BARBERRY root

Barberry root (Berberis vulgaris), Barberry

The herb has been used for centuries as Iranian folk medicine attributed antibacterial, antipyretic, antipruritic and antiarrhythmic properties to it. In Bulgaria it was used for chronic inflammatory diseases of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys and rheumatoid arthritis.

Basic Properties:
Choleretic, antiemetic, bitter tonic, laxative, antidiabetic, reduces insulin resistance, increases friendly bacteria in the intestine.

Barberry is an important source of berberine

Berberine is the main active compound from the plant Berberis (it can be extracted from various plants such as Goldenseal ). It also has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Berberine has a variety of functions within cells.
One of its main functions is to activate an important enzyme called AMPK, which regulates metabolism. Some studies show that berberine can contribute to significant weight loss , while improving many other health indicators. Studies also show that berberine reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels , while increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Although more research is needed, it may reduce the risk of heart disease in the long term. Preliminary studies suggest that berberine may have benefits against depression, cancer, infections, fatty liver, and heart failure . It also has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Berberine has been shown to help reduce blood sugar and HbA1c. It may be as effective as some diabetes medications.

Summary of health benefits of using berberine

• Studies have shown that it acts as a powerful antioxidant , fighting cellular damage from free radicals.
• Berberine may help lower blood sugar levels by improving how your cells respond to the hormone insulin.
• It can help control cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure in the blood
• It may help prevent metabolic syndrome and protect against obesity.
• It may slow the progression of certain cancer cells . Since berberine acts as an antioxidant, it may help fight the underlying oxidative damage associated with cancer development. In addition, berberine may induce cancer cell death, prevent cancer cell proliferation, and inhibit enzymes involved in the cancer cell life cycle.
• Berberine and other compounds in barberries may help fight inflammation and infections (specific mention is made of infections related to acne ).
• berberine in a study reduced intestinal barrier permeability . It appears to act as a kind of super-fertilizer for healthy intestinal flora.

Other uses: Berberis is one of the best herbs for correcting liver function and enhancing bile flow. It is indicated when there is an inflammatory condition of the gallbladder or gallstones.
An interesting action is its ability to reduce spleen swelling .
Berberine prevents bacteria from reaching human cells, thus helping to avoid infections . It acts against malaria and is also effective in treating protozoal infections caused by Leishmania species.

How is it used:
the root of the plant as a decoction: boil 1 teaspoon of dried Barberry root in a cup of water and leave for 10-15 minutes. drink 3 times a day.

Special precautions:
Overall, berberine has an excellent safety profile. The main side effects are related to digestion, and there are some reports of diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. It should be avoided during pregnancy. Berberine may interact with certain medications, ask your doctor. Do not take it with cyclosporine. Berberine is not recommended for very young children. Pregnant women should not take it because it can cause uterine contractions and cause miscarriage. Berberine is also not recommended for nursing mothers,

Indicative bibliography

• Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Berberis vulgaris and its active constituent, berberine
• Role of Plant Derived Alkaloids and Their Mechanism in Neurodegenerative Disorders
• A quick overview on some aspects of endocrinological and therapeutic effects of Berberis vulgaris L.
• Berberine and barberry (Berberis vulgaris): A clinical review
• Berberine lowers blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients through increasing insulin receptor expression
• Barberry Administration and Pro-Oxidant–Antioxidant Balance in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome
• A systematic review of the anticancer properties of berberine, a natural product from Chinese herbs
• Berberine inhibits p53-dependent cell growth through induction of apoptosis of prostate cancer cells
• Berberine ameliorates intestinal epithelial tight-junction damage and down-regulates myosin light chain kinase pathways in a mouse model of endotoxinemia