GUT HEALTH

Oregon Grape

Mahonia aquifolium

also known as Oregon grape root

Moderate (topical psoriasis)

A holly-leaved Pacific Northwest shrub, not actually a grape but a relative of barberry. Its bright yellow root is rich in berberine — the same compound that makes goldenseal yellow — and Oregon grape is often used as a sustainable replacement for the over-harvested goldenseal.

Topical Oregon grape preparations ease the inflammation, scaling, and itching of psoriasis
Berberine content provides antimicrobial action against bacteria, fungi, and parasites
Traditional use for skin conditions — eczema, acne, fungal infections
Bitter digestive support — stimulates bile flow and digestive secretions
A more sustainable alternative to goldenseal for any berberine-dependent use
Long traditional use by Pacific Northwest Indigenous peoples and 19th-century herbalists

Skip during pregnancy — berberine can cross the placenta and may cause newborn jaundice (kernicterus risk)

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

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

Use caution with blood pressure medications

Limit continuous internal 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

You might also explore