Barberry
Introduction
Barberry is a plant that is grown in Asia, North America, and Europe. Its leaves and berries can be turned into a juice, powder, pill, or used as a cream. It is often taken with milk thistle to help lower cholesterol.
Dosages
500 milligrams 1 to 2 times per day
What Research Shows
Likely Effective
- High Cholesterol —may lower cholesterol, especially when taken with milk thistleC1-C4
May Be Effective
Not Enough Data to Assess
- Acne A1
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to take barberry for a short period of time. Some studies show that it is safe to take barberry for a long period of time.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References►
A. Acne
A1. Fouladi RF. Aqueous extract of dried fruit of Berberis vulgaris L. in acne vulgaris, a clinical trial. J Diet Suppl. 2012 Dec;9(4):253-261.
B. Diabetes
B1. Derosa G, D’Angelo A, et al. The role of fixed Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum combination in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Clin Nutr. 2016;35(5): 1091-1095.
B2. Guarino G, Strollo F, et al. Bioimpedance analysis, metabolic effects and safety of the association Berberis aristata/Bilybum marianum: a 52-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2017;31(2):495-502.
C. High Cholesterol
C1. Derosa G, Bonaventura A, et al. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination on lipid profile and insulin secretion in dyslipidemic patients. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2013;13(11):1495-1506.
C2. Derosa G, Bonaventura A, et al. Effects of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum association on metabolic parameters and adipocytokines in overweight dyslipidemic patients. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2013 Jul-Sep;27(3):717-728.
C3. Derosa G, Romano D, et al. Berberis aristata/silybum marianum fixed combination (Berberol(®)) effects on lipid profile in dyslipidemic patients intolerant to statins at high doses: a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2015 Feb 15;22(2):231-237.
C4. Derosa G, Romano D, et al. Berberis aristata combined with Silybum marianum on lipid profile in patients not tolerating statins at high doses. Atherosclerosis. 2015 Mar;239(1):87-92.
D. Metabolic Syndrome
D1. Zilaee M, Kermany T, et al. Barberry treatment reduces serum anti-heat shock protein 27 and 60 antibody titres and high-sensitivity c-reactive protein in patients with metabolic syndrome: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2014;28(8):1211-1215.
Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC