Barberry also known as Oregon grape , Oregon barberry , Oregon grapeholly , trailing mahonia , berberis , jaundice berry , woodsour , sowberry , pepperidge bush or sour-spine is used for it' s antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiarrheal properties, more details below.

Barberry uses

Diarrhea
Research sindicate that the alkaloid berberine which is present in barberry may fight bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections.Another alkaloid in barberry, called berberamine, is believed to help fight infections by stimulating white blood cells called macrophages.In alternative medicine, barberry is used mainly for bacterial diarrhea, traveler's diarrhea, intestinal parasitic infections and chronic candidiasis.Barberry capsules are usually recommended, especially those standardized to contain 5 to 12% isoquinolone alkaloids.

Indigestion
When using barberry for indigestion, alternative practitioner s recommend a liquid form, such as a liquid extract or tea, because the bitter taste is thought to help its medicinal action, this te is consumed around 15 to 20 minutes before a meal.

Liver and Gallbladder Conditions
Barberry is thought to promote the secretion and flow of bile and be a mild laxative. Although it's sometimes promoted as a herbal remedy for gallstones, it shouldn't be used for this condition unless under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.Dosages of barberryBarberry berries and root bark have been used as a source of berberine. Daily doses of 2 g of the berries have been used, but there are no clinical studies to substantiate barberry's varied uses.

Urinary Tract Infections
One study suggested that berberine may be active against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Some sources say that the berry portion of barberry is more effective at combatting urinary tract infections than the root.

Barberry dosage
Daily doses of 2 g of barberry berries have been used, though there are no clinical studies to substantiate barberry's varied uses.