Native to Europe and naturalized in North America, Berberis Vulgaris or barberry as it's commonly referred to as, is a thorny, deciduous shrub that can grow to a height of up to 10 feet. The bark of the root and stem as well as the berries are used medicinally.

Barberry is most recognized for its bacterial infection fighting properties. Of the herb's active constituents, berberine is probably the best known. This chemical, which can also be found in Oregon grape root, goldenseal and coptis, helps prevent infection by obstructing the process of bacteria attaching to human cells. Another alkaloid - which helps reduce inflammation and has been shown to be beneficial in treating amebic hepatitis - called berbamine can also be found in barberry.

Barberry is beneficial in treating the following conditions:

Gastritis and peptic ulcers - Both ulcers and chronic gastritis are linked to a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori which can be killed by berberine. Studies in animals have shown muscle spasms to be reduced by the compounds in barberry. This may account for the reason why the herb is useful in treating gastrointestinal disorders.

Cuts, scrapes, and abrasions; infections of the throat, skin, bladder, nails, eyes, reproductive tract; and parasitic infection - Berbeine has the capacity to kill a number of different germs including Plasmodium, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Leishmania, Streptococcus and Vibrio bacteria. The same is true for a number of different fungi.

Burns - Berberine reduced occurrences of infections associated with first and second-degree burns.

Yeast infection - Berberine fights yeast infection in three different ways: First, it has a direct effect on Candida albicans. Secondly, it inhibits bacterial infection, which lead to the over growth of candida albicans when treated with antibiotics. Thirdly, it causes blood flow to the spleen to become stimulated. This process releases compounds to stimulate the immune system. The herb is particularly effective in activating the immune cells that attack yeast infections called microphages.

Diarrhea - one study concluded that when given 100 mg of barberry four times daily, individuals suffering from cholera-induced diarrhea experience significant relief with in 24 hours.

Kidney stones, gallstones and liver problems - The root bark and stem of barberry have been used to treat gallstones and improve liver function as well as prevent kidney stones in some people.

Barberry is available in tablet, capsule, tincture and ointment form.

* Important notes: Those supplementing with Vitamin B6 and the amino acid L-histidine should not take barberry to treat acne or yeast infections as those supplements obstruct the antibacterial action in berberine.

Barberry should also be avoided in treating cases of food poisoning as it slows the motion of the intestinal tract.

Men seeking to be fathers should avoid the herb as well as one of its chemical constituents (palmitine hydroxide) can interfere with the maturation of sperm cells.

Other uncommon side effects include:

Lower blood sugar levels

Stomach irritation

Worsened jaundice in babies

Upset stomach.

It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using Barberry or any alternative therapies. Any recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.