Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 Herbs
Q berberine is a phytochemical that has antifungal action. Goldenseal, a berberine-containing herb, works against a variety of fungi, including Candida. Bloodroot, another herb that contains berberine, has shown action against skin fungi and is also an anti-inflammatory. Other herbs that contain berberine and are recommended for fungal infections include barberry, Oregon grape, and yellowroot.
Q Horopito, or pepper tree (Pseudowintera colorata), a shrub native to New Zealand, contains polygodial, an antifungal agent that has been shown to act against bacteria as well. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
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 Goldenseal and Oregon grape root are two of the most important herbs for bladder infections due to their antimicrobial properties. berberine, an alkaloid constituent found in the rhizome and root of these plants, has demonstrated antibacterial activity against E. coli species, Klebsiella species, Staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas species.23'24 berberine is effective against many bacteria and is also able to fight infections by inhibiting the bacteria from adhering to the host cell.25 It is unsafe for pregnant women and best not used by lactating women. |
Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D.
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 Other Names: Indian Paint, Tetterwort, Red Root, Paucon, Coon Root, Snakebite, Sweet Slumber, Indian Plant, Pauson, Sanguinaria
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Isoquinoline alkaloids of the benzophenanthridine type (4-7%): chief alkaloid sanguinarine, further including, among others, chelerythrine, oxysanguinarine; protoberberine-type: berberine, coptisine; protopine-type: protopine, alpha- and beta-allocryptopine
Resins
Starch
EFFECTS
The alkaloid initially acts as a narcotic, causes severe cramping which is followed by a local paralysis of the sensitive nerve endings. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
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 In some of these plants, berberine and co-occurring alkaloids have equally potent physiological effects. For example, in the well-known herbs Hydrastis canadensis and Sanguinaria canadensis, the pharmacological effects are not caused by berberine alone.
Berberine is found in highest concentration (about 6.1%) in the root bark of Berberis vulgaris, with smaller amounts in the aboveground stem bark and just 0.4% in the woody portion of the root. Only traces of berberine are present in the leaves, and the alkaloid is absent from the flowers, fruit pulp, and seeds. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
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 Berberine is unique, having the ability to inhibit COX-2 activity without involving the beneficial COX-1 enzyme. berberine, perhaps by impacting the production of cyclooxygenase, influences the development of cancers at various sites:
• The China Medical College of Taiwan was one of the first to teport that berberine was effective against bladder cancers (Chung et al. 1999).
• Japanese scientists showed that berberine suppressed colon carcinogenesis and inhibited COX-2 without COX-1 inhibition. The COX-2 enzyme is abundantly expressed in colon cancer cells and plays a role in tumorigenesis. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
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| Goldenseal and Oregon grape root contain a substance called berberine that acts both as an antibacterial and as an immune enhancer. This immune effect is especially specific in epithelial mucus membrane tissue as is found in the vagina, mouth, and even the stomach. berberine has been shown to possess antimicrobial activity against a wide variety of microorganisms, including those found in the vagina, such as Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and others. |
Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac.
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 These herbs contain berberine, a natural antibiotic that acts against Candida overgrowth, normalizes intestinal flora, helps digestive problems, has antidiar-rheal properties, and stimulates the immune system by increasing blood supply to the spleen. They may be taken three times daily as a tea (2 to 4 grams), tincture (6 to 12 ml), fluid extract (2 to 4 ml), or powdered solid (250 to 500 mg).
Caution: Berberine-containing plants are generally nontoxic at recommended dosages, but high doses can interfere with the metabolism of B vitamins. They are not recommended for use by pregnant women. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
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| Berberine is unique, having the ability to inhibit COX-2 activity without involving the beneficial COX-1 enzyme. berberine, perhaps by impacting the production of cyclooxygenase, influences the development of cancers at various sites:
• The China Medical College of Taiwan was one of the first to teport that berberine was effective against bladder cancers (Chung et al. 1999).
