{"id":9821,"date":"2023-06-27T17:54:14","date_gmt":"2023-06-27T16:54:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=9821"},"modified":"2025-04-09T16:39:50","modified_gmt":"2025-04-09T15:39:50","slug":"barberry","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/barberry\/","title":{"rendered":"Barberry"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":9824,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"3d62c275-92c3-4e04-8eb1-1b3d584cb883","beyondwords_preview_token":"0a2d2f17-9931-4205-b3ef-59e599362076","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[1278],"conditions":[694,685,701,699,700,697],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[18,786],"western_action":[993,991,992,994,1132,996,1001,1004,1006,1013,1014,1015,1016,1021,1252],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1498,1382,1492],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-9821","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-antiseptic","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-skin","conditions-urinary-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","sense-cooling","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-anthelmintic","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antipyretic","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-bitter","western_action-cholagogue-and-choleretic","western_action-depurative","western_action-hepatic","western_action-hepatoprotective","western_action-immunomodulant","western_action-laxative","western_action-stomachic","western_action-vermifuge","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-toning","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20230627","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Barberry is used for conditions in the immune and urinary systems","latin_name":"Berberis vulgaris<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Berberidaceae","herb_summary":"Barberry is a diverse medicine that has been used for many thousands of years. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hypotensive effects and is used for conditions of the liver and gallbladder as well as for rheumatoid arthritis and urinary tract inflammation.","key_benefits":"Liver and gallbladder conditions\r\nDigestive tonic\r\nUrinary tract inflammation\r\nAntioxidant \r\nAnti-inflammatory\r\nImmune support","how_does_it_feel":"Barberry root is extremely bitter with earthy notes. Whereas the fruit is sour with sweet notes and a delicate hibiscus flavour<\/span>.<\/span>","hdif_image_1":9827,"hdif_image_2":9825,"hdif_image_3":9824,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=93VsAcphyFo","sense":[18,786],"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.\r\n\r\nA 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.","into_the_heart_of":"\"barberry\"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 (16).\r\n\r\nHerbalists 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).\r\n\r\nBarberry 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.","tradtional_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.\r\n\r\nIt 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<\/a>, strengthen the stomach, liver, and heart, eliminate excess bile, relieve thirst and cool stomach heat and internal inflammations (14).","what_practioners_say":"\"barberryBarberry has a number of actions that support systemic health. It reduces inflammation, moderating the immune function as well as supporting cardiovascular function, liver function and detoxification. This makes it an excellent herb for debility during convalescence. Although sometimes barberry fruit is used as medicine, the majority of uses discussed below relate to the use of the root and bark unless stated otherwise.\r\n

Digestive system<\/h3>\r\nBarberry 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).\r\n\r\nBarberry 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).\r\n\r\nBarberry 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.\r\n\r\nPlants 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.\r\n\r\nThe 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).\r\n

Immune system<\/h3>\r\nBarberry 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).\r\n\r\nBarberry 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.\r\n\r\nBarberry 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.\r\n

\"barberry<\/strong>Urinary system<\/h3>\r\nBarberry\u2019s 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\u2019s. A herbalist may use other herbs such as horsetail or cornsilk<\/a> to address inflammation and tissue damage. High antioxidant herbs such as bilberry and barberry to protect against further tissue damage and infection.\r\n\r\nIt is important to note that barberry does not treat UTI\u2019s 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.\r\n\r\nA 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\u2019s with an integrated approach that may include dietary changes as well as herbs. It is always important to redress microfloral imbalances following UTI\u2019s- particularly where there has been recurrent and chronic use of antibiotics.\r\n

Cardiovascular system<\/h3>\r\nBarberry 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 (14). 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) (8).\r\n\r\nBarberry 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 (8).\r\n

Cellular and metabolic<\/h3>\r\nBarberry fruit helps to regulate blood sugar levels, as well as lower cholesterol levels, and reduce oxidative stress via its strong antioxidant action (8).\r\n\r\nBarberry 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 (14).","research":"\"barberryThere are many promising studies on barberry including some excellent clinical trials on opiate withdrawal, immune function and rheumatoid arthritis. A number of clinical reviews have also been included below.\r\n\r\nBarberry root contains the bioactive alkaloid berberine and may provide anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, and lipid lowering effects.\r\n\r\nBerberine is an active compound in barberry which is also bactericidal, amoebicidal and fungicidal. It has some antiepileptic, uterine stimulant and hypotensive effects and is slightly sedative, as are jatrorrhizine and palmatine (17).\r\n

