Oregon Grape
Oregon grape is indigenous to North America and is cultivated in Europe. It was used in North America, well before the arrival of European settlers, to treat a variety of ailments. The medicinal components are obtained from rhizome and root. Physiologic activity stems from alkaloids berberine, berbamine, and oxyacanthine. Berberine and oxyacanthine have antibacterial properties. Berberine is active against amoebas and trypanosomes, and it has anticonvulsant, sedative, and uterine-stimulant properties. Berbamine and berberine may have anticancer activity. Berbamine has a hypotensive effect. Berbamine and oxyacanthine are potent lipoxygenase inhibitors. Oregon grape may also have anti-inflammatory and antifungal activity. It’s available in products such as Prime Relief.
Reported uses
Oregon grape is used topically to treat psoriasis, eczema, dry skin, rashes, acne, herpes, and skin eruptions. It’s also used orally to improve appetite and to treat general debility. and gall bladder disorers with associated nausea and vomiting. Oregon grape is used in small doses for ulcers, heartburn, diarrhea, and stomach problems, and for parasites and conjunctivitis. Larger doses have a cathartic effect.
Administration
- powder: Dosage is 0.5 to 1 g by mouth three times a day
- Tincture: Dosage is 2 to 4 ml by mouth three times a day
- Topical: Apply bark extract (10%) ointment to affected areas two or three times a day for psoriasis; massage root extract (10%) cream into affected areas three times a day or as directed by a health care provider.
Hazards
Oregon grape is safe in recommended dosages, although long-term use of standardized extracts shouldn’t exceed 2 weeks. Excessive use may lead to toxicity, poisoning, and possibly death.
Minor adverse effects of recommended dosage may include itching, burning, and skin irritation associated with topical use. The patient may experience an allergic reaction. Berberine may cause or worsen kidney irritation. When Oregon grape is used with other herbs containing berberine, including amur cork tree, bloodroot, celandine, Chinese corktree, Chinese goldthread, European barberry, golden seal, and goldthread, there is increased nsk of toxicity. Oregon grape may decrease the absorption of tetracyclines. Pregnant and breast-feeding women shouldn’t use Oregon grape. Patients hypersensitive to Oregon grape or to related plants shouldn’t use it.
Safety Risk Don’t confuse Oregon grape with European barberry (Berberis vulgaris).
Clinical considerations
- Oregon grape may interfere with bilirubin metabolism in infants.
- Oregon grape should be used with caution by patients with kidney problems.
- Tell patient not to use Oregon grape if she’s pregnant or breast-feeding.
- Advise patient that poisoning and death have resulted from excessive doses of berberine.
- Advise patient not to use Oregon grape longer than 2 weeks.
- Tell patient to store Oregon grape out of sunlight.
- 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 provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
The concepts behind the use of Oregon grape and the claims made regarding its effects haven’t yet been validated scientifically.
Simon Slade is an online auction enthusiast and entrepreneur. In his spare time, Mr. Slade enjoys hiking, sports and fitness.
Tagged under:european settlers gall bladder health care provider physiologic activity skin irritation skin rashes stimulant properties stomach problems uterine stimulant Posted by editor on April 8th, 2008 | Filed under Herbs
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