Introduction
Barberry is a plant that is grown in Asia, North America, and Europe. Its leaves and berries can be turned into a juice, powder, pill, or used as a cream. It is often taken with milk thistle to help lower cholesterol.
Dosages
500 milligrams 1 to 2 times per day
What Research Shows
Likely Effective
- High Cholesterol —may lower cholesterol, especially when taken with milk thistleC1-C4
May Be Effective
- Diabetes —may help control blood glucose when used with milk thistle and standard careB1, B2
- Metabolic syndrome —may lower cholesterolD1
Not Enough Data to Assess
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to take barberry for a short period of time. Some studies show that it is safe to take barberry for a long period of time.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References
REFA Acne
REFA1 Fouladi RF. Aqueous extract of dried fruit of Berberis vulgaris L. in acne vulgaris, a clinical trial. J Diet Suppl. 2012 Dec;9(4):253-261.
REFB Diabetes
REFB1 Derosa G, D’Angelo A, et al. The role of fixed Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum combination in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Clin Nutr. 2016;35(5): 1091-1095.
REFB2 Guarino G, Strollo F, et al. Bioimpedance analysis, metabolic effects and safety of the association Berberis aristata/Bilybum marianum: a 52-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2017;31(2):495-502.
REFC High Cholesterol
REFC1 Derosa G, Bonaventura A, et al. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination on lipid profile and insulin secretion in dyslipidemic patients. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2013;13(11):1495-1506.
REFC2 Derosa G, Bonaventura A, et al. Effects of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum association on metabolic parameters and adipocytokines in overweight dyslipidemic patients. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2013 Jul-Sep;27(3):717-728.
REFC3 Derosa G, Romano D, et al. Berberis aristata/silybum marianum fixed combination (Berberol(®)) effects on lipid profile in dyslipidemic patients intolerant to statins at high doses: a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2015 Feb 15;22(2):231-237.
REFC4 Derosa G, Romano D, et al. Berberis aristata combined with Silybum marianum on lipid profile in patients not tolerating statins at high doses. Atherosclerosis. 2015 Mar;239(1):87-92.
REFD Metabolic Syndrome
REFD1 Zilaee M, Kermany T, et al. Barberry treatment reduces serum anti-heat shock protein 27 and 60 antibody titres and high-sensitivity c-reactive protein in patients with metabolic syndrome: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2014;28(8):1211-1215.