Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Native American peoples and later in Western herbalism. It was commonly used as a remedy for infections, wounds, and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, based on its perceived antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The root of Oregon grape contains berberine, an alkaloid found in several medicinal plants, which has demonstrated antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies against a range of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. However, these findings are mostly limited to in vitro research; there is a lack of robust clinical trials in humans to support its efficacy as an alternative to conventional antibiotics for systemic infections. The traditional use of Oregon grape for supporting the body’s response to infections likely stems from observable benefits in topical or mild infections, as well as its role in promoting general health. While scientific interest in berberine as an antimicrobial exists, Oregon grape itself is not widely recognized in modern medicine as a reliable or standardized alternative to antibiotics. Thus, while its use is justified by tradition and some laboratory evidence, strong clinical validation is lacking, and it should not be relied upon as a sole treatment for serious infections.

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