Medical Uses and Health Benefits of Barberry

Active constituents of barberry

The stem, root bark, and fruit of barberry contain chemicals called isoquinoline alkaloids including:

• Berberine
• Berberrubine
• Bervulcine
• Berbamine
• Derivatives
• Columbamine
• Isotetrandrine
• Jatrorrhizine
• Magnoflorine
• Oxycanthine
• Vulvracine

Isoquinoline alkaloids have antibacterial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulant, fever-reducing, hypotensive, sedative, anticonvulsant, and smooth muscle effects.  These substances have been shown to combat infection and bacteria, stimulate the activity of the immune system, and lower fever.

Other constituents of barberry are chelidonic acid, resin, tannin, and wax. The berries of Berberis vulgaris are a source of vitamin C.

Medical uses and health benefits of barberry

Barberry and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) have very similar therapeutic uses because both herbs contain active substances called berberine alkaloids.

The Benefits of Barberry

Here are the barberry bark health benefits. Continue reading to learn all the barberry benefits

In traditional folk medicine, barberry has been used to treat

• Diarrhea
• Reduce fever
• Improve appetite
• Relieve upset stomach
• Promote vigor as well as a sense of well-being
• Combat infection and bacteria
• Stimulate the activity of the immune system
• Lower fever

Other barberry medicinal uses are the following…

Barberry Detoxes Liver

Barberry herb is an efficient liver cleanser, due to its ability to correct liver function and promote the flow of bile.  Berberis is an excellent remedy for correcting liver function.

Barberry as a Body Cleanse

The Barberry root has long been used to stimulate bile secretion and as a bitter digestive tonic, diuretic, alterative, and immunostimulant.  Berberis is an excellent remedy for promoting bile flow.

Barberry as a Hepatic Tonic

Barberry is a stimulating hepatic tonic which influences…

• The mucosa generally
• Removes mucoid accumulations
• Controls excess secretion
• Improves appetite
• Promotes digestion
• Improves assimilation

The bitter compounds in barberry, including the alkaloids mentioned above, stimulate digestive function following meals.

Read on to learn other barberry root benefits. 

Barberry for Gallstones and Gallbladder

This herb has been used for many years for gallstones and gallbladder infections.  It may help with inflammation of the gallbladder, and gallstones.

Barberry for Jaundice

Barberry may improve the symptoms of jaundice. It is recommended for congestive jaundice.

Barberry for Burning and Soreness

It has also been recommended for renal colic and the treatment of renal calculi, where it is claimed to allay burning and soreness.  Barberry is capable of similar action to Metronidazole, a common antiprotozoal medication, but has the advantage of no side effects.

Barberry is capable of similar action to Metronidazole

It is a common antiprotozoal medication but has the advantage of no side effects.

Barberry for Pain

External application of barberry has been recommended to reduce the inflammation and pain of bruises, aches, and sprains.

Barberry for Correcting Liver Function and Promoting Bile Flow

Barberry has long been used to stimulate bile secretion and the liver in general, as a bitter digestive tonic, diuretic, alterative, and immunostimulant. Berberis is an excellent remedy for correcting liver function and promoting bile flow. Berberis is an excellent remedy for correcting liver function and promoting bile flow.