Black barberry or “Zereshk” is the fruit of a spiny shrub in the Berberidaceae family. It is traditionally used for high blood pressure, fever, and indigestion.

A cluster of Black Barberries, showcasing their vibrant color and natural texture against a neutral background.

Common Name: Black Barberry

Scientific Name: Berberis integerrima Bunge

History and Origin

Berberis most likely originated in Palaeocene in East Asia. The genus has mainly diversified in two main areas: Asia (or Eurasia), and South America. Common barberry origin is Asian, most likely to be of Middle and Western Asiatic mountains. In some regions (e.g. United States), it is considered as an invasive and noxious weed. Integrifolious barberry (B. integerrima) is distributed over many parts of Iran. It is also found in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Iraq, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir, and Northwest of China. The background of barberry or “zereshk” cultivation in Iran dates back to two centuries ago.⁽¹⁾

Berberis is the Arabic name of the fruit that signifies a shell because as believed by many authors, the leaves are glossy like the interior part of an oyster shell. It seems that the name berbery has been applied to this fruit by Averroes (an Arabic writer on medicines). ⁽²⁾

Black Barberry Plant Structure

Barberry belongs to the family of Berberidaceae. It includes about 650 species worldwide. ⁽³⁾ The various species of barberry are well-known in different parts of the world, such as Iran, China, Middle Asia, and in many European, African and American countries. ⁽⁴⁾

Black barberry is a spiny shrub with yellow woods, obovate leaves, and small, red, oval fruits with two or three oblong seeds. ⁽³⁾

On the left, a lush black barberry shrub with clusters of small, bright yellow flowers. On the right, a branch bearing clusters of small, dark bluish-purple berries and colorful leaves

The photo of Berberis Integerrima The photo of black barberry fruit

Black Barberry Health Benefits

1. Improving Cardiovascular System Function

Based on the research findings published in Daru Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the use of barberry extract added to the contractibility of the rabbit’s heart. The study shows that barberry extract activates the calcium channel in the heart. Recent studies suggest that berberine and its derivatives have positive effects on cardiovascular system such as Anti-arrhythmia activity (abnormal heart rhythm), improvement of heart failure and vasodilation. ⁽⁵⁾

2. Regulating Blood Cholesterol Levels

In a study, the effect of liquid extract of barberry fruit on patients with high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure levels was examined. The results showed that the liquid extract of this plant could reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients. The effect of barberry on the reduction of cholesterol is related to its berberine. It has been reported that berberine reduced high cholesterol levels by a mechanism different from the astatine drugs mechanism. When astatine and berberine are used together, they control the cholesterol level better. According to researchers’ findings, berberine increases the production of a kind of protein receptor in the liver that its bonding interactions with cholesterol will repel it.

3. Improving Liver Function

In a research study, the effect of berberine on patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver was investigated. It was observed that natural berberine improves the conditions of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as well as related metabolic disorders. The curing effect of berberine on a fatty liver can be due to its direct regulations of liver fat metabolism. ⁽⁶⁾

In another research, they investigated the effect of liquid extract of barberry fruit and lovastatin anti-fat drug on the reduction of liver fundamental enzymes in the serum of the laboratory mice. The findings reflected that the effectiveness of barberry fruit in reducing the liver enzymes of mice with high blood pressure was similar to lovastatin drug; according to its fewer side effects, its usage was recommended for therapeutic diets (or therapeutic regimens).

4. Regulating Blood Glucose Levels

A study has been carried out to investigate the effect of natural berberine on type 2 diabetic patients with dyslipidemia (an abnormal amount of lipids e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides, and/or fat phospholipids in the blood). According to the research findings published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, the usage of berberine in curing of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia was effective and safe. The activity of sucrase and maltase (the enzymes that break the sugars into more simple sugars) can be effectively inhibited by berberine. Furthermore, its effect is similar to what acarbose (blood glucose reducer) does in intestinal cells and may inhibit alpha-glucosidase activity in order to prevent glucose absorption. ⁽⁸⁾

In another research, the berberine found in barberry plant increased the risk of allergy to insulin in mice which were receptors of high-fat diets, and had a function similar to Metformin (a drug used to decrease blood glucose).

