Barberry

Related Terms

Agracejo (Spanish), agrecejo, almindelig berberis (Danish), alvo (Spanish), anthocyanins, berbamine, Berberidaceae (family), Berberidis cortex, Berberidis radicis cortex, berberine, berberine bisulfate, berberine chloride, Berberis amurensis, Berberis aristata, Berberis asiatica, Berberis chitria, Berberis croatica, Berberis dumetorum, Berberis heterophylla, Berberis koreana, Berberis lycium, Berberis ? ottawensis, Berberis thunbergii spp., Berberis vulgaris, berberitze, berberrubine, berberry, bervulcine, cannabisin G, columbamine, crespino (Italian), Croatian barberry, curcuma, Daruharidra, ?pine-vinette (French), European barberry, flavonols, green barberry, green hornet barberry, isotetrandine, Japanese barberry, jatorrhizine, jaundice berry, Korean barberry, kotsakhuri, Lebanon barberry, (+/-)-lyoniresinol, mountain grape, orange rocket barberry, oxyacanthine, oxycanthine, palmatine, pipperidge bush, piprage, -(p-trans-coumaroyl)tyramine, purple barberry, red barberry, Sauerdorn (German), sowberry, tannins, uva-espin (Portuguese), vinettier (French), vulcracine.
Note: For further information regarding barberry's constituent berberine, please see the Berberine monograph.

Background

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) has been used in Indian folk medicine for centuries, and the Chinese have used berberine, a component of barberry, since ancient times. Barberry is also popular in Iran and is included in both British and Indian pharmacopoeias. The first documented use of berberine was in 1933 for trachoma (a bacterial eye infection).
Barberry is widely grown in North America and is found in 31 American states and four Canadian provinces, particularly those along the Eastern Seaboard and in the Midwest.
Historically, barberry was commonly used for its antidiarrheal and antibiotic properties. In traditional medicinal practices, it has been used to treat metabolic disorders, diabetes, cystitis, joint pain, and symptoms of menopause. It is used in the form of a liquid extract or consumed as component of spices (i.e., kotsakhuri). In general, a salt of the alkaloid berberine is administered.
Early studies have shown berberine to have promising anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-lowering effects, and future clinical research is warranted in these areas.
Many clinical trials have been conducted using berberine, but none have investigated the actions of barberry as a whole plant. There is strong evidence to support berberine's use in the treatment of trachoma (an eye infection), diarrhea, and leishmaniasis (a disease spread by the bite of the female sandfly), but there is a lack of evidence indicating that barberry itself has efficacy and safety equivalent to that of berberine.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Results from high-quality studies are currently lacking to support to use of barberry (Berberis vulgaris) in arthritis. Additional studies in this area are warranted.

 C


Results from high-quality studies are currently lacking to support to use of barberry (Berberis vulgaris) in arthritis. Additional studies in this area are warranted.

 C


Current preliminary research suggests a potentially beneficial effect of aqueous barberry extract on dental plaque and gingivitis. High-quality studies on the use of barberry for dental health are needed.

 C


Current preliminary research suggests a potentially beneficial effect of aqueous barberry extract on dental plaque and gingivitis. High-quality studies on the use of barberry for dental health are needed.

 C


Preliminary research in humans suggests that barberry may improve the lipid profile (cholesterol levels, etc) in individuals with type 2 diabetes. High-quality studies are needed before a conclusion for the use of barberry on metabolic syndrome can be drawn.

 C


Preliminary research in humans suggests that barberry may improve the lipid profile (cholesterol levels, etc) in individuals with type 2 diabetes. High-quality studies are needed before a conclusion for the use of barberry on metabolic syndrome can be drawn.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
General: Traditionally, root bark is typically used as a tincture (1:10), 20-40 drops daily. Also reported is use of a dry extract of 250-500 milligrams three times daily. For sore throats, bladder infections, bronchitis, or yeast infections, a typical dose is one cup of tea, prepared by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of whole or crushed berries in 150 milliliters of boiling water for 10-15 minutes and straining, or by steeping two grams of root bark in 250 milliliters of boiling water for 5-10 minutes and straining. Root tea is not suggested.
For skin disorders, a 10% extract of barberry in ointment has been traditionally applied to the skin three times daily.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Berberine may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Berberine may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or low blood sugar and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Barberry may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased or decreased in the blood and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Berberine may alter blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that affect blood pressure.
Berberine may also interact with acetaminophen, antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin), anticancer agents, anticholinergics, antidepressants, antidiarrheals, antifungals, anti-inflammatory agents, antiparasitics, calcium salts, central nervous system (CNS) depressants (such as pentobarbitone and hexobarbitone), cholesterol-lowering agents, cholinergic agonists (such as neostigmine), COX-2 inhibitors (such as celecoxib (Celebrex?) and rofecoxib (Vioxx?)), dental agents, drugs for osteoporosis, drugs for seasonal allergies, drugs for the heart, drugs that damage the liver, drugs that increase urination, drugs that suppress the immune system, gastrointestinal agents, interferons (including interferon-gamma), laxatives, L-phenylephrine, and seizure drugs.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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