Overview

European barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is a tall shrub. It's bark, leaf, and fruit have been used in traditional Chinese and Native American medicines.

European barberry contains chemicals that might cause stronger heartbeat. It also might decrease swelling and acid in the stomach.

People use European barberry for acne, diabetes, high cholesterol, breast cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse European barberry with Oregon grape. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for EUROPEAN BARBERRY overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: European barberry fruit is likely safe when eaten as food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if European barberry is safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if European barberry is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: European barberry fruit is likely safe when eaten as food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if European barberry is safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if European barberry is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: European barberry is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. The berberine in European barberry might harm the fetus if taken during pregnancy and can pass from breast-milk to a nursing infant. The chemicals in European barberry might cause brain damage.

Children: European barberry is likely unsafe for newborn infants when taken by mouth. It contains a chemical called berberine, which can cause brain damage. Don't expose infants to European barberry. There isn't enough reliable information to know if European barberry is safe to use in older children.

Bleeding disorder: European barberry contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. European barberry might make bleeding disorders worse.

Surgery: European barberry contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine from European barberry might prolong bleeding or slow down the nervous system during and after surgery. It might also interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking European barberry at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with EUROPEAN BARBERRY

    The body breaks down cyclosporine to get rid of it. European barberry might decrease how fast the body breaks down cyclosporine. This might increase levels of cyclosporine in the body and increase the risk of side effects.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with EUROPEAN BARBERRY

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. European barberry might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interacts with EUROPEAN BARBERRY

    European barberry can block a chemical in the body called acetylcholine, which has many important functions. Some medications, called anticholinergic drugs, also block acetylcholine. There is some concern that taking them together might increase the risk for confusion, blurred vision, increased sweating, and increased heart rate.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with EUROPEAN BARBERRY

    European barberry might lower blood sugar levels. Taking European barberry along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with EUROPEAN BARBERRY

    European barberry might lower blood pressure. Taking European barberry along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with EUROPEAN BARBERRY

    European barberry might slow blood clotting. Taking European barberry along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with EUROPEAN BARBERRY

    European barberry might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking European barberry with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

  • Various medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions (Cholinergic drugs) interacts with EUROPEAN BARBERRY

    Some medications that are used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions increase acetylcholine levels. But European barberry can block acetylcholine. Taking European barberry with these medications might decrease the effects of these drugs.

Dosing

European barberry has been taken by mouth by adults at varying doses. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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