In a study that its results were published in Journal of Medicinal Plants, barberry extract was used to decrease blood glucose in diabetic rats. The main effect of berberine in regulating glucose and blood lipid includes controlling of mitochondria and alpha-glycosidase function, stimulating glycolysis (decomposition of glucose), and activating the pathway of protein Kinase activated with Adenosine monophosphate (AMPK). According to recent studies, in type 2 diabetic patients, insulin allergy can be increased in the presence of berberine. ⁽³⁾

5. Regulating Blood Pressure

In a study, it was observed that the liquid extract of barberry reduced the blood pressure level of patients with average blood pressure. This effect is caused by berberine, which decreases blood pressure by affecting endothelium (the cell layer covering the internal surface) of the artery and expansion of the veins. Also, berberine, berbamine, hydroxyacanthin, and tetrandrine found in barberry fruit reduce blood pressure by blocking calcium channels. Oxyacanthine, found in barberry, is an Anti-adrenal & vasodilator too.

6. Promoting Weight Loss

The alkaloid berberine is the active compound in several species of Berber. ⁽⁹⁾ The pharmacological activities in berberine have been proved in recent studies. They also suggest that berberine has positive effects on the risk factors of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Berberine also suppresses adipocyte differentiation and decreases obesity.

The accumulation of TG in adipose tissue plays an important role in causing obesity. Therefore, the reduction of TG in adipocytes will decrease obesity. One study showed that berberine increased the adipose TG lipase expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and it resulted in reduced TG accumulation in adipocytes. Furthermore, it has been discovered that berberine can reduce the numbers and size of lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. ⁽¹⁰⁾

Although berberine was demonstrated to have anti-adipogenic effects in vitro, its overall performance in vivo was poor. Therefore, in a study, some mice were examined by being fed a high-fat diet; the anti-obesity effects of berberine have been evaluated with a specific focus on adipogenesis (the process of cell differentiation by which pre-adipocytes become adipocytes) in epididymal adipose tissue.

Male mice were divided into three groups: a normal diet (Nor), a high-fat diet (HFD), a high-fat diet plus orally administered berberine (0.2 g /kg body weight) (HFD+B); they were examined for 8 weeks. Relative to the mice in the HFD group, the mice in the HFD+B group showed a significant reduction in weight gain and adipose tissue weight. Serum triglyceride levels in the mice from the HFD+B group were significantly lower than those of the HFD group. These results suggest that berberine reduces the risk of obesity in mice. This anti-obesity effect is mediated by inhibition of adipogenesis. ⁽¹¹⁾

7. Anti-Inflammatory

One of the common side effects of many diseases is inflammation, which weakens the immune system. According to an experiment carried out on laboratory mice, the alcoholic extract of barberry fruit led to reduction of the acute inflammation of formalin and acetic acid injections. Barberry extract can control the activity of mediators involved in inflammation. Some studies have shown the anti-inflammatory effect of berberine on acute and chronic inflammation. ⁽¹²⁾

8. Anti-cancer

In 2011, the inhibitory activity (cell proliferation), induction (stop the cell cycle), and apoptosis (the scheduled death of cell) by berberine were studied in bladder cancer cell lines T24 and BIU-87; the results were published in European Journal of Pharmacology. In this research, Berberine inhibited the activity of T24 and BIU-87 in a method related to concentration and time. ⁽¹³⁾ The barberry inhibitory effect has been reported for the growth of breast ⁽¹⁴⁾and lung cancer cells. ⁽¹⁵⁾

Berberine in barberry has an anti-cancer effect. In a research published in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal, it was observed that the P53 level (a protein of tumor inhibitor) increased by treatment of the ethanolic extract of barberry. It justifies that this extract can induce cancer cell death.

Antioxidant activity can also improve the extract performance for killing cancer cells and protecting normal cells. The antioxidant and anti-cancer properties of barberry are attributed to its berberine. ⁽¹⁶⁾

9. Increasing Antioxidant Activity

The phenolic ingredients in barberry have antioxidant properties. The anti-cancerous activity of barberry fruit extract was demonstrated by the MTT test on a cancerous cell type in human (MTT test shows the response of cells to external factors). ⁽¹⁷⁾

10. Anti-Microbial

In an experiment on the effect of the liquid extract of barberry fruit, the antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties in vitro conditions have been noted. The researchers have proved that the property of barberry is due to its berberine.

