PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS BARBERRY/61

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Baneberry is used as an emetic and

purgative.

Homeopathic Uses: The drug is used in homeopathy for

w/ rheumatic conditions, especially those of the smaller joints.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: In homeopathy, Baneberry is

available as dilutions of the mother tincture.

LITERATURE

Fardella G, Corsano St, Preliminary study on actein

biosynthesis. In: Ann Chim(Rom)63:333-337. 1973.

Frohne D, Pfander HJ, Giftpflanzen - Ein Handbuch fiir

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

Ges Stuttgart 1997.

Jfr Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der
Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. Aufl., Bde. I-8, Springer Verlag
Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.

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

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Nikonow GK, Syrkina SA, Chemische Untersuchungen der

aktiven Prinzipien von Actaea spicata L. In: Pharm Zentralhalle

103(8):60l. 1964.

Banisteriopsis caapi

See Yage

Baptisia tinctoria

See Wild Indigo

Barberry

Berberis vulgaris

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the fruit and the root

bark.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are 5 to 7 cm long in yellow,

dense, hanging clusters. The 6 sepals are yellow and the 6

petals have orange-colored honey glands at the base. The 6

stamens burst open at the side. The ovary is superior with a

flat stigma. The edible fruit is a bright scarlet, oblong-

cylindrical berry, 10 to 12 mm long and 6 mm thick. The

exocarp is membranous-coriaceous. There are usually 2

seeds.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Barberry is a deciduous, heavily

branched, thorny bush up to 2 m high. The thorny branches

are angular, deeply grooved, initially brownish yellow, later

more white-gray. The thorns are 1 to 2 cm long and stick out

horizontally. The leaves are in bunches and are obovate to

elliptoid, 2 to 4 cm long and narrow. They are dark green

and reticulate, the margin is dentate.

Characteristics: The flowers have a repulsive smell; the

stamens lie on the carpels at the slightest touch. The flesh of

the fruit is juicy and sour.

Habitat: Europe, northern Africa, parts of America and

central Asia.

Production: Barberries are the ripe fruit of Berberis vulgaris.

Barberry root bark or berberis bark is the dried root bark of

Berberis vulgaris. Berberis aqui folium is a closely-related

American variety that is often used in commercially avail-

able Oregon Grape products.

Not to be Confused With: There is a possiblity of confusion

with the fruits of other berberidis types. The commercial

drug often consists of admixtures; between 15% and 50% of

branch and trunk bark.

Other Names: Berberry, Pipperidge, Jaundice Berry, Sow

Berry, Mountain Grape, Oregon Grape

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS: BARBERRY FRUIT

Isoquinoline alkaloids (at the most, traces)

Anthocyans

Chlorogenic acid

Malic acid, acetic acid

EFFECTS: BARBERRY ROOT BARK

Source of vitamin C. In various metabolic processes, vitamin

C increases immune system activity, stimulates iron absorp-

tion, and prevents scurvy. There is a mild diuretic effect due

to the acid content.

COMPOUNDS: BARBERRY ROOT BARK

Isoquinoline alkaloids: in particular berberine, berbamine,

oxyacanthin, further to include columbamine, palmatine,

jatrorrhizine, magnoflorine.