Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is an evergreen shrub that is often grown for ornamental purposes. It has been used for more than 2,500 years around the world in herbal healing. It is used in First Nation folk medicine to treat diarrhea, reduce fever, improve appetite, relieve upset stomach and improve the sense of well being. In Iran, it is currently used for gallbladder problems and for heartburn. Recent research has established the water extract to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and neural systems, which is likely due to its berberine content.
Active Properties in Barberry
Berberines
The berries of this shrub are very high in vitamin C and are often dried and used to provide a source of berberines, berbamine, and palmatine. Berberines are the active constituents in a number of medicinal herbs. They have been found to have a wide variety of beneficial effects such as: antimicrobial activity, antioxidant, cardiovascular benefits, anti-diabetic, and anti-diarrheal.
Berbamine
Barberry contains other beneficial chemicals in addition to berberine. One of these is known as berbamine. In 2006, berbamine was found to inhibit leukemia cells in a test tube. Further research is required before we can be sure this would work in the human body as well.
Key Health Benefits of Barberry
Anti-infection
Barberry and Goldenseal are often used for similar purposes since they both contain the active constituent berberine. Much like Goldenseal, Barberry is used to treat infections of all sorts: urinary tract, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. A recent 2011 study found that Barberry extract helps to suppress the virus that causes genital warts (HPV) and promotes health cell growth.
Diarrhea
Much like other herbs containing berberines, Barberry can be used to treat diarrhea because it helps to tighten the lining of the digestive tract and will also help to kill any microbes that are causing infection and irritation.
How To Take This Supplement?
Barberry can be found individually or in a number of combination formulas for treating bacterial or parasitic infections. In general, it is a good idea to take 250 – 500mg three times daily. Please see the quick facts box below for more information.