According to some reports, the mechanisms of antibacterial effect can be a deterrent to DNA replication, RNA transcription, and protein biosynthesis. In addition, the destruction of the cell surface structure, resulting in release of calcium and potassium ions from the cell, along with berberine, is another possible mechanism for the antimicrobial effect of barberry. ⁽¹⁸⁾ The researchers observed in a study on staphylococcus aureus that liquid extract of barberry fruit increased the anti-bacterial activity of ampicillin through 1-methyl malate active ingredients. The increasing of barberry anti-bacterial activity was investigated against the staphylococcus aureus bacterium in 2009, and its results were published in the Phytotherapy Research Journal. The ethanolic extract of fruit and also the 1-methyl malate from barberry increased the anti-bacterial activity of ampicillin. ⁽¹⁹⁾

In 2011, berberine, berberobine, and 9 substituted derivatives were evaluated for anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity. Its results were published in European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. Berberine was the most active ingredient against the HIV-1 NL4.3 virus in CEM-GFP cell lines. ⁽²⁰⁾

11. Anti-Pain

Barberry has analgesic properties. The researchers’ report shows that injection of barberry extract results in increasing the release of potassium from cells, which indicates the mechanism of its analgesic action. ⁽¹²⁾

What Are Black Barberry Side Effects?

1. Children

Barberry is Likely SAFE when consumed orally by adolescents aged 12-17 for up to 4 weeks. Barberry is likely UNSAFE for newborn babies when taken orally. It contains Berberine, which can cause brain damage, particularly in premature babies who are jaundiced.

2. Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Don't take barberry orally if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It is likely UNSAFE for your baby. The berberine in barberry can pass from a mother into her unborn child through the placenta during pregnancy. Brain damage has developed in newborn babies exposed to berberine compound.

Berberine, as well as other harmful chemicals in barberry, can be transferred to an infant through breast milk and may cause brain damage.

3. Bleeding Disorder

Barberry contains a chemical called berberine; it can slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Barberry may theoretically worsen bleeding disorders.

4. Diabetes

One of the chemicals within barberry, called berberine, may lower blood sugar levels.

Diabetic patients, who use barberry in larger amounts than usual, should check any sign of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor their blood sugar levels closely.

5. Low Blood Pressure

Barberry contains a chemical compound called berberine. Berberine might lower blood pressure. In theory, consumption of barberry by people with low blood pressure could significantly lower their blood pressure.

6. Surgery

Barberry contains a chemical called berberine. There are some concerns that berberine may lengthen bleeding, slow down the nervous system, inhibit blood sugar control during and after surgery.

So, stop taking barberry at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. ⁽²¹⁾

Nutritional Information

Barberry fruit contains polyphenols, pectin and gum, vitamin C, malic acid ⁽²²⁾, and Anthocyanin.⁽¹⁾

Black Barberry Daily Dosage

The standard dose of berberine is 900-2000 mg a day, divided into three to four doses. ^{(23, 24)}

Bioactive Compounds

Barberry fruit contains bioactive compounds such as berberine, berbamine, palmatine, malic acid, oxyacanthine, ascorbic acid, ursolic acid, caffeic acid, coumarin, beta- carotene, and tannin. ⁽³⁾

Best Time to Consume

1-2 hours before or after meals.

Possible Drug Interactions

1. Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

The body breaks down cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) to get rid of it. Barberry may decrease how fast the body breaks down cyclosporine. This may result in excessive amount of cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) in the body and hence, its potential side effects.

2. Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)

Taking barberry along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications.

So, if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver, consult with your healthcare provider before consuming barberry.

Some medications changed by the liver include cyclosporin (Neoral, Sandimmune), clarithromycin (Biaxin), lovastatin (Mevacor), indinavir (Crixivan), sildenafil (Viagra) and triazolam (Halcion). ⁽²¹⁾

Traditional Use

Iran traditional medicine has reported several properties, related to different parts of the barberry plant, such as anti-bacterial effects, anti-fever (febrifuge), itching relief, anti-high blood pressure, anti-arthritis ⁽⁴⁾ Barberry is also used to treat high blood pressure, fever, kidney diseases, diarrhea and indigestion. ⁽¹⁾

Some Questions about Black Barberry

Can you take black barberry on an empty stomach?

Barberry plant consists of fruits, flowers, leaves, stems, and roots. Almost all parts contain very important compounds such as anthocyanins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, vitamins, minerals, etc.

One of the functional compounds in barberry plant is berberine, which exists in different parts of the plant. Berberine taken on an empty stomach may have adverse side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramping or discomfort. ⁽²⁶⁾

In order to make the most of the blood glucose and lipid increase associated with eating, take your berberine dose along with your meals, or right after eating. It will help reduce the gastrointestinal side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects, check “What are side effects of berberine?” section.

Is barberry safe during pregnancy?

Don't take barberry orally if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It is likely UNSAFE for your baby. The berberine in barberry can pass from a mother into her unborn child through the placenta during pregnancy. Brain damage has developed in newborn babies exposed to berberine compound. Berberine, as well as other harmful chemicals in barberry, can be transferred to an infant through breast milk and may cause brain damage.⁽²⁷⁾

Are dried barberries good for you?

