Barberry

Berberis vulgaris

One of the confusing curiosities of crude medication nomenclature is the fact that barberry or berberis is obtained from plants of the genus Mahonia and not from species of Berberis. The reason for this is that the several species which yield the rhizome and roots (underground parts) constituting this medication were once classified as Berberis species but are now placed in the genus Mahonia. They include M. aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. and M. nervosa (Pursh) Nutt., both commonly referred to as oregon grape. These attractive members of the family Berberidaceae are evergreen shrubs with holly like leaves and bluish black berries; M. aquifolium is generally taller (three feet plus) than M. nervosa (up to two feet). Common barberry, Berberis vulgaris L., was not a recognized source of the medication when it had official status, but the bark of its root and stem contains similar active principles and is also used similarly. Claims for use of the fruits, bark, and root are not allowed in Germany, as the claimed effectiveness for various traditional uses is not scientifically documented.

Barberry was reportedly used by the American Indians in cases of general debility and to improve the appetite. When the early settlers observed this, they employed the root as a bitter tonic. In addition, it was said to be of value as a treatment for ulcers, heartburn, and stomach problems when given in small doses; large doses have a cathartic effect.

A number of isoquinoline alkaloids, especially berberine, berbamine, and oxyacanthine, account for the physiological activity of barberry. Several of the alkaloids exhibit antibacterial properties, and berberine is also effective against both amoeba and trypanosomes. This alkaloid has some anticonvulsant, sedative, and uterine-stimulant properties as well. Berbamine produces a hypotensive effect (lowers blood pressure).

In light of the lack of anti-inflammatory response from the alkaloids in the bark, two phenolic compounds, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-phenyl ethyl alcohol and syringaresinol, have been isolated from methanolic extracts, to which possible anti-inflammatory activity has been attributed.

Despite these various properties, barberry and its contained alkaloids, which berberine is the principal one, are not very useful medications. Including the crude plant material in bitter tonics has been essentially discontinued. Berberine salts continued to be used for some time in eye drops because of their astringent properties, but this, too, has now ceased.

Despite these various properties, barberry and its contained alkaloids, which berberine is the principal one, are not very useful medications. Including the crude plant material in bitter tonics has been essentially discontinued. Berberine salts continued to be used for some time in eye drops because of their astringent properties, but this, too, has now ceased.

The yellow wood of common barberry most likely was a sign to physicians long ago that the plant was useful for jaundice, a condition (usually caused by liver disease or gallstones) in which the skin turns yellowish. They concluded this on the basis of a theory called the doctrine of signatures, which held that a plant's appearance or other characteristics were a divine sign of the type of disease or injury it would cure.

The root bark and stem bark of the plant contain tannin and a substance known as berberine, which may account for the plant's effectiveness in treating diarrhea. Common barberry's employment for bloodshot eyes appears valid, for modern pharmaceutical products use the berberine it contains in eye preparations. In ancient Egypt a syrup made of common barberry mixed with fennel seed was used against plagues. Modern research indicates that this remedy was probably effective because the plant has antibacterial properties that would help ward off infectious diseases. The berries have been used in cooking, and the wood is favored for marquetry work.

Other names

• Berberidis
• Berberry
• Common Barberry
• Daruharidra
• European Barberry
• Jaundice Berry
• Pepperidge Bush
• Sowberry
• Wood Turmeric

Parts used

Stem bark, root bark, berries.

Uses

Barberry acts on the gallbladder to improve bile flow and ameliorate conditions such as gallbladder pain, gallstones, and jaundice. Barberry's strongly antiseptic property is of value in cases of amebic dysentery, cholera, and other similar gastrointestinal infections. Barberry is also thought to have a positive effect on the liver and is prescribed by herbalists for hepatitis. The bark is astringent, antidiarrheal, and healing to the intestinal wall - in short, barberry has a strong, highly beneficial effect on the digestive system as a whole. Like oregon grape (B. aquifolium) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), barberry helps in the treatment of chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The decoction makes a gentle and effective wash for the eyes, although it must be diluted sufficiently before use.

Habitat & cultivation

Native to Europe, barberry is naturalized in North America. Barberry is cultivated as a garden plant and medicinal herb. 'The bark is gathered in spring or autumn, and the berries in autumn.

Constituents

Barberry contains isoquinoline alkaloids, including berberine and berbamine. Berberine is strongly antibacterial and amebicidal and stimulates bile secretion. Berbamine is strongly antibacterial. Many of the alkaloids are thought to be cancer-inhibiting.

How much to take

Decoction: put 1 teaspoonful of the bark into a cup of cold water and bring to the boil. Leave for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take 2-4ml of the tincture three times a day.

Applications

In a decoction: 1 t of bark or fresh or dried root in 1 cup (250 ml) water: to gargle, against ulcers and sore throat; drink 1 cup (250 rnl) before each meal in the case of stomach ulcers and allergic diarrhea; use in a compress to treat bacterial eye infections. Using the ripe fruit, prepare jams, tarts, compotes or jelly for sensitive intestines. Choose the mother tincture prepared in alcohol to treat biliary insufficiency, infections of the lower abdomen or metrorrhagia: take 1 t, 3 times daily for 10 days or more.

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