Botanical Overview
Latin name: Coptis; Berberis spp.
Family: Berberidaceae
Parts used: Root, Rhizome, Bark, Stem
Common names: Barberry, Goldthread, Oregon grape
Energetics
Temperature: Cooling
Moisture: Drying
Tastes: Bitter, Astringent
Directionality: Not well characterized
Tonicity: Tonifying
Qi/Blood/Fluid: Qi tonic
Primary Actions
- Antimicrobial
- Bitter
- Choleretic
- Hepatoprotective
- Anti-inflammatory
Indications
Western
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
- Infections
- Liver dysfunction
- Skin infections
Syndromes
- Dyspepsia
- Hepatic congestion
- Bacterial infections
TCM
- Damp-heat
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
- Dysentery
Syndromes
- Damp-heat in liver and gallbladder
- Toxin accumulation
Ayurveda
No well-documented traditional uses found.
Unani
No well-documented traditional uses found.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains isoquinoline alkaloids such as berberine, berberastine, coptisine, columbamine, and palmatine, responsible for antimicrobial, bitter, and choleretic activities.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 1-3 g dried root 2-3 times daily
- Tincture: 1:5 in 40% ethanol, 2-5 mL 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated when used appropriately. Avoid during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant effects; caution in lactation. Possible interactions with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes and additive effects with antihypertensives.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable data found.
Selected References
- Berberis vulgaris L., cortex – European Medicines Agency (2011)
- Berberis and Coptis Species Phytochemistry and Pharmacology – Wagner & Bladt (1996)
- Berberis vulgaris – PFAF database
- Coptis chinensis – Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica (Bensky, 2004)