Berberis vulgaris

 

Berberis vulgaris [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://koval.hr/blogeky/ljekovite%20biljke/zutika.html

Common name: 
Barberry 
(Bone, 2003, p. 88)

Latin binomial:
Berberis vulgaris
(Bone, 2003, p. 88)

Family: 
Berberidaceae 
(Bone, 2003, p. 88)

Parts used:
Bark of root or stem
(Bone, 2003, p. 88)

Active contituents:

• Isoquinoline Alkaloids -Berberine (bitter, antimicrobial)
• Oyacanthine
• Columbamine
• Chelidonic acid 
• Tannins

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 172)

Actions:

• Antimicrobial
• Antifungal
• Antiseptic
• Antiparasitic
• Cholagogue
• Choleretic
• Bitter tonic
• Mild Laxative
• Antiemetic
• Hepatic stimulant 

(Bone, 2003, p. 88).

Indications:

• GIT infection
• Dyspepsia, esp with history of infection, Gallbladder and biliary infections
• Exposure to drugs, chemicals, alcohol, industrial pollutants
• IBD, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Dx, Jaundice (not neonates)
• Constipation
• Hepatitis
• Traditional – blood cleanser, BHP specific Gallstones

(Bone, 2003, p. 88).

Contraindications: 
Berberine containing plants should not be taken during pregnancy – (uterine stimulant) or lactation Jaundiced neonates (new born infant)
(Bone, 2003, p. 88).

Cautions:
None required
(Bone, 2003, p. 88).

Dosage:

• Liquid extract 3 - 6ml of 1:2 liquid extract / day 20 - 40ml of 1:2 liquid extract / week 
• Dried Herb Equivalent (decoction) 3 - 6grams dried bark / day.

(Bone, 2003, p. 88).

Combinations: 
In gall bladder diseases it combines well with Fringe tree bark and black root

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 172)

References:

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.