Evidence supporting the use of: European Barberry
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)

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Synopsis

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

European Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) has a long history of use in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, including infections and colds. The primary active constituent, berberine, is known for its antimicrobial properties. Historically, barberry extracts have been used in European and Middle Eastern folk medicine to help reduce fevers and support recovery from respiratory and other infections. However, the traditional use was based more on observed symptomatic relief rather than an understanding of viral pathogenesis.

From a scientific standpoint, there is limited direct evidence supporting the use of European Barberry specifically for the treatment or prevention of the common cold (caused by rhinoviruses and other viruses). Some in vitro studies have demonstrated that berberine exhibits antiviral activity against certain viruses, but these studies are not specific to cold viruses and are mostly preclinical. Most human studies on barberry and berberine have focused on bacterial infections, metabolic disorders, or gastrointestinal conditions, rather than respiratory viral infections.

In summary, while the use of European Barberry for colds is rooted in traditional practices and there is some preliminary data suggesting potential broad antimicrobial effects, robust clinical evidence supporting its antiviral efficacy against the common cold is lacking. Therefore, its use for this purpose is primarily justified by tradition, with weak scientific support.

More about European Barberry
More about Colds (antiviral)

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Products containing European Barberry

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.