A spiny European shrub whose root, bark, and red berries have been used in medicine since ancient Egyptian times. Like goldenseal and Oregon grape, barberry contains berberine — the bright yellow alkaloid behind most of its activity. More sustainable than goldenseal and traditionally used for digestive, liver, and metabolic complaints across European, Persian, and Indian medicine.

Bitter digestive support — stimulates bile flow and digestive secretions
Berberine is increasingly studied for healthy blood sugar and cholesterol balance, with growing modern research
Antimicrobial action from berberine — active against bacteria, fungi, and parasites in laboratory studies
Traditional use for liver and gallbladder support
The red berries are tart and rich in vitamin C — used as a culinary spice in Persian cuisine
More sustainable berberine source than the over-harvested goldenseal

Skip during pregnancy — berberine can cross the placenta and may cause newborn jaundice

Skip during nursing — berberine can transfer to infants and cause kernicterus

Skip in infants and small children

Berberine interacts with many medications by affecting how the liver metabolizes them — caution with prescription drugs in general

Use caution with diabetes medication — may lower blood sugar further

Use caution with blood pressure medications

Use caution with antibiotics — berberine has its own antimicrobial activity

Limit continuous use to a few weeks

EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro · Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro

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