Oregon grape (Berberis aquifoliumorMahonia aquifolium) is a medicinal herb from theBerberidaceaeplant family.
Some current uses of Oregon grape include treating psoriasis, improving insulin sensitivity, and lowering heart disease risk.
However, additional studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
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That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
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What Is Oregon Grape?
The Oregon grape is a bushy perennial plant with shiny leaves that resemble holly.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
It produces blackish-blue, unpleasant-tasting, edible berries that look like tinygrapes.
The golden yellow roots of the plant are used for their medicinal properties.
The name Oregon grape is somewhat misleading because the fruit it bears is not a grape.
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Oregon grape is available in topical products, tinctures, and capsules.
Supplements can be found in herbal stores and online.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Oregon grape root has been used in herbal medicine to treat different disorders.
Is berberine the same as Oregon grape?
Berberine is a compound that is extracted from Oregon grape.
Further studies are needed to confirm Oregon grape’s effectiveness in treating this condition.
However, there is not enough human data suggesting that berberine alone is effective intreating diabetes.
Oregon grape is generally considered safe.
It has no toxicity.However, several side effects have been reported from the use of Oregon grape.
Along with these side effects, as with all herbal supplements, is the possibility of an allergic reaction.
Safety has not been established for use in children and, therefore, is not recommended.
Avoid Oregon grape if you have anallergyto other herbs in the Berberidaceae family.
The long-term internal use of Oregon grape has not been studied.
Dosage: How Much Oregon Grape Should I Take?
Keep in mind that there is limited scientific evidence on the safety of Oregon grape when ingested.
Unlike the Oregon grape root, the berries are not thought to offer medicinal properties.
Few clinical studies about the proper dosage of Oregon grape have been completed.
There is insufficient data to determine an effective, safe dose of Oregon grape.
However, there are clinical studies on the oral consumption of berberine.
Berberine is an active ingredient in Oregon grape.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Oregon Grape?
There is no information on upper limits specific to Oregon grape.
Research regarding the excessive use of berberine is in its early stages and has only been conducted in animals.
The known effective dose for humans is not known.
Speak with your healthcare provider about what dosage of Oregon grape would be best for you.
Anyone taking prescription medication should consult their healthcare provider before taking Oregon grape.
This includes prescription, herbal, over-the-counter (OTC), and nutritional/medicinal supplements.
The dried root of Oregon grape can be stored in food or pharmaceutical-grade polyethylene bags.
Storage of other forms of Oregon grape should be listed on the item’s packaging.
Do not use the product beyond the recommended length of storage.
If the product has been stored longer than suggested, discard the product as instructed on the packaging.
Researchers have studied the effects of Oregon grape’s constituent, berberine, on some health conditions.
More studies are needed to confirm the benefits of berberine for diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and psoriasis.
Discuss dosing and safety considerations with a healthcare professional when taking Oregon grape.
Oregon grape may interact with several medications and other supplements.
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