Flowers of Oregon Grape - Berberis aquifolium, syn. Mahonia Aquifolium (Berberidaceae)

Medicinal Use of Oregon Grape – Berberis aquifolium, syn. Mahonia Aquifolium (Berberidaceae)

Description

Evergreen shrub growing to 61⁄2 ft (2 m). Has shiny leaves, clusters of small yellowish-green flowers, and purple berries in autumn.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to western North America, Oregon grape grows in the Rocky Mountains up to 6,600 ft (2,000 m), and in woods from Colorado to the Pacific coast. It is abundant in Oregon and northern California.

Part Used

Root.

Constituents

Oregon grape contains isoquinoline alkaloids (including berberine, berbamine, and hydrastine) and other alkaloids of aporphine-type. These alkaloids are strongly antibacterial and are thought to reduce the severity of psoriasis.

History & Folklore

Californian Native peoples took a decoction or tincture of the bitter-tasting root for loss of appetite and debility. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Oregon grape was an important herb in the hysiomedicalist movement, based on a combination of orthodox and Native American practices. In this context, it was prescribed as a detoxifier and tonic.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Oregon grape is chiefly used for gastritis and general digestive weakness, to stimulate gallbladder function, and to reduce congestion problems (mainly of the gut). It also treats eczema, psoriasis, acne, boils, and herpes, and skin conditions linked to poor gallbladder function.

Research

Clinical use of extracts of Oregon grape has been investigated in Germany, and there is now evidence that the root can be effective in relieving psoriasis. Extracts can be taken internally and applied locally on the skin. The alkaloid berberine is thought to prevent cell proliferation.

Related Species

Barberry (B. vulgaris) is similar to Oregon grape in its overall action, but it is generally stronger in the effect it produces.

Caution

Do not take during pregnancy.