PDR for Herbal Medicines

62/BARBERRY PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

EFFECTS: BARBERRY ROOT BARK

Cardiovascular effect: Fractions from the root extracts,

which contain 80% berberine and other alkaloids, have been

shown to reduce the blood pressure of cats for several hours.

With varying doses, both positive and negative inotropic

effects on the cats' hearts were recorded.

Cholagogue effect: A homeopathic mother tincture increased

the bile flow in guinea pigs by an average of 20%. An extract

with 80% berberine and additional alkaloids stimulated the

bile excretion of rats by 72%.

Antipyretic effect: Aqueous tinctures have an anti-febrile

effect on a feverish rabbit.

Antibiotic effect

Stimulation of intestinal peristalsis

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

BARBERRY FRUIT

Unproven uses: Decoction or alcoholic extract for lung,

spleen and liver diseases. Jam or wine made from the fresh

berries can relieve constipation and stimulate the appetite.

Alcoholic extracts have been used for heartburn and stomach

cramps. Extracts have also been used for susceptibility to

infection, feverish colds, and diseases of the urinary tract.

Used in the pharmaceutical industry as a syrup for masking

flavor.

BARBERRY ROOT BARK
Unproven uses: Barberry has been used for opium or
morphine withdrawal. In folk medicine, the bark is used for
liver malfunctions, gallbladder disease, jaundice, splenopa-
thy, indigestion, diarrhea, tuberculosis, piles, renal disease,
urinary tract disorders, gout, rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago,
malaria, and leishmaniasis.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
BARBERRY FRUIT AND ROOT BARK
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages.
OVERDOSAGE
BARBERRY ROOT BARK
Dosages over 4 mg will bring about light stupor, nosebleeds,
vomiting, diarrhea and kidney irritation. The treatment for
poisonings is to be carried out symptomatically.
DOSAGE
BARBERRY FRUIT
Mode of Administration: Barberry is used internally in tea
mixtures and combination preparations.

Preparation: To prepare a tea infusion, pour approximately
150 ml of hot water into 1 to 2 teaspoons of whole or
squashed Barberries and strain after 10 to 15 minutes. |

BARBERRY ROOT BARK

How Supplied:

Liquid—1:1, 1:5

Tea

Preparation: A tincture 1:10 is prepared according to the

German Pharmacopeia 10th ed.

To extract the pure alkaloids from berberis roots, use 0.3%

sulphuric acid mixed with 10% sodium chloride. The

precipitated berberine hydrochloride is washed with mildly

hydrochloric water and dried. It is then dissolved in water

(pH 8) and filtered. The filtrate is heated to 70° C and set to

pH 2.0 using hydrochloric acid. The precipitate of pure

berberine hydrochloride is then washed and dried.

Daily Dosage: The dosage of the infusion is 2 g in 250 ml

water, to be sipped. The tincture dosage is 20 to 40 drops

daily.

LITERATURE

Andronescu E et al., (1973) Clujul. Med 46: 627.

Chen MQ et al., (1965) Acta Pharm Sinica 12 (3): 185.

Cordell GA, Farnsworth NR, (1977) Lloydia 40: 1.

Ikram M, (1975) Planta Med 28: 253.

Lahiri SC et al., (1958) Ann Biochem Exp Med India 18: 95.

Liu CX et al., (1979) Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs

Communications 9: 36.

Naidovich LP et al., (1976) Farmatsiya 24: 33.

Subbaiah TV, Amin AH, (1967) Nature 215: 527.

Ubebaba K et al., (1984) Jpn J Pharmacol 36 (Suppl): 352.

Willaman JJ, Hui-Li L, (1970) Lloydia 33 (3A): 1.

Further information in:

Frohne D, Pfander HJ, Giftpflanzen - Ein Handbuch fur

Apotheker, Toxikologen und Biologen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlags-

Ges Stuttgart 1997.

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-

1994.

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,

4. Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
   Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,
   Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.
   Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und
   pflanzliche Homoopathika, Fischer-Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, New
   York 1995.