Barberry is a densely branched, deciduous shrub 3-8 feet tall. The parts of this plant used medicinally are the root, root bark, bark of stem, and rhizome berries. The primary chemical constituents of Barberry include alkaloids (berberine, berbamine, oxyacanthine), chelidonic acid, resin, tannins. The root-bark contains berberine, a bitter alkaloid, that aids in the secretion of bile and is good for liver problems, acts as a mild purgative, and helps regulate the digestive processes. The antibacterial properties of the alkaloid berbamine have shown activity against Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Shigella and Eschorichia Coli. It has anti-microbial properties that are especially beneficial for the skin and intestinal tract. Barberry has a beneficial effect on the blood pressure by causing a dilatation of the blood vessels. This herb is also good for hepatitis, colic, jaundice, diabetes, consumption. Historically, Barberry was used as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion, and in the treatment of inflammatory arthritic, sciatica, and rheumatic complaints. Use of this botanical decreases heart rate, depresses the breathing, stimulates intestinal movement, reduces bronchial constriction, and kills bacteria on the skin. It is indicated in congestive jaundice, and inflammation of the gall bladder and gallstones. As a bitter tonic with mild laxative effects, Barberry is used by weak or debilitated people to strengthen and cleanse the system. It also appears to be able to reduce an enlarged spleen. It acts against malaria and is effective in the treatment of protozoan infections. Berberine is highly bactericidal, amoeboidal and trypanocidal. It is active in vitro and in animals against cholera.
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Goldenseal is a native North American herb that grows in the Appalachian Mountains and surrounding areas. The Cherokee Indians, who introduced it to early American settlers, not only valued the root of this plant for health purposes, but also for its yellow dye which was used as face paint, clothing dye, insect repellant and as an application to wounds. Once widely available in the wild, the plant has been largely over-harvested, and is now mostly available through commercial cultivation. The genus name, Hydrastis, is from the Greek meaning "water acting", due to the effect Goldenseal has upon mucus membrane secretions. Goldenseal contains calcium, iron, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, B-complex, and other nutrients and minerals. Considered to be a "broad-spectrum" herb, Goldenseal is extremely popular and very much in demand. Goldenseal's numerous uses are attributed to its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It soothes irritated mucus membranes aiding the eyes, ears, nose and throat. Taken at the first signs of respiratory problems, colds or flu, Goldenseal helps prevent further symptoms from developing. It has also been used to help reduce fevers, and relive congestion and excess mucous. Goldenseal cleanses and promotes healthy glandular functions by increasing bile flow and digestive enzymes, therefore, regulating healthy liver and spleen functions. It also eases inflamed peptic ulcers, aids digestion and relieves constipation. Goldenseal may be used to treat infections of the bladder and intestines as well. Its properties are largely due to its alkaloids, which include berberine, hydrastine and canadine. |
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Oregon Grape is also known by the names Oregon Grape Root, Mountain Grape, and Holly-Leaved Barberry (because it is a relative of the barberry plant). This plant is native to the west coast of North America, and is cultivated elsewhere for ornamental purposes. The plant grows quickly, and reaches a height of six feet, producing yellowish-green flowers and purple berries. Both the rhizome and the root are used medicinally. The species name Mahonia is named after Bernard McMahon, an American horticulturist. Mahonia is an evergreen and has prickly leaves, but the stems lack thorns. Oregon Grape has been used for hundreds of years to treat infections because of its powerful antibiotic properties. The roots are used in herbology as a nutritional aid to the digestive and circulatory systems. The plant contains the alkaloids berberine and hydrastine, which are also found in Goldenseal, for which it is often substituted. Berberine is highly bactericidal, amoeboidal and trypanocidal. In one clinical trial, Oregon Grape was found to be mildly effective for reducing skin irritation, inflammation and itching in people with mild to moderate psoriasis. Oregon Grape extracts were shown in one pharmacological study to reduce inflammation (often associated with psoriasis), and to stimulate the white blood cells known as macrophages. In this study, isolated alkaloids from Oregon Grape did not have these actions, which suggests that something besides alkaloids are important to the properties of Oregon Grape's ability to reduce inflammation. The common name Oregon Grape includes Mahonia repens, Mahonia nervose, Mahonia pinnata, and other Mahonia species, which are used interchangeably with Mahonia aquifolium.
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