Antibiotic resistance<\/h3>\r\nAntibiotics have been overused and as a result, bacteria are evolving more rapidly than we can develop new medicines, leading to increased resistance and decreased efficacy. Berberine from barberry has been shown to support and enhance the efficacy of antibiotics against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections (MRSA), and therefore can offer support for the antibiotics crisis (12).\r\n

Clinical reviews of barberry<\/h3>\r\nA clinical review was carried out to investigate the therapeutic effects of barberry and its constituents, particularly berberine- an alkaloid. The review analysed the results of 77 clinical studies on human subjects that suggested a wide range of therapeutic applications.\r\n\r\nLipid-lowering and insulin-resistance improving actions are the most studied properties of berberine in numerous randomised clinical trials as well as cardiovascular, anticancer, gastrointestinal, CNS and endocrine effects. Berberine has very low toxicity in usual doses and reveals clinical benefits without major side effects apart from rare incidence of mild gastrointestinal reactions in a small number of patients (1). It must be noted that in a herbalist's extract of barberry it will contain both berberine as well as hundreds of other molecules that work in synergy, but this study was on berberine alone.\r\n\r\nAnother clinical review discusses further diversity of barberry\u2019s pharmacological effects. Both pharmacological and clinical studies on Berberis vulgaris and berberine were assessed with over 1200 new articles studying the properties and clinical uses. Barberry has been studied for treating tumours, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, bacterial and viral infections, cerebral ischemia trauma, mental disease, Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis.\r\n\r\nFurther studies suggest that barberry has beneficial effects on both the cardiovascular and nervous systems suggesting a potential use for the treatment of hypertension, tachycardia and some neuronal disorders, such as epilepsy and convulsions (3).\r\n

\"barberry<\/strong>Inflammation<\/h3>\r\nA clinical trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of short-term barberry juice supplementation on the response of immunoglobulin A, G and M and cortisol in active female participants following exhaustive exercise activity. 20 healthy young women aged between 23- 25 years were randomly divided into two experimental groups. The first group received 250 ml barberry juice and did exhausting activity. The control group received 250 ml placebo and did exhausting activity.\r\n\r\nAfter two weeks of supplementation, both groups carried out an exercise activity on the treadmill until they reached maximum exertion. Humoral immune variables were measured in similar conditions in three stages; pre-test, after two weeks of supplementation and after the exhaustive test.\r\n\r\nThe results showed that levels of immunoglobulin A and M after acute exhaustive activity were significantly higher than the control group in the experimental group, whereas in the experimental group cortisol values were significantly lower than the control group.\r\nThe study concludes that these positive results show that consumption of barberry juice for two weeks increases immune function reduces the effects of acute exhausting activity on the immune system in active women (6).\r\n

Opiate withdrawal<\/h3>\r\nA double-blind clinical trial was carried out to ascertain the effect of dried barberry root on the symptoms of opiate withdrawal syndrome in patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy. The aim of the study was to reduce the daily dose of methadone and thus reduce its side effects. Subjects included were clients referred to addiction treatment centres. 40 subjects were randomly assigned in two groups of 20.\r\n\r\nThe intervention group was treated with methadone syrup and barberry capsules and the control group received methadone and placebo syrup for a period of 2 months. The findings of the study showed that there was a significant difference between the effectiveness of barberry compared with placebo on pain, diarrhoea, temptation, nasal congestion caused by drug withdrawal. No significant difference was seen between the two groups on anorexia induced cracks. The study concludes that barberry extract can be complementary to methadone on helping to reduce the symptoms of a withdrawal syndrome (5).","did_you_know":"Barberry grows invasively in many non-native countries. The fruit has a tart flavour and it is often made into jellies and jams. A popular dish in Iran is zereshk polow ba morgh, a rice dish with barberries and raisins.","additional_information_right":{"illustration":10263},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"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.\r\n\r\nIt 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. \r\n\r\nFlowering occurs in May to June.\r\nBerries are red ellipsoids which are less than 10 mm in length and contain 1-3 small black seeds.","common_names":"