Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L) Herbal Medicine

Barberry Health Benefits, Dosage, Side effects and Warnings.


Barberry

Scientific Name: Berberis vulgaris L., B. aquifolium Pursh. Mahonia aquifolium Nutt.

Other names:

Barberry, Oregon grape, trailing mahonia, berberis,jaundice berry, woodsour, sowberry, pepperidge bush, sour-spine.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is a shrub in the family Berberidaceae, that is native to central and southern Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia.

Barberry grows in the wild but has gained popularity in Europe and US as a garden plant, commonly used as hedge or plant fence due to its thorny, wiry branches. Barberry has long been used in herbal medicine since the Middle ages, used to treat liver and gallbladder disorders.

Barberry shrub grows to about 4 meters in height. Barberry leaves are of variety of shapes about 2 to 5 cm long, the primary leaves are three-forked spines, while secondary ones are oval, subtended by a three branched spine.  Barberry flowers are bright yellow that bloom between April to June. The flowers are about 4–6 mm across, produced on 3–6 cm long panicles. Barberry bears red, edible fruits that are oblong in shape about  7–10 mm long and 3–5 mm in diameter. Barberry fruits are very sour that ripens in late summer or autumn. Barberry fruit is rich in vitamin C.

Barberry Traditional Medicinal Uses and Health benefits

barberryBarberry contains variety of chemicals including its active constituent berberine, a yellow crystalline alkaloid that has sedative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, and anticonvulsant effects. Other chemical constituents such as albumin, Berbamine, Citric acid, fat gum, malic acid, other alkaloidal matter, make the Barberry useful in the treatment of variety of illness, although limited medical and scientific research may support its claims.

Anti-fungal and antibacterial activity. A powder made from Barberry dried root is used for athlete’s foot, as well as an insecticide and pesticide.

Anti-inflammatory property. Barberry poultice made of crushed leaves is used for rheumatism, arthritis, gout, swelling and broken bones.

Fever. Barberry extract is used as bitter tonic to treat fever (antipyretic) and as anticonvulsant remedy,,

Anti-parasitic action, Barberry is used to treat malaria and other parasite related infections.

Cancer.  Barberry is also being considered as a treatment for cancer and tuberculosis,,

Hypertension. Barberry can lower blood pressure and is beneficial in controlling high blood pressure..

Kidney diseases. Barberry is believed to also cure kidney related diseases. It is also used in treating gall stones.

Eye Health. Barberry has been effective in treating conjunctivitis and it is also used in treatment and prevention of cataract and other eye problems.

Digestive Problems. Barberry is a good herbal medicine for digestive complaints. It has long been used for the treatment of diarrhea, stomach ache and is believed to maintain a good balance of intestinal bacteria.

Improves appetite. Barberry is used for to improve the appetite and helps in digenstion.

Anti-inflammatory activity. Barberry is used to treat sciatica, lower back pain, hemorrhoids, gout, arthritis, and enlarge spleen.

Urinary tract. Barberry can also improve symptoms of inflammation in urinary tract, respiratory as well as the gastrointestinal tracts.

Liver tonic. Barberry is used to protect the liver from harmful toxins and thus improves its function. Barberry tea is used in the treatment of jaundice.

Anti-bactria and anti-fungal activity. Barberry destroys organisms that may cause symptoms such as dysentery, diarrhea, urinary tract infections and vaginal yeast infections

Skin problems. The anti-bacterial and the anti-inflammatory properties of Barberry make it useful in the treatment of skin problems that may include fungal infections, wounds, acne, burns and other skin problems.

Scurvy. Barberry tea taken once a day is believed to prevent and cure scurvy.

Menstruation. Barberry can improve the flow of menstruation and alleviate symptoms associated with it.

Science Research: Barberry Health Benefits


In vitro antioxidant effects of barberry fruit extracts.

The effect of Barberry fruit extracts was studied in an in vitro model. By evaluating their scavenging potential. Suitable amounts of dried plant were coarsely grounded and used for extraction. The dry plant samples were extracted with water and/or ethanol. 10 g of Barberry fruits extracts powder was percolated by water for 24 hours. The extract was filtered and concentrated. Hydroxyl radical was produced as described previously. Then, Barberry fruits hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity was determined using deoxyribose degradation system, followed spectrophotometrically at 532 nm. As expected ,our data indicate that the level of hydroxyl radical generation in with aqueous and /or ethanol extracts of barberry fruit was decreased in comparison without barberry fruit extract in vitro system [(6.11±0.83, 5.28 ±1.44, mmol/ml) vs. (9.32±0.38, mmol/ml)], p<0.05, respectively. Indeed, our results revealed that the extracts of the Barberry fruit scavenge hydroxyl radical in vitro sample as compared to the controls. The barberry fruit extracts proved to be an effective for hydroxyl radical scavenging. The present data revealed that beneficial effect of Barberry fruit aqueous and ethanol extracts may be due to its free radical scavenging potential. Source: Int J Mol Cell Med. 2012 Summer;1(3):168-72.