Literature reveals that berberry is a good juncture of nutritional and medicinal constituents due to the high amounts of antioxidant components and low sugar, protein, fat, fiber, and phytochemicals of medicinal significance.

Barberry is also known for its significant health promotion roles. The berberry fruit and its bioactive compounds are used in medical and food industry; it contains color pigments which contain health promotion constituents such as phenolic compound, flavonoids, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. These phytochemicals not only contribute to total anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant activity, but also prevent hepatitis, inhibit certain enzymes, and protect the stomach from the damage of free radicals, which lead to chronic diseases. ⁽²⁸⁾

28 grams of dried barberries contains 89 calories, one gram of protein, 18 grams of carbohydrates, one gram of fat, three grams of fiber, 213 percent vitamin C and 15 percent iron of the Daily Value

In addition, a single serving of dried barberries is high in antioxidants, which fight free radicals and can reduce the risk of premature aging.

Is berberine the same as barberry?

Barberry is a spiny shrub with yellow woods and oblong oval leaves that has small, red oval fruits.

Berberine, a natural isoquinoline alkaloid with an intense yellow color with a bitter taste, is found in the roots, rhizomes, stem, and bark of Barberry. ⁽²⁹⁾

What herbs are high in berberine?

Berberine compound can be found in different natural sources of medicinal plants such as Coptidis rhizome, and Barberry plants. Coptidis rhizome (also known as Coptis chinensis and Huanglian) is a famous herb used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Other berberine-containing medicinal plants include Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) fruits, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) and Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.).

Does berberine suppress appetite?

Clinical research and animal studies have provided significant results showing that Berberine can regulate glucose, lipid metabolism, and attenuate insulin resistance. In one study, the results indicate that Berberine inhibits human preadipocyte differentiation, leptin, and adiponectin secretion. For patients with metabolic syndrome, Berberine lowers the leptin level and decreases their BMI. This review gives an important good account of the impact of Berberine in obesity treatment and prevention.

Moreover, it could alleviate the growth of adipose tissue (fatty tissue) by inducing the enzymes that activate the glucose and fatty acids uptake. ⁽²⁵⁾

What are side effects of berberine?

Overall, this alkaloid has an outstanding safety profile. The main side effects are related to digestion and are minor, as there are some reports of cramping, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain.

Clinical toxicity:

- In a clinical study, 34.5% of patients with type-2 diabetes treated with berberine (500 mg three times/day) for 13 weeks have shown transient Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, and abdominal complaint. However, no obvious changes in liver enzymes and creatinine were observed.

- Infusion of berberine, 0.2 mg/kg/min for 30 min, in 12 patients with refractory cardiac heart failure improved cardiac performance probably due to peripheral vasodilator and inotropic effects. However, 4 patients faced ventricular tachycardia with torsade de pointes 1-20 hr after taking the infusion.

- There are evidences that revealed berberine could cause kernicterus in infants with G6PD deficiency (Favism) and the bilirubin displacement from binding proteins. Numerous endogenous and exogenous substances by interfering with the binding of bilirubin to albumin may cause the risk of jaundice. In a clinical study, administration of Rhizoma coptidis and Cortex phellodendri (Chinese herbs containing beberine), 3 and 9 g/day respectively, for 24 weeks to 3 thalassemic patients, increased bilirubin in serum. It is proposed that berberine usage should be avoided in pregnancy, breastfeeding period, and G6PD deficient neonates.

For more information, see the “What Are Black Barberry Side Effects?” section.

Is berberine safe to be taken long term?

It is best to consult with a doctor if you wish to have a supplement plan with berberine for more than 12 weeks.

How does barberry affect liver cleansing and blood detoxification?

Barberry contains compounds such as berberine and berbamine, which have antioxidant properties and can help reduce blood fat levels and improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Studies have shown that aqueous extracts of barberry fruit reduce the levels of the liver enzymes ALT and AST in individuals with high blood fat, thereby enhancing liver function. The liver is a critical organ for eliminating toxins produced within the body as well as those introduced externally, such as free radicals resulting from taking medications. The antioxidant compounds in barberry help neutralize toxic substances like free radicals, which can damage cells.

In addition, it is said that barberry tea increases metabolism and has diuretic and mild laxative properties, all of which can aid in body detoxification. Through these mechanisms, barberry plays a role in liver cleansing and overall detoxification. ^(30-32)