• Japanese scientists showed that berberine suppressed colon carcinogenesis and inhibited COX-2 without COX-1 inhibition. The COX-2 enzyme is abundantly expressed in colon cancer cells and plays a role in tumorigenesis. |
Marshall Editions
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 Herbs: Goldenseal contains an ingredient called berberine that has antibiotic properties against different stains of streptococcus bacteria. Take 350-500 mg a day or 3 tsp of a tincture a day. Echinacea can be taken at 150-300 mg a day to boost immune activity. You can also take two to four tbsp of a tincture.
Hydrotherapy: Sit on a chair and place your feet in a bucket of warm water for 15 minutes. Dry them and put whave been placed in cold water and wrung out. Cover the cotton socks with a pair of wool socks and leave them on overnight. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
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| This immune effect is especially specific in epithelial mucus membrane tissue as is found in the vagina, mouth, and even the stomach. berberine has been shown to possess antimicrobial activity against a wide variety of microorganisms, including those found in the vagina, such as Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and others.51 Preparations of goldenseal and Oregon grape root have been used both orally in teas, caps, and liquid extracts and intravaginally in douches and suppositories. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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| High doses of berberine inhibit coronary activity; lower doses increase coronary blood flow (Newall et al, 1996). drug interactions
POTENTIAL INTERACTIONS
Cytochrome P450 3A4-metabolized drugs: Caution is advised if goldenseal is administered with drugs metabolized by this enzyme (Budzinski et al, 2000).
Vitamin B: There have been reports of decreased vitamin-B absorption with higher doses of Goldenseal (Newall et al, 1996; Tierra, 1980). |
| EFFECTS
The use of the drug as a tonic for loss of appetite is plausible in view of the alkaloid and amaroid content. The berberine has a mild mutagenic effect. It is an antipsoriatic when used externally. indications and usage
Unproven Uses: The drug is used internally for scaly skin, psoriasis, eczema, bronchitis, gastritis, cholecystitis, and digestion problems.
Homeopathic Uses: Mountain Grape is used for dry skin rashes (e.g., for psoriasis between the acute phases) and for liver and gallbladder conditions. |
Bill Sardi
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 Berberine ... 159 Resveratrol... 159 Startling remissions from lung cancer documented ... 160
The Stop Smoking Pill... 160 Vitamin C Cigarette ... 161
Outraged yet? ... 161
What smokers and ex-smokers should be doing ... 161 Case presentation: Lung cancer disappears... 162
"Because conventional cancer therapies have failed to make a major impact on survival, newer approaches are necessary in the battle against lung cancer."
Source: Clinical Lung Cancer 7: 92-99, 2005
If you have lung cancer, you may be visiting this chapter hoping to find a cure. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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| EFFECTS
The use of the drug as a tonic for loss of appetite is plausible in view of the alkaloid and amaroid content. The berberine has a mild mutagenic effect. It is an antipsoriatic when used externally. indications and usage
Unproven Uses: The drug is used internally for scaly skin, psoriasis, eczema, bronchitis, gastritis, cholecystitis, and digestion problems.
Homeopathic Uses: Mountain Grape is used for dry skin rashes (e.g., for psoriasis between the acute phases) and for liver and gallbladder conditions. |
| Laboratory studies of berberine used alone and in combination with l,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-l-nitrosourea to treat malignant brain tumors. Chinese Med y (Engl) 103(8):658-665. 1990.
Golden Shower Tree
Cassia fistula
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts of the plant are the bark, fruit, and seeds.
