Khrystyna Kharchenko
DEN 2315 – Pharmacology
11/24/2016 - Fall 2016
Barberry
Some common names for Barberry are Oregon grape, Oregon barberry, trailing mahonia, jaundice berry, mountain grape, or pipperidge among others. Scientific name is Berberis vulgaris, Mahoniaaquifolium.This product comes available in its original form of berries, liquid extract, powder, barberry bark tablets,infusion, tincture and barberry root oil. Products are not labeled for recommended daily value. Some oils are labeled as for microbial defense. Some off label uses for barberry are against dental plaque and gingivitis. Early research found that brushing teeth with European barberry gel for three weeks reduces dental plaque and gingivitis, however more evidence is needed. In addition, uses for kidney, bladder, stomach, and constipation problems need more evidence. It is considered to be Tonic, purgative, antiseptic. It is considered to be effective against indigestion, and in larger doses acts as mild purgative. It is not indicated for pregnant or nursing women because of some adverse effects such as uterine stimulation. The product is most commonly found in Europe, Northern Africa and Asia. It preferred humid continental climate and at least 25 inches of annual precipitation.A significant warning about European barberry is the following: unsafe to give newborn and premature babies who are jaundiced as can cause brain damage. Barberry contains a chemical called berberine that could slow down blood clotting, thus people with bleeding disorders should not take barberry. Barberine might also lower blood sugars, so diabetics should also avoid using barberry. Barberry might lower blood pressure but it can become too low in people with low blood pressure.
Some drug interactions of barberry are with antibiotics, as it may decrease their effectiveness, anticoagulants as it may alter blood-thinning effects, it may also decrease the effectiveness of antihistamines. Barberry may also interact with Celecoxibusually taken for arthritis. Barberry may increase the effectiveness of diuretics as it may also alter the effectiveness of other drugs that are metabolized by the liver. Major interactions of barberry are with Cyclosporine-an immunosuppressant, which can cause cyclosporine toxicity.
Dental plaque and gingivitis can be treated with other methods than barberry gel. Visits to the dental hygienist and proper selection of mechanical plaque removal, frequent oral hygiene and appropriate toothpaste will treat plaque and gingivitis better than just barberry use. Other uses of barberry such as for kidney, bladder, stomach and constipation do not have any substantial evidence. If a person has any problems mentioned above, they should consult a physician. Barberry is considered to be tonic, purgative and antiseptic however there are many products that claim to be so, and have several other uses. Some are used as hand sanitizers, antiseptic towelettes, powders and cleansers. A more defined antiseptic use for barberry should be stated. The use of barberry as a laxative can be substituted with other over the counter laxatives. It is not mentioned what are the exact amount of barberry is needed to reach desired effect, meanwhile over the counter products do. Indigestion can be caused by many factors, and should be consulted with a physician instead of using barberry. Other products that help indigestion are available over the counter such as alka-seltzer or nexium. The product itself, barberry, is attractive to customers because it is natural. Nowadays, everyone has been is eating organic, and clothing organic, and doing everything organic. However, very few know the actual usage and benefits of these natural organic remedies. Anyone can buy barberry in a pharmacy or over the internet, and in comparison with a prescribed drug it seems better because it is natural. As a health educator, I should know as many natural products as possible, especially those related to my specialty. To verify my sources I would need to use peer-reviewed journals or other scientific based evidence to support claims that such remedy is effective against such problem. There will be times when I won’t know what a specific natural remedy does or its usage, this should not make me feel uncomfortable as we learn more about everything every day. In my opinion, if I encounter a natural remedy use in a medical history of one of my patients, and don’t know what it is, all I can do is ask the patient what does he/she know about it and how do they know about it. I can do some research later on about this natural remedy and inform the patient better on their next visit. This product is said to have major interactions with cyclosporine and antibiotics. If I encounter a patient who takers barberry I would have to advise the treating dentist, in case he/she is not aware of such interaction and is planning to prescribe the above mentioned drugs.I would also notify the patient of possible these interaction and cyclosporine toxicity.
References
“Barberry.” Drugs.com Wolters Kluwer Health, 2009. Web. 11/17/16. <
“European Barberry.” Webmd.com.WebMD, LLC, 2009. Web. 11/17/16. <
Ehrlich, Steven NMD. “Barberry.” Umm.edu, 6/22/2015.Web. 11/17/16.
Grieve, M. “Barberry.” Botanical.com. Web. 11/17/16 <