 to 4 grams of dried root steeped
or 1 to 2 tsp of whole or crushed berries steeped in 150 mL (approximately
2/3 of a cup) of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes three times
daily.
Tincture: 3 to 6 mL (1/2 to 1 1/2 tsp three times
daily)
Dried Extracts: Barberry capsules are generally
available in strengths that range from 200 to 600 mg. Within herbal
blends, quantities of barberry are significantly smaller. Typically, a
capsule strength of 300 to 500 mg is recommended to be taken 3 times
daily.
For Skin Disorders: 10% extract of barberry in
ointment, applied to the skin three times daily.
It is important to
remember that some infections can be very dangerous if not treated with
standard antibiotics. Barberry should not be taken in place of a
prescription antibiotic.
Browse Sections | View Barberry products | | | References | | | 1. Amin AH, Subbaiah TV, Abbasi KM. Berberine sulfate: Antimicrobial
activity, bioassay and mode of action. Can J Microbiol
1969;15:1067-76. 2. Subbaiah TV, Amin AH. Effect of berberine sulphate
on Entamoeba histolytica. Nature 1967;215:527-8. 3. Sun D, Courtney HS,
Beachey EH. Berberine sulfate blocks adherence of Streptococcus pyogenes
to epithelial cells, fibronectin, and hexadecane. Antimicrob Agents
Chemother 1988;32:1370-4. 4. Rabbani GH, Butler T, Knight J, et al.
Randomized controlled trial of berberine sulfate therapy for diarrhea due
to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae. J Infect Dis
1987;155:979-84. 5. Kumazawa Y, Itagaki A, Fukumoto M, et al.
Activation of peritoneal macrophages by berberine-type alkaloids in terms
of induction of cytostatic activity. Int J Immunopharmacol
1984;6:587-92. 6. Wong CW, Seow WK, O'Callaghan JW, Thong YH.
Comparative effects of tetrandrine and berbamine on subcutaneous air pouch
inflammation induced by interleukin-1, tumour necrosis factor and
platelet-activating factor. Agents Actions 1992;36:112-8. 7. Ju HS, Li
XJ, Zhao BL, et al. Scavenging effect of berbamine on active oxygen
radicals in phorbol ester-stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
Biochem Pharmacol 1990;39:1673-8. 8. Chan E. Displacement of bilirubin
from albumin by berberine. Biol Neonate 1993;63:201-8. 9. Blumenthal M,
Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs:
Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine
Communications, 1998, 309-10.
Our thanks to the following
information resources: Vitacost.com, Purplesage.org, Botanical.com,
Drugs.com, Alternativehealthzine.com, Raysahelian.com, and
Healthandage.com.
Browse Sections | View Barberry products | |
| | 68 total products | | | Barberry (Read all about Barberry.)
Botanical Latin Name: Berberis vulgaris Plant Part: Stem bark, root bark, fruit (berries) | |
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Barberry - Health - Red Clover Combination Powder 4 oz / 114 g
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Barberry - Health - Red Clover Combination Powder 1 oz / 28 g
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Barberry - Health - Red Clover Combination Tea (Loose) 4 oz / 114 g
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Barberry - Health - Red Clover Combination Tea (Loose) 8 oz / 227 g
18.93 US More Info
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Barberry - Health - Red Clover Combination Tea 25 tea bags
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Barberry - Health - Red Clover Combination Tea 50 tea bags
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Barberry - Health - Barberry Bark Powder 4 oz / 114 g
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Barberry - Health - Barberry Bark Powder 1 oz / 28 g
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Barberry - Health - Barberry Bark Tea (Loose) 4 oz / 114 g
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Barberry - Health - Barberry Bark Tea (Loose) 8 oz / 227 g
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Barberry - Health - Barberry Bark Tea 25 tea bags
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