# Barberry
## *Berberis vulgaris and B. repens* **Berberidaceae**

Do we only use root medicinally?

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@yoksel?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Yoksel 🌿 Zok</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/macro-photography-of-red-fruits-during-daytime-VtSRfpHZiBo?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>

Barberry is a European native plant used for conditions in the gastrointestinal, immune and urinary systems. Its diverse medicine has been used for many thousands of years. It has become naturalised in many other parts of the world and is therefore known under many names:

## **English names**
* Rocky mountain grape
* Snowberry
* Trailing mahonia
* Jaundice berry
* Mountain grape
* Pipperidge
* Piprage’ sow berry

**German** Berberitze
**Iranian** Zereshk

This genus goes by two botanical names — Berberis and Mahonia. They are often interchanged. Mahonia has prickly leaves but no stem thorns and is evergreen. In contrast, Berberis has smooth leaves, stem thorns and is deciduous. Both botanists and herbalists confuse the two, even in official documents.

### botany/history
Berberidaceae: Barberry family (Order Ranunculales)

Native range is Asia's middle and western mountains, it is widely introduced throughout Europe, and brought to North America in the 1600s by early New England settlers.
Dense, deciduous, spiny shrub
Branches have short thorns, three per node
Oval leaves are alternate and sharply toothed.
Flowers hang in drooping racemes from the leaf nodes. Each flower has 6 petals, 3 sepals six stamens and one pistil
Fruits about 1cm in length; in racemes, red or purple

### growing and harvesting
Brought from Japan in 1800s. Planted as an ornamental and escaped to pastures, forest edges and other open land.
Small obovate alternate leaves, leaf margins are entire
Thorns at stem nodes are solitary
Pale yellow flowers about ¼ in (0.6 cm) across hang in umbrella-shaped clusters of 2-4 flowers each along the length of the stem. Flowers in April and May.

### energetics and actions
Energetics: COLD, bitter
Primary actions: bitter, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, cholagogue, choleretic, alterative, hepatic, hypocholesterolemic, blood sugar regulating, anti-inflammatory
Secondary actions: antiemetic, antiprotozoal, mild laxative, lymphatic

### primary uses
Digestion:
Increases digestive secretions, including hydrochloric acid, pepsin, gastrin, bile and pancreatic juices.
For both upper and lower digestive insufficiency: poor digestion, gas, bloating, constipation, blood sugar fluctuations, gum and tooth problems.
Helps digestion of fatty foods; reduces nausea associated with poor fat digestion
Appetite stimulant for weak, painful, sluggish digestion; anorexia.
Stuck and congested liver patterns: difficulty digesting fat and protein, feel hungover in the morning, constipation. More common for people who consume a lot of refined flour, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, fried foods.
Hepatitis, elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, liver cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Supports elimination of waste products excreted by the liver in the bile.
Acute infectious diarrhea: Salmonella, E. coli, Clostridium, Giardia, Entamoeba, Trichomonas; H. pylori
Supports rebalancing of digestion following an intestinal infection like food poisoning, giardia, cholera.

Metabolic:
Reduces elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (Hadi 2019 - isolated berberine)
Blood sugar dysregulation, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome
T1 and T2 diabetes to increase insulin receptor expression (Kong 2009, isolated berberine)
Skin:
Efflux pump inhibitor, prevents bacteria from getting rid of antibacterial compounds, makes them more susceptible to damage. Strep, staph infections topically on the skin. Active against MRSA. Slow healing wounds.
Berberine and related alkaloids that are antibacterial likely not absorbed well into the bloodstream, therefore more useful topically or for digestion.
Chronic skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis, acne, cysts, dandruff (taken internally as a bitter tonic)
Cold sores, mouth ulcers (rinse)
Eye wash for conjunctivitis
Genitourinary:
Short or long term treatment of vaginal or intestinal candida, internal and topical

### Secondary uses
Chronic skin and joint inflammatory conditions, arthritis, gout, etc.
Useful for releasing liver heat for individuals who are easily angered, feel worse in the heat.
Immune support: stimulates macrophages
UTIs
Cancer prevention via liver detoxification, blood sugar regulation

Goldenseal comparison
Uses:
Similar to Berberis spp. in terms of infections, digestion
Catarrhal states of mucus membranes with inflammation; congested mucus membranes with green mucus; end of infection to dry and resolve mucus membrane; boggy sinuses
Strep throat
Dysbiosis and ulceration in digestive tract
Urinary tract infections with chronic inflammation/irritation - both antimicrobial and mucus membrane tonifying
Lower dose and shorter term than Berberis spp. Take for up to 2 weeks. Powder: ¼ tsp 1-2x/day. Tincture: 0.3-1 ml up to 3x/day/
Source organically cultivated ONLY. Goldenseal is endangered throughout its range. DO NOT BUY WILD HARVESTED GOLDENSEAL.

