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Barberry

Barberry contains isoquinolone alkaloids in the root and bark, including the widely studied alkaloid berberine. It’s a Source of vitamin C and is available as liquid extract, tablets, and tea.

Benefits And Uses of Barberry

Berberine is effective in managing bacterial induced diarrhea. In small doses, it stimulates the respiratory system. Barberry is also believed to stimulate the immune system, increase iron absorption, and act as a mild diuretic.

Barberry is used to dilate blood vessels and stimulate the circulatory system, to treat GI ailments, and to relieve or reduce fever. It may be beneficial as a bactericidal and for cholera induced diarrhea, to stimulate uterine contractions, and for its laxative effects.

Administration

• Dried root: 2 to 4 g by mouth .
• Fluid extract (1:1): 2 to 4 ml by mouth . Solid (powdered dry) extract (4: 1) or 8% to 12% alkaloid content: 250 to 500 mg by mouth .
• Tea (1 to 2 teaspoons whole or crushed barberries steeped 10 to 15 minutes in 5 oz of hot water): 2 to 4 g by mouth or 2 g in 8 oz of water .
• Tincture (1:5): 6 to 12 ml by mouth . Tincture (1:10): 20 to 40 gtt by mouth every day.
• For cholera-induced diarrhea: 100 mg of berberine by mouth four times a day or 400 mg by mouth every day, alone or with tetracycline; 500 mg maximum daily dose.

Side Effects of Barberry

Adverse effects of barberry may includestupor, lethargy, hypotension, epistaxis, eye irritation, diarrhea, nephritis, dyspnea, and skin irritation. Barberry may potentiate the effects of antihypertensive drugs. Pregnant women should avoid use of barberry because it may stimulate uterine contractions. Patients with heart failure and those with respiratory diseases should use barberry with caution.

Clinical considerations

• Patient using barberry to treat diarrhea should be monitored to ensure the therapy is working.
• Ingestion of berberine in doses exceeding 500 mg can produce lethargy, nosebleed, dyspnea, and skin and eye irritation.
• Advise female patient to avoid use during pregnancy and to discontinue use if she becomes pregnant during barberry therapy.
• If patient is taking an antihypertensive, advise him to contact his health care provider before taking barberry.
• Caution patient that barberry may be useful in treating bacteria induced diarrhea only, so he shouldn’t delay seeking appropriate medical evaluation for persistent diarrhea or diarrhea of unknown cause.
• Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription .
• Advise patient to consult his health care provide before using an herbal preparation because efficacy may be available.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of barberry and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.

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