Barberry

Generic Name: barberry (BAR beh ree)

Brand Names:

What is barberry?

The use of barberry in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Barberry is also known as Berberis vulgaris, berberry, pipperridge, jaundice berry, sow berry, mountain grape, Oregon grape, trailing mahonia, berberis, woodsour, and sour-spine.

Barberry has a long history of use for many conditions. Most commonly, barberry is known for its use in diarrheal conditions; other gastrointestinal complaints including constipation, lack of appetite, heartburn, and stomach cramps; coughs; infections; fevers, and in antioxidant supplement products.

Barberry has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of barberry may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Barberry may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about barberry?

Barberry has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of barberry may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Who should not take barberry?

Before taking barberry, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Barberry may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take barberry without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether barberry will harm an unborn baby. Do not take barberry without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether barberry will harm a nursing infant. There is no information available regarding the use of barberry by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take barberry?

The use of barberry in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take barberry, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Take the pill forms of barberry with a full glass of water.

To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of barberry with a dropper or a dose-measuring spoon or cup.

Some forms of barberry can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of barberry at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of barberry.

Store barberry as directed on the package. In general, barberry should be protected from light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra barberry to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms of a barberry overdose might include stupor or daze, nosebleeds, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney irritation.

What should I avoid while taking barberry?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Barberry side effects

Although rare, allergic reactions to barberry may occur. Stop taking barberry and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect barberry?

Interactions between barberry and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking barberry if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.

More barberry resources

• Barberry Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Barberry - Add your own review/rating

• Barberry Natural MedFacts for Professionals (Wolters Kluwer)


• Barberry Natural MedFacts for Consumers (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare barberry with other medications

• Anorexia
• Constipation
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Diarrhea, Chronic
• Fever
• GERD
• Herbal Supplementation
• Infectious Gastroenteritis

Where can I get more information?

• Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.