### key constituents
isoquinoline alkaloids: berberine, berberubine, beramine, bervulcine, berbamunine, etc. - bitter, cholagogue, choleretic, antimicrobial, hepatic, alterative, hypocholesterolemic, insulin sensitizer, anti-inflammatory
Chlorogenic acid, cheladonic acid
Anthocyanin (berries?)
Flavonoids: rutin, quercetin
Resin, tannins

### Safety considerations
Avoid internally in pregnancy and lactation
Not recommended for people under 2 years old
Discontinue with hyperacidity in stomach - reflux or heartburn
Contraindicated with obstructive gallbladder disease
Can be too cooling and drying over the long term; monitor for energetic imbalances, combine with warming and moistening herbs when appropriate.
Risk of herb drug interactions - especially medications metabolised by CYP 2D6, 2C9, and 3A4. Berberine inhibits these enzyme pathways.

### preparation and dosage
Topical
decoction of the root as a wash, soak or rinse
Intermediary extract for oils and salves
Poultice of the powdered root on infections

Tea
decoction up to 9g daily
Lower dosing, 1-2g daily, for digestive stimulant
Higher dosing short term, would be good for an intestinal infection. ~1 week

Tincture
0.5-6mls total daily (0.25-2 ml up to 3x/day), or about 15-25% of formula. Take before meals.
Lower end dosing for digestive stimulant, taken before meals combined with carminative herbs. Higher end dosing would be for liver support, blood sugar regulation. Medium dosing for skin inflammation.

## **History**
Berberis species are alternate hosts to wheat rust. Since it was once presumed that if this rust parasite did not spend at least part of its life cycle on the Berberis host, it would not be able to infect wheat, campaigns were initiated in wheat-growing areas to eradicate all Berberis species. This is one of the reasons why today there is little Berberis in some areas. Incidentally, the underlying assumption on which these campaigns were based has since been proven false.

## **How will you experience this highly nutritive plant medicine?**

Barberry stands out most in the fall when the small fruits shine in bright colours of red, purble and orange. These fruits are sour with sweet notes and a delicate hibiscus flavour, while the root is extremely bitter with earthy notes. The oval shaped leaves with saw teeth are not usually consumed in Western Herbalism, but are used to treat different conditions in Iran. In fact, the fruits are a beloved staple in Iran and adorn as well as flavour different delicious dishes.


## **Identification**
Barberry is a deciduous shrub that can reach 13 ft. (4 m) in height. Its branches arch downwards and come into contact with the ground where it takes root and produces new shoots.

It has serrated oval leaves which are between 2-5 cm long, 1-2 cm wide which occur in clusters of 2-5. Each cluster of leaves is subtended by a short, three-branched spine. Flowers are small, yellow, less than 6 mm wide and form on dangling racemes. The flowers have an unpleasant odour.

Flowering occurs in May to June. Berries are red ellipsoids which are less than 10 mm in length and contain 1-3 small black seeds.

*Berberis repens* is a creeping dwarf shrub with bright yellow flowers, which are somewhat spherical and on long racemes. The leathery leaves are pinnate with three to seven prickly-toothed evergreen leaflets. The fruit is berry-like, dark blue and has a bloom.

*Berberis vulgaris* stands four to ten feet tall and has upright branches. The leaves are alternate, 1 - 1 1/2 inches long, shortly petioled, leathery and prickly. The flowers are small, pale yellow and arranged in pendulous racemes.

## **Key benefits**
* Liver and gallbladder conditions
* Digestive tonic
* Urinary tract inflammation
* Antioxidant
* Anti-inflammatory
* Immune support

## **What can I use it for?**
Barberry is a wonderful diverse medicine that has many beneficial effects on our health. It is a highly nutritive plant medicine that is rich in vitamin C and trace minerals such as copper, zinc, and manganese, as well as antioxidant compounds.

A mouthwash made with barberry infusion may be used to promote good dental hygiene by reducing plaque and gingivitis. It has specific antibacterial properties that fight against bacteria associated with caries.

## **Traditional uses**
Barberry has played a prominent role in herbal medicine for more than 2,500 years. In European folk medicine it was used for nearly every gastrointestinal ailment, urinary tract and respiratory infection. It has been used as a bitter tonic and antipyretic to support the liver and help remove cold from the body.

It is known for its anti-arrhythmic and sedative effects in Iranian traditional medicine. The traditional Iranian system of medicine understands barberry to have cold, dry energetics. It is traditionally used to check diarrhoea, strengthen the stomach, liver, and heart, eliminate excess bile, relieve thirst and cool stomach heat and internal inflammations.

