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Botanical

Barberry

Barberry, Berberis vulgaris, is a thorny shrub with red berries. Its root and bark contain the yellow alkaloid berberine.

Also listed as Berberis vulgaris, Berberis jacquinii, Berberis sanguinea, Barberry Extract

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Concentrated berberine deserves a medication review

ANSES identifies risks of digestive problems, low blood glucose and low blood pressure with berberine-containing supplements. It advises against their use by pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and adolescents, and people with diabetes or liver or heart disorders. 1

The agency also warns about numerous drug interactions, including with cyclosporine, digoxin and medicines used to lower glucose. A favorable biomarker result does not remove these risks. This warning concerns berberine-containing supplements, rather than assuming an ordinary fruit serving delivers the same dose. 1 2

For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.

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