Anti-atherogenic potential of jujube, saffron and barberry: anti-diabetic and antioxidant actions

Atherogenic dyslipidemia, characterized by an increased level of lipoprotein (a) and a decreased level of adiponectin, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients. To reduce cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients, use of agents with antidiabetic and anti-atherogenic potential is required. Using an animal model of diabetes, we investigated the antiatherogenic potential of extracts of three medicinal plants: jujube, barberry, and saffron. For this, serum level of fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, adiponectin and lipoprotein (a) in diabetic control and extract treated groups were measured. Statistical analysis of measurements showed that serum levels of fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, and VLDL decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in all treated groups. Treatment with all extracts reduced lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant capacity of the experimental diabetic groups. Serum adiponectin levels increased in all treated groups, whereas lipoprotein (a) levels decreased, most markedly when treated with jujube extract. Jujube, saffron, and barberry extracts are beneficial in ameliorating oxidative stress and atherogenic risk of diabetic rats. This highlights the benefits of further investigating the cardio-protective potential of medicinal plant extracts and evaluating their usefulness as cardio protective agents in clinical practice. Source: EXCLI J. 2015; 14: 908–915.


Antihistaminic and anticholinergic activity of barberry fruit (Berberis vulgaris) in the guinea-pig ileum.

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 pA2 values for antihistaminic activity of extract and dexchlorpheniramine were calculated (extract; pA2 +/- S.E.M. = 4.50 +/- 0.01[-log C (g/l)]; dexchlorpheniramine; pA2 +/- S.E.M. = 9.36 +/- 0.14[-log C (M)]) and compared with each other. The pA2 values for anticholinergic activity of extract and atropine were also calculated (extract, pA2 +/- S.E.M. = 4.37 +/- 0.03[-log C (g/l)]; atropine, pA2 +/- S.E.M. = 8.99 +/- 0.13[-log C (M)]) and compared. The results indicated antihistaminic and anticholinergic activity of extract that seems to be of the competitive type. Source: J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Feb;64(2):161-6

How to Get and How to Use

Where can I get or buy Barberry?

Barberry dryBarberry plant is widely cultivated and can be sourced through local horticulturist. Barberry leaves, flowers and fruit, roots and bark can be harvested from fields.

Barberry is also commercially prepared in powder, tincture and capsules taken as supplements. They are available in most fitness and health stores. Barberry is also available online via Amazon as listed: Barberry Liquid Extract, for example, there are other brands, be sure to select one from a reputable manufacturer and do follow the suggested dosage.

Barberry fruits are harvested and are prepared as jellies and jams

Barberry tincture, 2-3 ml taken three times per day.

Barberry tea  can be prepared using 2 to 4 grams of dried barberry herb in a cup of boiling water. Taken 2 to 3 times a day.

Barberry capsules as supplement. Taken as directed.

Barberry ointment prepared with 10% extract, applied to skin 3 times daily.

Barberry tea or decoction. tea

  1. Prepare about half teaspoon of dried barberry parts for every cup of water.
  2. Boil for 10 to 15 minutes
  3. Let it steep and strain
  4. Store in a glass jar for later consumption
  5. Drink 1 cup, twice to three times a day after meals.

You can add other herbs or honey to improve the efficacy and taste.


Dosage, Warnings and Side Effects

Barberry extract from leaves and barks may be poisonous if taken in excess. Large dose of barberry may cause shock, nose bleeding, nausea, vomiting, drop in blood pressure, difficulty in breathing, reduced heart rate, and potential damage to the kidney.

Barberry herbal extract is not to be given to children without professional medical supervision.

Use of barberry herbal extract is also discourage during pregnancy and lactation.

Barberry is not advisable for prolonged use due to potential risk of poisoning. Medical supervision is adviced.

Drug interactions

Barberry is a potent herbal medicine and the full extent of its interaction with drugs and other herbal medicines is undetermined. However, barberry should not be taken simultaneously with the following;

Antibiotics. Barberry may interact with the antibiotic lessening its effectivity.

Anticoagulants (blood thinners). Barberry may decrease the effectiveness of blood-thinning medication.

Antihistamines. Barberry may increase the effects of antihistamines.

Blood pressure medication. Barberry has blood pressure lowering effects, Barberry may increase the effects of these drugs.

Diuretics. Barberry may increase the effects of these drugs.

Medications for diabetes. Barberry may lower blood sugar, making the effects of these drugs stronger.

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