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.

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.

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.

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.

No information is available regarding a missed dose of barberry. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.

Seek emergency medical attention.

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

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking barberry, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.

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.

Other less serious side effects have not been reported, although they may occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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.

Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about barberry.