Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and it has been used traditionally in various cultures for its medicinal properties. 

The plant contains alkaloids, particularly berberine, which is responsible for many of its health benefits. 

Barberry bark naturally contains around 5 % of berberine.

Here are some of the traditional uses, properties, and benefits of barberry herbs:

1. Anti-inflammatory: Barberry has been used traditionally to help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. It may be particularly effective in cases of arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions.
2. Antimicrobial: The berberine in barberry has antimicrobial properties, which may help fight bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. It has been used traditionally to treat conditions such as diarrhea, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal infections.
3. Antioxidant: Barberry is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against free radicals and oxidative stress. This may support overall health and help prevent chronic diseases.
4. Digestive health: Barberry has been used traditionally to improve digestion, stimulate the production of bile, and alleviate problems such as indigestion, bloating, and constipation.
5. Immune support: Some studies suggest that barberry may help boost the immune system and enhance the body's natural defenses against infections and diseases.
6. Heart health: Barberry has been used traditionally to support heart health by regulating blood pressure, improving blood circulation, and reducing the risk of heart-related conditions.
7. Liver health: The berberine in barberry may help protect the liver from damage and improve its function. It has been used traditionally to treat liver disorders and promote detoxification.
8. Blood sugar regulation: Barberry may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it potentially useful for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
9. Eye health: Barberry has been traditionally used to treat eye infections and inflammation, and may help improve overall eye health.

It's important to note that while there is scientific evidence supporting some of the traditional uses of barberry, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety. 

As with any herbal supplement, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using barberry, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have any existing health conditions.

Source : http://www.wikiphyto.org/wiki/Epine-vinette

Reference on http://www.wikiphyto.org

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plant name

Barberry, Small vine , barberry

International Latin denomination

Berberis vulgaris L.

botanical family

Berberidaceae

Description and habitat

• Bushy, thorny shrub, up to 2 m tall, common in limestone soils in France, central and southern Europe, western Asia
• Leathery, finely toothed light green leaves
• Yellow flowers in small hanging clusters, the fruits are ovoid red berries

History and tradition

• Used as a febrifuge in ancient Egypt
• Intermediate host of wheat rust agent (caused by a fungus, Puccinia graminis ), it has been subject to constant elimination in nature
• Signature medicine: the inner bark of the twigs is yellow like bile (color of berberine )

Parts used

• Root, leaves, fruit

Dosage forms available

• Root bark tincture

Usual dosages

Composition

Main components of the plant

• Isoquinoline alkaloids (2-3% in the root): berberine , berbamine , palmatine , magnoflorine
• Oxyacanthine ( bisbenzyltetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid )

Main components of buds or young shoots

Main components of essential oil

Properties

Plant properties

• bitter tonic
• Berberine is anti -amoebic and antibacterial
• Anti-hypertensive potentialities ( magnolflorine , berbamine , oxyacanthine ) [1]
• Anti-arrhythmic, sedative [2]
• Antihistamine and anticholinergic activity [3]
• Cholagogue and choleretic, spasmolytic
• Liver protector, inhibits lipid peroxidation [4]
• Oxyacanthine ( alkaloid ) has the property of stimulating salivary secretion
• Cytostatic and cytotoxic
• The edible berries are astringent and healing, vermifuge

Bud properties

Properties of essential oil

Directions

Indications of the whole plant (phytotherapy)

• Attention, only in dilutions and on short time
• Cholelithiasis and nephrolithiasis
• Biliary dyskinesias
• Amoebic dysentery
• High blood pressure
• Homeopathic indications: [5]
  • Kidney and bladder stones, hepatic colic
  • Gout, joint pain in hyperuricemics, lower back pain with stiffness, erratic pain
  • Dry dermatoses, eczema, psoriasis

Indications of the bud (gemmotherapy)

Specific indications of essential oil (aromatherapy)

Known or suspected mode of action

• Berberine is antibacterial and anti-amoebic, antioxidant, hepatic protector
• Magnolflorine , oxyacanthine and berbamine are hypotensive

Usual formulations

Regulations

• French Pharmacopoeia list A (root bark)

Possible side effects and precautions for use

• Toxic by all organs
• No prolonged use (cytostatic and cytotoxic)

Bibliographic references

1. Aller↑ Fatehi-Hassanabad Z, Jafarzadeh M, Tarhini A, Fatehi M. The antihypertensive and vasodilator effects of aqueous extract from Berberis vulgaris fruit on hypertensive rats. Phytother Res. 2005 Mar;19(3):222-5. PMID 15934023
2. Aller↑ Fatehi M, Saleh TM, Fatehi-Hassanabad Z, Farrokhfal K, Jafarzadeh M, Davodi S. A pharmacological study on Berberis vulgaris fruit extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Oct 31;102(1):46-52. PMID 15993555
3. Aller↑ Shamsa F, Ahmadiani A, Khosrokhavar R. Antihistaminic and anticholinergic activity of barberry fruit (Berberis vulgaris) in the guinea-pig ileum. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Feb;64(2):161-6. PMID 10197751
4. Aller↑ Abd El-Wahab AE, Ghareeb DA, Sarhan EE, Abu-Serie MM, El Demellawy MA. In vitro biological assessment of berberis vulgaris and its active constituent, berberine: antioxidants, anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-diabetic and anticancer effects. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013, 13:218 (5 September 2013) Abstract Provisional PDF
5. Aller↑ Guermonprez, Pinkas, Torck. Homeopathic Materia Medica. Ed. Doin. Paris. 1985, Boiron reissue. 1997.

• Nina Ivanovska, Stefan Philipov. Study on the anti-inflammatory action of Berberis vulgaris root extract, alkaloid fractions and pure alkaloids. International Journal of Immunopharmacology, Volume 18, Issue 10, October 1996, Pages 553-561
• L. Iauk, R. Costanzo, F. Caccamo, A. Rapisarda, R. Musumeci, I. Milazzo, G. Blandino. Activity of Berberis aetnensis root extracts on Candida strains. Fitoterapia, Volume 78, Issue 2, February 2007, Pages 159-161
• Mohammad Fatehi, Tarek M. Saleh, Zahra Fatehi-Hassanabad, Khadige Farrokhfal, Mostafa Jafarzadeh, Samaneh Davodi. A pharmacological study on Berberis vulgaris fruit extract. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 102, Issue 1, 31 October 2005, Pages 46-52
• Imanshahidi M, Hosseinzadeh H. Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Berberis vulgaris and its active constituent, berberine. Phytother Res. 2008 Aug;22(8):999-1012. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2399. PMID 18618524

Store in a cool, dry place, away from light. Keep tightly closed, away from the reach of Children and pets.

Do not exceed the daily dose.

This product is not intended to prevent or cure any form of illness or disease.
 

If you are pregnant or nursing ; If you have a medical condition or are in the course of medical treatment ; If you are programmed for theater/operation in the near future, please consult your healthcare practitioner before using this product.

This product cannot replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

This product has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use.

For More Information please check our General Safety Herbal products Page