Flower and Fruit: The flowers are in loose, hanging, 30 to 50 cm long racemes. There are 5 pale yellow, ovate petals. The diameter of the corolla is approximately 3.8 cm. The calyx is deeply divided and has 5 teeth. There are 10 stamens. |
Andrew Pengelly
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 Actions of berberine include amoebicidal; antibacterial; antifungal; cholagogue; hepatoprotective-tyramine inhibitor; elastase inhibitor— helps repair tissues and reduce inflammation; antitumour (Pizzorno and Murray 1986). berberine has been shown to have a negative inotropic effect on the heart; it markedly reduces atrial rate. It also has an antiarrhythmic action (Huang 1993). Recent studies indicate berberine and sanguinarine are potent inhibitors of DNA synthesis (repair and replication)—the likely mechanism for their antiviral effects. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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| Antineoplastic: There is evidence that berberine also has a direct tumor-killing effect and has the ability to stimulate production of white blood cells (Zhang, 1990; Liu, 1991). Canadine-like alkaloids (similar to those in goldenseal) have displayed cytotoxicity in vitro against KB cells derived from human epidermoid carcinoma (Cushman et al, 1979).
Astringent: Hydrastine (not the whole herb goldenseal) is an astringent for mucous membranes (Tyler et al, 1976). This may be the basis for its use on sore throats, mouth sores, cankers, ulcers, skin lesions, and wounds (Rollins, 1997). |
Marshall Editions
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| Take 250-500 mg of a standardized berberine extract 250-500 mg three times a day, or 2-4 ml of a fluid extract three times a day. Smilax sarsaparilla has been used traditionally as a skin tonic and reduces the effects of the bacterial toxins that aggravate psoriasis; take 500 mg in capsule form or 4 ml of tincture three times a day. Milk thistle has an active ingredient, silymarin, that is reportedly useful in relieving psoriasis. Milk thistle seed contains at least eight anti-inflammatory compounds that may act on the skin. Take 70-210 mg of an 80-85% silymarin extract three times a day. |
| Barberry: Barberry contains a compound called berberine, which is responsible for many of its medicinal properties. Topical application is the best way to administer barberry. Work a small amount of essential oil into the affected area or apply it as a poultice. Barberry has been known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions when applied topically, so be aware of any adverse reactions.
Calendula: Calendula can be applied topically as an ointment or tincture and has very few contraindications or adverse reactions when used topically. |
J. E. Williams, O.M.D.
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 Coptis contains the isoquinoline berberine chlorides, sulfates, and coptisine; berberine is the bright yellow, bitter antimicrobial alkaloid discussed in the previous chapter. Coptis berberines have been extensively studied in Asia for their anti-inflammatory effects; coptis also has liver-protective properties and anti-cancer activity.
Coptis can be used by itself or in combination with other berberine-containing compounds and along with other antimicrobial herbs to treat systemic bacterial co-infections. |
Marshall Editions
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| Usually, an infusion or decoction of the roots is used as an eyewash to free powerful alkaloids, berberine and hydrastine, to rid the eye of infection. Check with your herbal therapist to see if goldenseal would help, or if there are other plants that would work.
TIP: PREVENTION
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are both very contagious. Family members should use separate towels and wash their hands often. Children with this condition should generally be kept home from school and nursery. If you wear contact lenses, keep them clean to avoid further irritation and any future infections. |
Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.
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 Other Uses
None known
Constituents
Vitamin E, manganese, flavonoids (quercetin, lute-olin, kaempferol), icariin epimedin, methylicariin, anhydrocaritin), linolenic acid, palmitic acid, polysaccharides, alkaloids (magnoflorine, berberine, cop-tisine), sterols, tannin
Energetic Correspondences
• Flavor: pungent, sweet
• Temperature: warm
• Moisture: dry
• Polarity: yang
• Planet: Jupiter
• Element: fire
Contraindications
Epimedium is not recommended for those who have an excessive sex drive, experience wet dreams, or are overly hot or irritable. |
Marshall Editions
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| Goldenseal: The alkaloids berberine and hydrastine, which are effective against yeast and bacteria, can be found in goldenseal. This bitter herb stimulates digestion, creating a tonifying, healing effect on all mucosal tissues. Boil 1 tsp of the dry herb per 1 cup of water, or take 30 drops of tincture in water three times per day. Swish either form around the mouth before swallowing.
