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 alkaloid found in goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape. It has real antimicrobial action and affects how the liver processes many medications.">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
alkaloid found in goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape. It has real antimicrobial action and affects how the liver processes many medications.">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

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

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