European Barberry, Common barberry

Berberis vulgaris

Physical Characteristics

Berberis vulgaris is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from March to November, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Barberry Coast. Naturalized, or possibly native, in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 95, 183]. Rich in vitamin C[268], the fruit has a very acid flavour and is mainly used in preserves[100], though children and some adults seem to like it raw when it is fully ripe[K]. A refreshing lemon-like drink can be made from the fruit[183]. The fruits are about 10mm long[200]. Young leaves - used as a flavouring or as an acid nibble[177, 183]. They can be used in much the same way as sorrel (Rumex acetosa)[9]. The dried young leaves and shoot tips make a refreshing tea[9, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antidiarrhoeal Antipruritic Antirheumatic Antiseptic Antispasmodic Appetizer Astringent Cancer Cholagogue Diaphoretic Diuretic Dysentery Expectorant Hepatic Homeopathy Laxative Malaria Ophthalmic Purgative Refrigerant Stomachic TB Tonic Vitamin C Barberries have long been used as a herbal remedy for the treatment of a variety of complaints. All parts of the plant can be used though the yellow root bark is the most concentrated source of active ingredients. The plant is mainly used nowadays as a tonic to the gallbladder to improve the flow of bile and ameliorate conditions such as gallbladder pain, gallstones and jaundice[254]. The bark and root bark are antiseptic, astringent, cholagogue, hepatic, purgative, refrigerant, stomachic and tonic[4, 7, 9, 21, 46, 165, 222]. The bark is harvested in the summer and can be dried for storing[4]. It is especially useful in cases of jaundice, general debility and biliousness[4], but should be used with caution[165]. The flowers and the stem bark are antirheumatic[218]. The roots are astringent and antiseptic[222]. They have been pulverized in a little water and used to treat mouth ulcers[213]. A tea of the roots and stems has been used to treat stomach ulcers[213]. The root bark has also been used as a purgative and treatment for diarrhoea[213] and is diaphoretic[222]. A tincture of the root bark has been used in the treatment of rheumatism, sciatica etc[222]. The root bark is a rich source of the alkaloid berberine -about 6%[240]. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Berberis species, has marked antibacterial effects. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery[218]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[218]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[218] and is also effective in the treatment of hypersensitive eyes, inflamed lids and conjunctivitis[244]. A tea made from the fruits is antipruritic, antiseptic, appetizer, astringent, diuretic, expectorant and laxative[7, 222]. It is also used as a febrifuge[213]. The fruit, or freshly pressed juice, is used in the treatment of liver and gall bladder problems, kidney stones, menstrual pains etc[9]. The leaves are astringent and antiscorbutic[7]. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of coughs[222]. The plant (probably the inner bark) is used by homeopaths as a valuable remedy for kidney and liver insufficiency[244]. Other uses include malaria, and opium and morphine withdrawal[301].

Known Hazards

Bark in doses of 4 mg or more; stupor, nosebleeds, vomiting, diarrhoea and kidney irritation. Contraindicated during pregnancy as abortion risk[301].