Mahonia aquifolium, also known as Oregon grape, is a medicinal herb with germ-killing properties. Overview Information Oregon grape is a plant. Its molecular formula is C20H18NO4, and like other protoberberine alkaloids — such as jatrorrhizine — it can do wonders for health. This compound also has a long history of use for managing bacterial gastroenteritis, diarrhea and other digestive diseases. It’s also excellent for liver and gallbladder health. While more research is warranted, one study revealed that there are multiple positive effects of berberine — some of which enhance neuroprotective factors/pathways and others that counteract neurodegeneration. The leaf stalks are used in salads. Sunjoy Todo™ is a seedless (therefore sterile and non-invasive) barberry plant bred by Dr. Tom Ranney of North Carolina State University. Oregon grape … As Goldenseal is a threatened species, I know that Oregon Grape has been used instead to protect the Goldenseal herb from extinction: “But what makes the Oregon grape root a lot more popular … A 2015 study reported that barberry’s active alkaloid berberine produces a biochemical action in the heart that prolongs the effective refractory period, which improves atrial fibrillation. Candida infections may also be improved through the use of this herb. There’s evidence that berberine may help lower high LDL, total cholesterol and high blood pressure levels. are clickable links to these studies. Is berberine good for the liver? The main side effects are related to digestion and are minor, as there are some reports of cramping, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation and stomach pain. Upon examination of lung tissues, it was found that cigarette smoke caused inflammation of the lung’s alveoli along with cellular edema or abnormal fluid retention. It may also offer support for people with fatty liver disease. Animal studies have also shown that it may help fight depression. There’s evidence that berberine possesses protective central nervous system activities, particularly the ability to inhibit monoamine oxidase-A, an enzyme involved in the degradation of norepinephrine and serotonin, that has mood-lifting effects. Because it can lower blood sugar, improve LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduce testosterone levels, and lower waist-to-hip ratio, it offers benefits for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as well. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. One study conducted on berberine compared taking 500 milligrams of this compound found in barberry two to three times daily for three months with taking the common diabetes drug metformin. Other drugs it may negatively interact with include medications changed by the liver including lovastatin (Mevacor), clarithromycin (Biaxin), indinavir (Crixivan), sildenafil (Viagra), and triazolam (Halcion). Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. It’s also referred to as European barberry, trailing mahonia or berberis. Studies like the one published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases showed that berberine relieves bacterial diarrhea without any negative side effects. A study published in the journal Metabolism showed that berberine reduced serum cholesterol along with triglyceride levels in type 2 diabetic patients. Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms & Sources to Reverse It! The barberry shrub or barberry bush is common in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and central Asia. Mar 13, 2019 - Herbs have a special place both in my heart and my pantry shelf. For example, a study published in, A separate study found that the combined administration of, In animal studies, berberine has been shown to decrease abnormally high concentrations of fats and lipids in the blood by, Berberine is one of few compounds that is capable of activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (or, AMPK activation boosts fat burning in the mitochondria, which is why studies have demonstrated that berberine may help stop fat accumulation in the human body and protect against, Studies have evaluated the therapeutic potential of berberine against neurodegenerative diseases like, Animal studies have also shown that it may help fight depression. The gallbladder’s main job is to store the cholesterol-rich bile that’s secreted by the liver. 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