Synopsis

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

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, but its application for fungal infections is also supported by some scientific evidence. The key bioactive compound in barberry is berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid. Several in vitro (test tube) studies have shown that berberine exhibits antifungal activity against a range of pathogenic fungi, including species of Candida and Aspergillus. The proposed mechanisms include disruption of fungal cell membranes and inhibition of fungal biofilm formation. For example, a 2011 study published in Mycoses found that berberine could inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and reduce its ability to form biofilms. However, these effects have mainly been demonstrated in laboratory settings, and robust clinical trials in humans are lacking.

Traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, have used barberry for various infections, including those suspected to be fungal, but the connection to specific fungal pathogens is not always clear in historical texts. Overall, while there is some scientific basis for using barberry or berberine extracts as antifungal agents, the current evidence is limited to preclinical studies. More clinical research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in treating fungal infections in humans.

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