Pau d'Arco: This herbal panacea is best known for its treatment of chronic candidiasis, but it also has properties as an immune stimulant and an antibacterial and anti-tumor agent. |
| The root is most commonly used in tincture form and the antibacterial effects are thought to be primarily due to the alkaloid compound, berberine, that it contains. There are a variety of dosages recommended, including 500-1,000 mg of a capsule three times a day, or 2-4 ml of a 1:10 tincture in 60% ethanol three times a day. Goldenseal is still a threatened plant in its natural habitat due to over harvesting, so any goldenseal product purchased should be from companies that cultivate it or obtain it from growers. |
J. E. Williams, O.M.D.
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| Coptis contains the isoquinoline berberine chlorides, sulfates, and coptisine; berberine is the bright yellow, bitter antimicrobial alkaloid discussed in the previous chapter. Coptis berberines have been extensively studied in Asia for their anti-inflammatory effects; coptis also has liver-protective properties and anti-cancer activity.
Coptis can be used by itself or in combination with other berberine-containing compounds and along with other antimicrobial herbs to treat systemic bacterial co-infections. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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| An extract with 80% berberine and additional alkaloids stimulated the bile excretion of rats by 72%.
Antipyretic effect: Aqueous tinctures have an anti-febrile effect on a feverish rabbit.
Antibiotic effect
Stimulation of intestinal peristalsis indications and usage
BARBERRY FRUIT
Unproven uses: Decoction or alcoholic extract for lung, spleen, and liver diseases. Jam or wine made from the fresh berries can relieve constipation and stimulate the appetite.
Alcoholic extracts have been used for heartburn and stomach cramps. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
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| Berberine, perhaps by impacting the production of cyclooxygenase, influences the development of cancers at various sites:
• The China Medical College of Taiwan was one of the first to teport that berberine was effective against bladder cancers (Chung et al. 1999).
• Japanese scientists showed that berberine suppressed colon carcinogenesis and inhibited COX-2 without COX-1 inhibition. The COX-2 enzyme is abundantly expressed in colon cancer cells and plays a role in tumorigenesis. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
See book keywords and concepts |
| For example, in the well-known herbs Hydrastis canadensis and Sanguinaria canadensis, the pharmacological effects are not caused by berberine alone.
Berberine is found in highest concentration (about 6.1%) in the root bark of Berberis vulgaris, with smaller amounts in the aboveground stem bark and just 0.4% in the woody portion of the root. Only traces of berberine are present in the leaves, and the alkaloid is absent from the flowers, fruit pulp, and seeds.17 It is present, however, in the seeds of some other species in this genus.
Other alkaloids in B. |
Andrew Pengelly
See book keywords and concepts |
| Actions of berberine include amoebicidal; antibacterial; antifungal; cholagogue; hepatoprotective-tyramine inhibitor; elastase inhibitor— helps repair tissues and reduce inflammation; antitumour (Pizzorno and Murray 1986). berberine has been shown to have a negative inotropic effect on the heart; it markedly reduces atrial rate. It also has an antiarrhythmic action (Huang 1993). Recent studies indicate berberine and sanguinarine are potent inhibitors of DNA synthesis (repair and replication)—the likely mechanism for their antiviral effects. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
See book keywords and concepts |
| Bloodroot, another herb that contains berberine, has shown action against skin fungi and is also an anti-inflammatory. Other herbs that contain berberine and are recommended for fungal infections include barberry, Oregon grape, and yellowroot.
Q Horopito, or pepper tree (Pseudowintera colorata), a shrub native to New Zealand, contains polygodial, an antifungal agent that has been shown to act against bacteria as well. The leaves can be bruised, steamed, and applied topically to treat skin diseases such as ringworm. |
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