Berberis

Berberis (/ˈbɜrbərɪs/) is a large genus of deciduous and evergreen shrubs from 1–5 m (3.3–16.4 ft) tall
 found throughout the temperate and subtropical regions of the world (apart from Australia). Species diversity is greatest in South America, Africa and Asia; Europe and North America have native species as well. The most well-known Berberis species is the so-called European barberry, Berberis vulgaris, which is common in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and central Asia. Many of the species have spines on the shoots and along the margins of the leaves

Description

The genus Berberis is characterised by dimorphic shoots, with long shoots which form the structure of the plant, and short shoots only 1–2 mm (0.039–0.079 in) long. The leaves on long shoots are non-photosynthetic, developed into three-spined thorns 3–30 mm (0.12–1.18 in) long; the bud in the axil of each thorn-leaf then develops a short shoot with several normal, photosynthetic leaves. These leaves are 1–10 cm (0.39–3.94 in) long, simple, and either entire, or with spiny margins. Only on young seedlings do leaves develop on the long shoots, with the adult foliage style developing after the young plant is 1–2 years old.

Many deciduous species, such as Berberis thunbergii or B. vulgaris, are noted for their attractive pink or red autumn color. In some evergreen species from China, such as B. candidula or B. verruculosa, the leaves are brilliant white beneath, a feature valued horticulturally. Some horticultural variants of B. thunbergii have dark red to violet foliage.

The flowers are produced singly or in racemes of up to 20 on a single flower-head. They are yellow or orange, 3–6 mm (0.12–0.24 in) long, with six sepals and six petals in alternating whorls of three, the sepals usually colored like the petals. The fruit is a small berry 5–15 mm (0.20–0.59 in) long, ripening red or dark blue, often with a pink or violet waxy surface bloom; in some species, they may be either long and narrow, but are spherical in other species.

Some authors regard the compound-leaved species as a separate genus, Mahonia. Mahonia and Berberis sensu stricto are best regarded as one genus. There are no consistent differences between the two groups other than the compound leaves, and studies suggest that the simple-leaved group is very likely polyphyletic

Berberis vulgaris herb health benefit plant
Berberis vulgaris, also known as barberry, has been used in the Middle East, Europe, China, and India for healing purposes. For medicinal purposes, Berberis vulgaris has been studied in terms of its fruit and also in terms of its root. When evaluating research studies with Berberis vulgaris, it is important to note the distinction between fruit extract and root extract. Often Berberis vulgaris is mentioned without making a distinction between the fruit and the root. The Berberis vulgaris root has a yellow color which indicates content of berbamine and berberine. Berberine is isolated as a main alkaloid from the roots and bark of Berberis vulgaris.

The Berberis plant

Berberis vulgaris is a shrub growing up to 8 feet in height common to most areas of temperate Europe and the Northeastern regions of the United States. It produces a fruit (Fructis Berberidis) that can be harvested in early autumn.

Berberis chemicals
Substances in the Berberis vulgaris plant include carbohydrates, organic acids, some vitamins, poliphenolic compounds, pectin, tannin, and minerals, jatrorrhizine, palmatine. Berberis vulgaris also has berbamine and  berberine. Berberine is a plant alkaloid with a long history of medicinal use in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It is present in Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), Coptis chinensis (Coptis or goldenthread), Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape), Berberis vulgaris (Berberis vulgaris), and Berberis aristata (tree turmeric). The berberine alkaloid can be found in the roots, rhizomes, and stem bark of the plants.

Berberis health benefit
Extracts from Berberis vulgaris fruit appear to have natural antihistamine and anti-allergy potential. See allergy for a list of herbs and nutrients that could potentially be helpful in reducing allergy symptoms.

Extract of Berberis vulgaris herb may have beneficial effects on both the cardiovascular and neural system suggesting a potential use for treatment of hypertension, tachycardia and some neuronal disorders, such as epilepsy and convulsion. Traditionally Berberis vulgaris has been used for liver and gastrointestinal disorders along with anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activity.
 Berberis vulgaris fruit extract has anti-hypertensive potential.

Dosage and Administration:

Barberry is not recommended for children as there has not been enough research on the plant to warrant any form of dosing information. For adults, it can be used in many different ways and in variety of forms such as a tisane, dried herb, tablet, tincture or capsule.

As a tea: Whole or crushed berries that are steeped in 2/3 cups of boiling water for 10-15 minutes is the preferred method of administration. 2 to 4 grams of dried root or 1 to 2 tsp can also be used.

As a tincture: ½ to 1-1/2 tsp. or 250 to 500 milligrams of dry extract three times daily.

As an ointment: 10% barberry extract applied to the skin three times a day.

The dosage and method of delivery will depend on the condition being treated. Some conditions, like digestive problems, benefit from ingestion of the herb, while skin conditions may benefit more from the topical application of a salve. A doctor or herbalist can give the best advice on dosage.

Potential Side Effects of Barberry

As with other herbs containing berberine, barberry should not be used by pregnant women because it is a uterine stimulant. No studies have been done on the safety of barberry in nursing women and therefore it is probably best to avoid using barberry while nursing.

Used in appropriate doses, barberry has no reported side effects. In excessive doses it may cause nosebleed, diarrhea and vomiting. It may also cause kidney problems. Pain during urination, blood in the urine and low back pain are symptoms of kidney problems and should be reported to a doctor immediately.

Barberry may interact with other medications, so it is important for patients to advise their doctor if they are taking barberry. Patients who are under the care of a doctor and taking prescribed medications should not take barberry until they have discussed it with their doctor. Before taking barberry as a remedy, patients should discuss the medical condition and therapeutic benefits with a doctor or herbalist.