Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)  is a genus of about 450-500 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs from 1-5 m tall with thorny shoots, native to the temperate and subtropical regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and South America. They are closely related to the genus Mahonia, which is included within Berberis by some botanists.

Barberry Bark Tincture Constituents:-

The tincture made from the plant is a very rich natural source of Berberine. Berberine is bright yellow and somewhat bitter, and has long been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial attriutes . This well known antiseptic photochemical, also found in the critically endangered and overharvested herb, Goldenseal and the more familiar Oregon Grape, is used to treat a wide range of infections of the ears, eyes, mouth, throat, staph and strep bacteria, each of which can commonly cause bacterial pinkeye (conjunctivitis). In fact Murine eye drops contain berberine as the active ingredient.

Other common infections that can effectively be treated by Berberis include yeast and bladder infections, and skin disorders, especially those like psoriasis that can benefit from a liver tonic.

History:-

Berberis has been used in traditional herbal medicine for hundreds of years and the rich yellow of Berberine, its chief constituent is used as a dye.