Barberry - Uses & Side Effects

Scientific Name(S): Berberis vulgaris L. and B. aquifolium Pursh. However, more appropriately designated Mahonia aquifolium Nutt. Family: Berberidaceae

Common Name(S): Barberry, Oregon grape, trailing mahonia, berberis, jaundice berry, woodsour, sowberry, pepperidge bush, sour-spine.

Medicinal use of barberry dates as far back as ancient Egypt, when pharaohs and queens took it with fennel seed to ward off the plague.

Barberry and goldenseal ( Hydrastis canadensis ) have very similar therapeutic uses because both herbs contain active substances called berberine alkaloids. These substances have been shown to combat infection and bacteria, stimulate the activity of the immune system, and lower fever.

Botany: The barberry grows wild throughout Europe but has been naturalized to many regions of the eastern United States. B. aquifolium is an evergreen shrub native to the Rocky mountains. Barberry grows to more than 10 feet with branched, spiny holly-like leaves. Its yellow flowers bloom from May to June and develop into red to blue-black oblong berries.

History: The plant has a long history of use, dating back to the Middle Ages. The extracts of the plant are used today in homeopathy for treatment of intestinal disorders and sciatica. A decoction of the plant has been used to treat gastrointestinal ailments and coughs. The plant has been used as a bitter tonic and antipyretic. Duke lists more than 3 dozen traditional uses for barberry, including cancer, cholera and hypertension. The alkaloid berberine had been included as an astringent in eye drops, but its use has become rare. The fruits have been used to prepare jams and jellies. The medicinal use of the plant has been limited by the bitter taste of the bark and root.

Uses of Barberry

In traditional folk medicine, barberry has been used to treat diarrhea, reduce fever, improve appetite, relieve upset stomach, and promote vigor as well as a sense of well-being. Today, it is widely used for medicinal purposes in Iran, including for biliary disorders (such as gallbladder disease) and heartburn.

The fruits have been used in jams and jellies. Plant alkaloids have been found to be bactericidal, antidiarrheal, anticonvulsant, hypotensive and sedative. Berberine is a uterine stimulant.

Side Effects of Barberry

Barberry can produce stupor, daze, diarrhea and nephritis.

Pregnant women should not take barberry because it may cause uterine contractions and trigger miscarriage.

Dosage

For digestive conditions, Barberry is often combined with other bitter herbs, such as Gentian, in tincture form. Such mixtures are taken 15 to 20 minutes before a meal, usually 2-5 ml each time.

Standardised extracts are indicated for preventing infections.

An ointment made from a 10% extract of Barberry can be applied to the skin three times per day.

A tea/infusion can be prepared using 2 grams of the herb in a cup of boiling water. This can be repeated two to three times daily.

For a decoction, put 1 teaspoonful of the bark into a cup of cold water and bring to the boil. Leave for l0-l5 minutes. This should be taken three times a day.

Toxicology: Symptoms of poisoning are characterized by stupor and daze, diarrhea and nephritis.

Summary: Although barberry has a long history of traditional use, today it plays a minor role in herbal and standard medicinal practice. Berberine, its best-studied alkaloid, has been shown to have significant pharmacologic activity, particularly in the management of bacterial­induced diarrheal conditions.