What is Barberry? Herbal Remedies for Fighting Infections

Barberry has a long history and has been prominent in herbal medicine for over 2500 years. It was used in Egypt to prevent plague, in India for dysentery and in Europe for liver disease and jaundice. Russian healers used it to treat high blood pressure and skin inflammations. Modern herbalists are still using barberry for many of the same ailments and studies are showing promising new uses for berberine – the active component of the herb.

Barberry is a large, perennial, shrub-like plant with smooth gray bark and long spines. It grows up to ten feet tall and produces clusters of yellow flowers in the spring. It also produces tart, edible berries.

Barberry is most known for its ability to fight a variety of different infections. Studies have shown that berberine kills microbes that cause Staph infections (staphylococcus and streptococcus), diarrhea, dysentary, urinary tract infections(E coli), and vaginal yeast infections(candida). Barberry also fights infection by stimulating the immune system. It activates the white blood cells that destroy harmful bacteria.

In modern times, studies have shown barberry to be effective in shrinking some tumors. It's anti-inflammatory properties also show promise in treating arthritis.

Perhaps most notable is the research that shown berberine to be effective in treating lung cancer. A 2009 National Institutes of Health study¹ examined the effects of berberine on non-small cell human lung cancer cells. The results showed “inhibition of cell proliferation and an increase in apoptotic cell death” In other words, berberine reduced the reproduction rate of cancer cells and also caused the cancerous cells to self-destruct. Berberine was also shown in another study to kill pancreatic cancer cells.

Barberry is available in capsules, tinctures, and topical ointments. Teas can be made from the dried roots only.

Barberry is a very strong herb and should be used with caution. Berberine can cause uterine contractions so it should not be used by pregnant or nursing women. In large doses, barberry can have serious side-effects including nausea, vomiting, large drops in blood pressure, and depressed heart rate. It should not be given to children and should be used in low doses only for the elderly. Those with chronic respiratory conditions or heart disease should never use this herb without consulting with a doctor first because of the risks for serious side-effects. Barberry can increase the effects of certain high blood pressure medications.

¹ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18459128