Berberis is also a famous Indigenous remedy. It is unequalled for normalizing liver secretions, and is an excellent tonic for the delicate and weak (especially children). It alleviates anemia and general malnutrition in just a few weeks. It regulates the digestive system, lessens the size of the spleen, and removes obstructions in the intestinal tract. It is undoubtedly a herb that should always be in stock.

Barberry is an excellent antibiotic, effective against a wide range of bacterial, fungal and viral organisms. It is also reported to be an immunostimulator, working against several tumour systems when tested in lab studies.

The Blackfoot Indians called it oti-to-gue and used the steeped, peeled dried root to check rectal hemorrhages, dysentery and stomach troubles. The bark of the root contains an alkaloid (berberine) that promotes bile secretion. When used with cayenne (the carrier) it will exhibit superior stimulatory effects on the liver. The alkaloid in the root also tends to dilate the blood vessels and thereby lower blood pressure.

A tincture of the root is helpful in urinary complaints, especially Herpes simplex. It is best to use ginger along with this tincture. The Blackfoot Indians would apply either fresh berries or an infusion of the root to open boils. The berries were also used for kidney troubles. Externally, the infused root was applied to wounds as an antiseptic. The root was also chewed and then applied for the same purpose. As horse medicine, the berries were soaked in water and the resulting juice was given to a coughing horse. Human body sores were also treated with an infusion of the root.

## **Going deeper**
It is both bitter and cooling. It is specific for heat and stagnation of fluids in the body. Its bitter action on the liver helps to eliminate toxins in the body. This mechanism is one way in which barberry may be helpful for skin conditions such as acne.

Herbalists often address the liver for skin inflammations - this is because the liver is the primary organ of blood detoxification. Where there is inflammation or heat coming out through the skin - it is often indicative of poor elimination or congestion in the liver which brings toxins or heat out through the surface (skin which is also an organ of elimination – sweat).

Barberry is a blood purifier that enables detoxification and promotes elimination. This action makes this plant cooling due to the reduction of toxins and inflammatory by-products in the circulation of the body.

## **Secondary actions**
* Anti-inflammatory
* Antimicrobial
* Antioxidant
* Antipyretic
* Antirheumatic
* Bitters
* Cholagogues and choleretics
* Depurative
* Hepatics
* Hepatoprotective
* Immunomodulants
* Laxatives
* Stomachic
* Vermifuge

## **What practitioners say**
Terry

**Digestive system**

Barberry is used for many conditions in the gastrointestinal tract. Most specifically for infective conditions such as amoebic dysentery and diarrhoea, inflammation and liver problems (11).

Barberry is considered a hepatic and hepatoprotective and stimulant is used in a number of liver and gallbladder problems, congestion, stones and biliousness. It promotes the flow of bile and aids in problems associated with sluggish liver function. It may be used by herbalists to treat jaundice, hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver. It both cleanses and regulates the liver function but its main action is as a liver tonic (8).

Barberry works especially for hepatic portal vein congestion which often correlates with a sluggish liver (12). This can sometimes correspond with varicosities in the body such as haemorrhoids due to the secondary effects of vascular congestion further up the digestive tract. Jaundice and constipation may be symptoms of such a picture.

Plants high in berberine are used as a stomachic and antimicrobial. Barberry may be used as part of a treatment for the active and recovery phases of gastric illness of either bacterial or viral nature.

The tart, red berries have been used for centuries to treat diarrhoea. Barberry fruit may also promote good dental hygiene by reducing plaque and gingivitis (8).

**Immune system**

Barberry has a number of uses for conditions of the immune system, particularly autoimmune and rheumatic conditions. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been shown to increase T- helper cell production (that play an important role in the adaptive immune system- the part of the immune system that eliminates pathogens or inhibits their growth) (4).

Barberry may be used in conjunction with immune moderating herbs and other nutritional interventions in fighting infections due to its antibacterial and anti-infective properties. Barberry has been shown to have anti-parasitic properties. It may be used alongside other vermifuges to fight intestinal parasites. This is likely due to the action of berberine (9). Usually, dietary changes are made during the treatment of parasites such as to reduce dietary sugars. This is because most parasites thrive on sugars.

Barberry is sometimes used for enlargement of the spleen and for spleen disorders. There are also a number of references for the traditional use of barberry in malaria and a protozoan infection called leishmaniasis (10, 12), including as a topical treatment for cutaneous infection (14). The combined actions of blood purification and improved liver and bile function will likely contribute to some of the actions of barberry in these types of infections.

**Urinary system**

Barberry’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions may be utilised in the recovery stages of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Barberry strengthens the urinary system and is useful in chronic reoccurring infections, which can be a sign of cystitis or weak tissues. Herbs and dietary changes are often required to fully address the problem of recurring UTI’s. A herbalist may use other herbs such as horsetail or cornsilk to address inflammation and tissue damage. High antioxidant herbs such as bilberry and barberry to protect against further tissue damage and infection.

