Barberry, also called Oregon grape or berberis, is a wild plant that originated in Europe and is mostly found in the northwestern areas of the United States or Canada. A flowering shrub that produces berries, barberry has medicinal properties that are still being explored and studied today. Only the roots, bark and berries are used for medicinal purposes. Before using barberry, consult your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.
Historical Uses
Barberry has been used medicinally for over 2,500 years. Indian folk medicine has used it to help relieve diarrhea, fever and upset stomach and improve appetite, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In Iran it is often used for gallbladder disease and heartburn. This herb has the chemical berberine, which has shown antibacterial and immune-boosting properties. Barberry extract may be helpful in treating hypertension or neurological disorders like epilepsy because of its beneficial effects on the heart and neural system, but more research in these areas is necessary.
Infections
Barberry is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, states Drugs.com. This herb has been used for acne, eczema and yeast infections. The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that barberry can also help treat urinary, gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. Diarrhea may be eased by barberry, due to the astringent properties of the herb that can kill intestinal bacteria. If bacterial diarrhea is diagnosed, barberry should be used in conjunction with traditional antibiotics, if approved by your doctor, says the University of Maryland.
Cancer
Barberry may be helpful in preventing or treating certain kinds of cancer, due to its antioxidant properties. A 2010 article by J. B. Kim, published in "Phytomedicine," describes the possible inhibitory effects of barberry on certain kinds of breast cancer cells. Baptist Health Systems states that barberry has also helped reduce damage to the lungs when an individual receives radiation for lung cancer. This herb was found to have protective effects against tongue cancer in a study performed by Y. T. Ho, et al. in 2009 and published in "Phytomedicine."
Considerations
Barberry has the potential to interact with a variety of medications, so if you are considering using this herb for medicinal purposes, check with your doctor first. The University of Maryland states that barberry may interact with drugs like antibiotics, anticoagulants, blood pressure drugs and diabetes medications, among others. This supplement may stimulate muscles in the uterus, causing them to contract, so pregnant women should not consume this herb.
References
- Drugs.com: Barberry Information
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Barberry
- "Phytomedicine"; The Alkaloid Berberine Inhibits the Growth of Anoikis-Resistant MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cell Lines by Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest; J. B. Kim, et al.; May 2010
- Baptist Health Systems: Barberry
- "Phytomedicine"; Berberine Inhibits Human Tongue Squamous Carcinoma Cancer Tumor Growth in a Murine Xenograft Model; Y. T. Ho, et al.; September 2009
