Barberry Health Benefits | Berberis vulgaris

Barberry Health Benefits | Berberis vulgaris

Barberry | Berberis vulgaris and Its Health Benefits

Barberry, also scientifically known as Barberis Vulgaris, has played a vital role in herbs or medicinal plants. Some perceived advantages of barberry extract include a more robust immune system, regulated blood pressure, and maintaining heart health. Hence, barberry has been focused on numerous studies aiming to discover its several health benefits fully. So far, here is a detailed list of the known perks of Barberry.

10 Barberry Health Benefits | Berberis vulgaris

For Alzheimer’s Disease

Barberry is also believed to have neuroprotective properties. This agent and the berberine content are responsible for reducing neuroinflammation, which results in lesser risks of one’s development of Alzheimer’s disease and all other brain-related conditions.

For Antibiotic Resistance

Barberry is loaded with a component called berberine. This ingredient is responsible for making sure that the body will naturally prevent hazardous antibiotic resistance. More so, signs of inflammation along with bacterial infections will be lessened. This is particularly true among elders who frequently take antibiotics as a part of their medication.

Barberry Health Benefits | Berberis vulgaris

For Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading health ailments globally and has been among experts’ most studied conditions. One of the unearthed possible herbs to aid this condition is barberry. The Vitamin C content of this herb enables it to prevent the growth of cancer cells, specifically those that create tumors. For those under chemotherapy and radiation treatment, the high dosage of Vitamin C of barberry promotes a more robust immune system and a much-regulated blood pressure.

For Gallbladder and Liver

The antioxidants and laxative contents of barberry make it a potent ingredient in facilitating natural and healthy cleansing of both the gallbladder and liver. When these organs are cleansed, there would be a regular cycle of secretion, hampering the adverse effects of low levels of bile secretion brought by a variety of external factors like an existing underlying health condition or unhealthy diet.

Barberry Health Benefits | Berberis vulgaris

For the Heart

Barberry can keep the heart healthy. This can lower blood pressure, prevent bad cholesterol, and lessen or even remove oxidative stress. When this happens, the entire cardiovascular system is prevented from being harmed nor damaged, leading to a much-healthy and well-functioning heart system. This is particularly true for patients with diabetes and those with existing metabolic syndrome.

For Infection

Barberry could also work its magic in fighting against invasion and the development of infection within the body. It can suppress specific host cells that cause different types of infections. This includes conditions like inflammatory diseases, sinusitis, sore throat, and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Barberry Health Benefits | Berberis vulgaris

For the Lungs

Lung inflammation is a respiratory disorder that can lead to more hazardous conditions like cancer. For smokers, there is a greater risk for them to develop this condition. One way to keep the lungs healthy despite the smoking habit is through barberry. It prevents the ongoing inflammation of one’s lungs, lessening the risks of developing respiratory-related diseases.

For the Skin

Barberry could also treat specific skin conditions caused by skin inflammation brought by the herb’s antibacterial and therapeutic properties. Some of the diseases that may be prevented include acne, candida infection, psoriasis, signs of aging, skin ulcer, and yeast infections.

Barberry Health Benefits | Berberis vulgaris

For the Small Intestine Bacterial Growth (SIBO)

When a patient is diagnosed with SIBO, the person has an irregular and faster developing bacterial growth in the intestines. The antimicrobial properties of barberry eliminate these risks and improve the overall health of the small intestine.

For Weight Loss

Fighting against obesity does not stop with changing eating habits and lifestyles. Some specific herbs can reinforce the effects of weight loss; one of these is barberry. The high berberine content of this herb enables it to regulate adenosine and protein kinase. These are metabolic boosters, allowing the body to regulate its metabolism and lowering blood lipid levels naturally.

All in all, the recommended consumption of barberry is daily. Why? This is the only way to take advantage of its full-packed health benefits. With the numerous ailments that this herb can aid, barberry is a promising and flourishing herbal medicine ready to be experienced.

Barberry Health Benefits | Berberis vulgaris

References

Zarei, A., Changizi-Ashtiyani, S., Taheri, S., & Ramezani, M. (2015). A quick overview on some aspects of endocrinological and therapeutic effects of Berberis vulgaris L. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine, 5(6), 485–497.
Imanshahidi M, Hosseinzadeh H. Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Berberis vulgaris and its active constituent, berberine. Phytother Res. 2008;22(8):999–1012. doi:10.1002/ptr.2399
Imenshahidi M, Hosseinzadeh H. Berberine and barberry (Berberis vulgaris): A clinical review. Phytother Res. 2019;33(3):504–523. doi:10.1002/ptr.6252
Abd El-Wahab AE, Ghareeb DA, Sarhan EE, Abu-Serie MM, El Demellawy MA. In vitro biological assessment of Berberis vulgaris and its active constituent, berberine: antioxidants, anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-diabetic and anticancer effects. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013;13:218. Published 2013 Sep 5. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-13-218
Barberry Health Benefits | Berberis vulgaris
Habtemariam S. The therapeutic potential of Berberis darwinii stem-bark: quantification of berberine and in vitro evidence for Alzheimer’s disease therapy. Nat Prod Commun. 2011;6(8):1089–1090.
Tomosaka H, Chin YW, Salim AA, Keller WJ, Chai H, Kinghorn AD. Antioxidant and cytoprotective compounds from Berberis vulgaris (barberry). Phytother Res. 2008;22(7):979–981. doi:10.1002/ptr.2443
Imenshahidi M, Hosseinzadeh H. Berberis Vulgaris and Berberine: An Update Review. Phytother Res. 2016;30(11):1745–1764. doi:10.1002/ptr.5693