Page 49 - phytotherapy_ EBOOK_2025

Common barberry; Berberry

Definition
It consists of the dried stem bark of Berberis vulgaris L. (Berberidaceae).
Major chemical constituents
The major constituents are isoquinoline alkaloids, principally berberine, occurring at a
concentration up to 4.5%. Other major alkaloids include oxyacanthine (0.04%), berbamine

(0.6–1.2%), columbamine (0.3%), jatrorrhizine (0.4%) and magnoflorine (2.1%).

Medicinal Uses
Taken orally, the herb is used to relieve digestive disorders such as dyspepsia, diarrhoea,
gastritis, abdominal distention, and flatulence.
Berberine, one of its main active constituents, has demonstrated effectiveness in managing
bacterially induced diarrhoea, ocular trachoma, and cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Contraindications
• Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UVA light when using topical formulations
containing the crude extract or berberine, as photosensitivity reactions may occur.
• Use with caution in individuals with hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma, or a history of
cardiovascular disease.
Drug Interactions
• Berberine has been shown to upregulate the human multidrug resistance gene (PGP-170),
which may reduce the retention of certain chemotherapeutic agents, such as paclitaxel,
thereby decreasing their effectiveness.
• It may also interact with cyclosporin in renal transplant patients. Co-administration of
berberine hydrochloride has been reported to increase cyclosporin blood levels by
approximately 75%, although this elevation did not enhance cyclosporin toxicity.

48