HERB PROFILE · EDUCATIONAL REFERENCE

Oregon Grape

Botanical nameMahonia aquifolium (syn. Berberis aquifolium)

Plant part usedRoot and rhizome

Important safety information: Avoid pregnancy, breastfeeding, newborns and infants. Review use with medicines because berberine-containing extracts may affect drug metabolism and add to glucose- or blood-pressure-lowering effects. Psoriasis, jaundice, persistent digestive symptoms and suspected gallbladder disease require assessment.

Herbal actions

Bitter tonic
Cholagogue traditionally
Antimicrobial activity in vitro
Anti-inflammatory activity in extracts

Traditional and practitioner uses

These uses are presented for historical and educational context. They are not treatment claims.

Traditional digestive and bile-flow support
Historical use for chronic skin complaints
Defined bark extracts have been studied topically for psoriasis
Not equivalent to isolated berberine

Main constituents

Isoquinoline alkaloids including berberine, berbamine, oxyacanthine and related alkaloids

Preparation overview

Tea: Professional guidance recommended. Berberine-containing root and rhizome are not suitable for casual household dosing.

Liquid extract reference: Professional or product-specific; extracts are not interchangeable

Preparation strengths are not interchangeable. Open the interactive guide for the complete evidence notes and sources available for this herb.

Herbilous provides educational information only. It does not diagnose, prescribe, or replace professional medical advice. Seek urgent care for severe or worsening symptoms.