Berberine is an alkaloid present in a number of plants including Coptis chinensis (Chinese goldthread), Berberis vulgaris (barberry), Berberis aristata (tree turmeric), Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), Eschscholzia californica (Californian poppy) and Xanthorhiza simplicissima (yellowroot). Berberine is yellow in colour and this is why many of the plants that contain it contain the word yellow or gold. Because of its colour, berberine is often used as a dye. Berberine is used in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for a number of conditions of the central nervous system. It is thought that berberine can modulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain, and this may favourably alter brain function. Berberine has been shown to cross the blood brain barrier, where it is thought to be transported into neurones. The toxicity of berberine is low and it is considered safe for therapeutic use.
Berberine is also able to favourable modulate the immune system. Its favourable effects on the immune system explain why goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), which contain berberine, is used therapeutically as an immune enhancing herb. Image is of a goldenseal plant.
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