Today we are clarifying a question received via email about the benefits and contraindications of the barberry plant, but first let’s see its botanical aspect.
The barberry belongs to the genus Berberis which contains at least 500 species of evergreen or deciduous thorny shrubs.
It is a popular garden shrub and is grown for its ornamental leaves and yellow flowers.
But barberry also has medicinal uses and has been used for over 2,500 years in Asia and the Mediterranean for a variety of ailments.
In ancient Egypt, barberry was used as a preventive remedy against plagueand Ayurvedic healers in India used it as a remedy for dysentery.
.
Uses and benefits of barberry
the bark of the barberry and the berries have been used for many health conditions over the centuries. Most health uses of the herb are based on long traditional applications.
In recent years, the components of the plant, especially some of its alkaloids, have gained interest within the scientific community and numerous studies have been carried out on their effectiveness.
People have used barberry for, for example, the following conditions:
Diarrhea
diabetes
kidney, liver and spleen ailments
dental plague
acne
gingivitis
bladder problems
constipation
drop
arthritis
fever
heart health
blood circulation
acidity
Antibiotic effect of barberry Barberry has been shown to be effective in fighting bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections.
The bark of the plant contains few alkaloids, of which berberine is the most prominent, and according to laboratory studies, it has an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, sedative, and anticonvulsant effect.
the immune system Berberine is possibly an immune system enhancer by stimulating specific immune cells, so they work better.
Diarrhea Barberry is commonly used to treat bacterial diarrhea and parasitic infections of the intestines. Research studies indicate that berberine inhibits the ability of bacteria to attach to cells in the body, which helps prevent infections.
Due to the bactericidal properties of berberine, it can be used against a variety of bacterial strains, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Viridans streptococci and Escherichia coli.
yeast infection Research has shown that herbs containing berberine can be used as remedies for yeast infections.
Studies show that berberine kills Candida albicans by inhibiting the production of critical components in your cell membrane.
The bactericidal and fungicidal effect of the herb may make it useful for amoebic dysentery, malariacholera, giardia, salmonella, E. coli and similar gastrointestinal infections.
Furthermore, berberine inhibits Heliobacter pyloria bacterium involved in gastric ulcer and inflammation of the stomach lining.
May improve heart function Studies indicate that berbamine, another alkaloid found in barberry, may protect the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury, tissue damage caused when the blood supply returns to the tissue after a period of oxygen starvation.
Berbamine regulates the concentration of calcium ions within cells and stops the activation of calpain (calcium-dependent protease), often involved in some causes of heart failure.
In addition, the alkaloid strengthens the contraction of the heart muscle by improving the cells’ sensitivity to calcium, which plays a role in regulating muscle contraction.
Berbamine might also be helpful in reducing inflammation and has been found to be helpful in treating amoebic hepatitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
And like berberine, berbamine is believed to fight infection by stimulating the action of white blood cells.
Barberry may be useful for diabetes Some studies in recent years have indicated that barberry could be useful as protection and treatment for type 2 diabetes.
A preliminary study showed that when people with type 2 diabetes were given a combination of barberry and milk thistle for 90 days, blood sugar levels improved.
In another study, taking 500 milligrams of berberine two to three times a day for three months was compared to taking a common diabetes medication (metformin).
The results were that berberine was able to control blood sugar levels and lipid metabolism as effectively as metformin.
Both studies were indicative and showed the promise of barberry as a natural treatment for diabetesbut more and more studies are needed to fully confirm the effectiveness of the herb.
.
Other uses
Barberry has traditionally been used as a treatment for digestive disorders, and due to its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, it has been used in the treatment of urinary tract and bladder infections, upper respiratory tract infections, and abnormal uterine bleeding.
It has also been used for high blood pressure, heartburn, nausea, high fever, and to improve digestion and reduce gastrointestinal pain.
Like the closely related plant to Oregon grape, barberry is believed to stimulate blood flow to the liver and improve liver function. It is also believed to stimulate bile secretion.
Preliminary research indicates that barberry, if used internally in tablet form, might reduce acne in adolescents. 8
external uses Ointments containing barberry and metronidazole have been used for vaginal infection (bacterial vaginosis). The ointment seems to stop any recurring infection.
Few studies indicate that brushing with a barberry extract gel could reduce dental plaque in a similar way to commercial toothpaste.
Barberry extract used in an ointment may reduce the symptoms of psoriasisbut there is currently not enough clinical evidence to support this claim.
.
Active substances and constituents
The root bark contains 1-3% of the berberine alkaloid and small amounts of other alkaloids (berbamine, oxycontin, palmatine, etc.). The root bark also contains tannins, resins, and chelidonic acid.
Fruits contain hardly any alkaloids, but do contain fructose, glucose, gum, pectin, vitamin C, and colors (for example, carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin).
Berberine is quite toxic, but in small doses, it stimulates the smooth muscle of the heart, intestinal and urinary tracts and can cause uterine contraction.
Berberine has been shown to have bactericidal properties, and other alkaloids present in the plant are believed to have an antipyretic effect.
.
Plant parts used
When barberry is intended as herbal medicine, mainly the stem bark, root bark, and fresh or dried fruit are used.
The yellow root bark has the highest concentration of active therapeutic substances.
The bark from the stems and roots is collected in the spring (March) or autumn (November) and dried for later use.
The berries are picked when ripe in the fall and used to make juice, gels, and jams.
Related products you may be interested in
.
Dosage and administration
Barberry can be used in many different ways and in a variety of forms, including as a herbal tea, dried herb, tablet, tincture, or capsule.
Barberry capsules should preferably be standardized to contain 5 to 12% isoquinoline alkaloids.
As a Tea: Whole or crushed berries steeped in 2/3 cups of boiling water for 10-15 minutes is the preferred method of administration. You can also use 2 to 4 grams of dried root or 1 to 2 teaspoons.
As a tincture: ½ to 1-1/2 tsp. or 250 to 500 milligrams of dry extract three times a day.
As an ointment: 10% barberry extract applied to the skin three times a day.
The dosage and method of delivery will depend on the condition being treated.
Some conditions, such as digestive problems, benefit from ingesting the herb, while other conditions may benefit more from the topical application of an ointment.
.
Contraindications and side effects of barberry
As with other berberine-containing herbs, barberry should not be used by pregnant women because it is a uterine stimulant.
Barberry is not recommended for children, as there has not been enough research on the plant to justify any form of dosage information.
There have been no studies on its safety in lactating women, and therefore it is probably best to avoid using it while breastfeeding.
When used in appropriate doses, barberry has not been reported to have any side effects. In excessive doses, it can cause nosebleeds, diarrhea, and vomiting.
It can also cause kidney problems. Painful urination, blood in the urine, and lower back pain are symptoms of kidney problems and should be reported to a medical professional immediately.
This herb can interact with other drugs, so those who are under a doctor’s care and taking prescription drugs should not take it until they have discussed it with their doctor.
.
Also know
Remedies for fatty liver
Arnica tea: benefits and contraindications
Lemon Tea with Garlic: What it is for, benefits, and contraindications
Arrowroot: Benefits and contraindications (maranta, sago or obedient plant)
Okra: Benefits and Contraindications (Okra)
video of the month