It is important to note that barberry does not treat UTI’s alone. Urinary tract infections need to be addressed with care due to the potential for a secondary infection in the kidneys. Any lower back pain would usually indicate that the kidneys are affected. This should indicate the immediate need for medical attention.

A medical herbalist will be able to support through active stages of an infection as well as to improve recovery outcomes and lower the risks of reoccurrences. The holistic approach will usually address the root causes of reoccurring UTI’s with an integrated approach that may include dietary changes as well as herbs. It is always important to redress microfloral imbalances following UTI’s- particularly where there has been recurrent and chronic use of antibiotics.

**Cardiovascular system**

Barberry fruit is indicated in a number of cardiovascular conditions. It is a powerful blood purifier which works via its effects on the detox systems such as the liver. Berberine has shown many beneficial cardiovascular effects. It has a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action that supports cellular health in the endothelium (lining of the blood vessel cavities).

Barberry is used for the prevention of hypertension, tachyarrhythmia and to lower peripheral vascular resistance. It is also used in combination with other herbs and nutritional interventions to treat heart disease, including arrhythmia.

**Cellular and metabolic**

Barberry fruit helps to regulate blood sugar levels, as well as lower cholesterol levels, and reduce oxidative stress via its strong antioxidant action.

Barberry has also been shown to have a number of effects that make it a beneficial adjunct in the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and to improve pancreatic tissue health.

## **Constituents**
The root and stem of berberris contains the following compounds:

* Isoquinoline alkaloids; berberine, berbamine, jatrorrhizine, oxyberberine, palmatine, magnoflorine, oxyacanthine and others
* Chelidonic acid
* Gum and Resin
* Tannins
* Berlambine
* Hydroxycanthine
* Isocorydine
* Lupeol
* Oleanolic acid
* Steroids stigmasterol
* Stigmasterol glucoside

## **Safety**
Barberry is unsafe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Barberry should also not be used by children under the age of 12.

## **Interactions**
unknown

## **Plant parts used**
* Root
* Stem
* Fruit

## **Preparation**
* Food
* Tincture
* Infusion
* Decoction
* Capsules

## **Dosage**

Tincture (1:5 in 60%): Take between 1-2ml in a little water up to 3 times a day.

Decoction: To make a decoction place 1 teaspoon of dried material in one cup of cold water. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for between 15- 20 minutes, then strain. out the herb material.This should be drunk 3 times a day.

## **Formulas**

**Barberry Concentrate**
4 oz. Barberry bark
3 pints water (preferably distilled)
8 fl. oz. Glycerin

Soak the bark for one hour in a pint of water. Then boil the bark slowly, allowing it to evaporate until the water barely covers the bark. Strain the liquid through a cloth and set aside. Return the herb to the vessel and cover it with one quart of water and boil for fifteen to twenty minutes. Strain and mix the two quantities of liquid together. Place in a clean vessel and boil down to a concentrate of one pint. Remove from heat, add glycerin, cool and bottle. This preparation will keep a long time.

**Dosage:** With respect to the concentrate one tablespoon should be taken three times a day. For the infusion two to three tablespoons three to four times daily, for the tincture one teaspoon daily.

**Toxicity:** No overdose of this harmless herb is possible (although it may tend to give one diarrhea).

## **Sustainability**

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status barberry is classified as Least Concern in Europe due to its widespread distribution, presumed stable populations and no major threats (7).

Barberry is shade tolerant which allows it to easily invade woodlands. It is also an alternate host for wheat rust (Puccinia graminis) a fungal disease of cereal crops- which makes the control and removal of this invasive shrub of primary importance.

Barberry is a good substitute to the endangered species goldenseal. The two plants have similar actions and both contain berberine.

## **How to grow**

Barberry is a charming plant that in addition to providing character to a garden also hosts wildlife. Attention should be paid to control its growth and ensure that it does not escape the garden into natural habitats where it crowds-out and displaces beneficial native plants.

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@yoksel?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Yoksel 🌿 Zok</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/water-droplets-on-green-and-red-leaves-ncAJPDxi6yc?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>

Barberry bushes are best planted in full sun or partial shade. The leaves are susceptible to scorching so the warmer the growing zone, the more shade you should provide your plants. These robust plants can tolerate a variety of soil types, but ideally, they enjoy loamy, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.

Water newly-planted barberry regularly and well- especially during summer and over the first year whilst the roots are establishing. After this you should only need to water during prolonged dry spells. Barberry will not tolerate a very wet or waterlogged soil and may struggle in excessively dry conditions.

https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/barberry/

https://welcometoiran.com/zereshk-barberry/