Active constituents
The alkaloid, berberine, receives the most research and widest acclaim as the active
component of barberry and its relatives. Berberine is also a key constituent of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). Berberine and
its related constituents (such as oxyacanthine) are antibacterial2 and have been
shown to kill amoebae in a test tube study.3 Berberine inhibits bacteria from
attaching to human cells, which helps prevent
infection.4 This compound treats diarrhea
caused by bacteria, such as E. coli.5 Berberine also stimulates some immune system cells to function better.6
Berbamine is another alkaloid found in barberry. It may help reduce inflammation7
and is an antioxidant.8
The bitter compounds in barberry, including the alkaloids mentioned above, stimulate
digestive function following meals.
How much is usually taken?
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. As a tincture, 2–3 ml of barberry
can be taken three times per day. Standardized extracts containing 5–10% alkaloids, with
a total of approximately 500 mg of berberine taken each day, are preferable for preventing infections. Standardized extracts of goldenseal are a more common source of berberine, since
goldenseal contains a higher concentration of berberine than barberry. An ointment made from a
10% extract of barberry can be applied topically three times per day for psoriasis. 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.9
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Berberine has been reported to interfere with normal liver function in infants, raising a
concern that it might worsen jaundice.10 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.11
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with barberry. Refer to
drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
References
1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC
Press, 1985, 78.
2. Amin AH, Subbaiah TV, Abbasi KM. Berberine sulfate: Antimicrobial
activity, bioassay and mode of action. Can J Microbiol 1969;15:1067–76.
3. Subbaiah TV, Amin AH. Effect of berberine sulphate on Entamoeba
histolytica. Nature 1967;215:527–8.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, et al. (eds). PDR for Herbal
Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics, 1998, 688–90.
10. Chan E. Displacement of bilirubin from albumin by berberine. Biol
Neonate 1993;63:201–8.
11. 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.
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purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary
studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
