Barberry

Generic name: barberry [ BAR-beh-ree ]
Drug class:Herbal products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 21, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is barberry?

Barberry is an herb, also called Agracejo, Berberidis, Berbéris, Berberis, Berberitze, Berberry, Berbis, Épine-Vinette, Espino Cambrón, Jaundice Berry, Mountain Grape, Oregon Grape, Pipperidge, Piprage, Sauerdorn, Sow Berry, Vinettier, and other names. The fruit, bark, and roots of the barberry plant are used to make an herbal medicine.

Barberry has been used in alternative medicine as an aid in treating dental plaque (tartar), swollen gums (gingivitis), kidney or bladder problems, stomach cramps, bowel problems, gout, arthritis, circulation problems, and other conditions. However, the use of barberry in these conditions has not been proven with research to be effective.

Barberry is likely to be safe when consumed as a food. But the safety of using barberry as a medicine has not been proven with research.

It is not certain whether barberry is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Barberry should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Barberry is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be 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 be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this product if you are allergic to barberry, or if you are also taking cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune).

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to take barberry if you have:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;

• low blood pressure; or

• diabetes (barberry can lower your blood sugar).

Do not use barberry if you are pregnant. Barberry may cause brain damage in a newborn if the mother takes this product during pregnancy. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking barberry.

Barberry can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while using this product.

Do not give any herbal/health supple...