Berberis species, widely women's salt or its English name barberry It is a thorny shrub known as the "sour medlar" (a type of thorny shrub). Its sour red berries and yellow root have been used in medicine for thousands of years. In Turkish, it is called "kadıntuzluğu" (or "hatun tuzluğu"); it is also known by other names such as "ekşi medlar" (a type of medlar). Its Persian name is zereshk, in Arabic Ambarbaris This plant appears in the writings of classical physicians from many different cultures. Below, berberis We've summarized what historical sources say about it, including what ailments it's used for and how it's applied. We'll then examine modern medicine's perspectives on this plant and its active ingredients.
Berberis' Place in Classical Medicine
🏛️ Greco-Roman Antiquity (Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Galen, etc.)
Barberry has a long history in Western medicine, dating back to ancient times. Hippocrates (5th century BC), although he does not explicitly mention Berberis in his surviving texts, Greek and Roman physicians recognized and used this plant. Dioscorides (1st century AD) and plinius (1st century AD) described a plant corresponding to Berberis and mentioned its medicinal properties.
In fact, Berberis, One of the trade products from the East – It was taxed among “Indian medicines” at the Alexandrian customs in 176–180 AD, which shows how valuable it was even in Roman times. Galen (2nd century AD), Berberis formulas used in the treatment of eye diseases Astringent and “cooling” extracts of Berberis, in eye ointments (collyria) used to reduce eye inflammation was a common content.
Roman encyclopedist Celsus (1st century AD) also mentions Berberis in the context of eye diseases – Heraclides of Tarentum It is reported that a physician named used this plant in eye treatments. This information is based on ancient Greek Small medicine containers with Berberis labels It also coincides with archaeological findings.
In summary, Greco-Roman classical sources primarily describe Berberis as eye disorders (conjunctivitis and similar inflammations) and in general “hot” diseases It was considered valuable as a tonic for the by boiling the bark or root (decoction/infusion) The resulting liquid is prepared for eye washing or drinking in cases of fever.
(Soranus of Ephesus – 2nd century AD – is known in the field of gynecology, but does not directly mention Berberis in its surviving texts. However, the plant menstrual stimulant (emmenagogue) Its effect became known in later periods. For example, in a recipe from the Ottoman period, "10 dirhams of women's salt" was added to the mixture to establish the custom. This indicates that this property was known in earlier periods as well.)
🕌 Iranian and Islamic Medicine (Ibn Sina, Ibn Qayyim, etc.)
In the medieval Islamic world berberis, Ambarbaris or zereshk It has been widely used and written about with names such as. Abu Ali Ibn Sina (Avicenna) (980 – 1037), The Law of Medicine He discussed Berberis in great detail in his work. He described him as “severely cold and dryand defines it as " strong astringent It indicates that it has these properties. It is especially useful in reducing excess heat in the body.
Ibn Sina, Berberis “useful in all types of bleeding” It clearly states that it can be used to stop both internal and external bleeding. In this context, dysentery (bloody diarrhea) and other bloody stools recommends in cases where.
Also The Turkish topical (external) also draws attention to the use of: Berberis is beneficial in “malignant wounds” (inflamed, spreading wounds) and “anal fissures”It can be applied as an ointment or wash. These uses reflect its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Ibn Sina also warns: such cold nature of the plant can be harmful if used excessively – later commentators, Pregnant women should avoid this herb, otherwise she stated that she might have a miscarriage.
Middle Ages Arab doctors, Berberis they used it extensively. For example Muhammad al-Razi (Rhazes) Al-Hawi in his work, and later Seyyid Ismail Curcani, The grain of Khwarazm In his Persian work titled zereshk'I skin, liver, stomach, kidney and eye recommends it for ailments.
Berberis berriesto relieve fever and thirst cooler as; bark and root ise in powder or decoction form used. “Rusot” or “Rasaut” Its extract, known as the 'rosemary', was very popular, especially in India and Iran, for eye diseases and as an antipyretic.
Ibn Baytar and other Persian physicians frequently mentioned Berberis in their pharmacy books – especially cool the blood, facilitate digestion, supporting liver function, jaundice and diarrhea for situations such as.
Later writers on Islamic medicine Jalaluddin al-Suyuti (15th century) and Zahabi (14th century) transferred information taken from Galenic medicine, but not directly from the hadiths, in their works on the Prophetic Medicine. antipyretic, bile regulator, effective against stomach and liver inflammations They define it as.
Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya (1292–1350) does not directly mention Berberis in his work titled "Tıbb-ı Nebevi", but considering the usage of the period, it is clear that he was aware of this plant. dysentery and liver diseases zereshk was widely used.
Abu Nuaym al-Isfahani Other Prophetic Medicine writers, such as (10th century), also mention Berberis “Seceretü'l-Garm” They may have briefly mentioned it under another name, such as.
Generally, In Greek (Greco-Arab) medicine Berberis has been used in the following areas:
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Blood purifier
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Liver friendly
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Jaundice
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Bile reflux
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Nose bleeding
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Excessive menstrual bleeding
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Eye inflammations
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Wounds and ulcers
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Poisonings
(Ibrahim Hakki Erzurumi – The 18th century Ottoman scholar referred to Berberis as “kadıntuzluğu” (a woman’s salt) in his works. In Ottoman folk medicine epilepsy (sara) and gynecological diseases (It has been used for. In one recipe, the herb is recommended, mixed with other herbs, for "epilepsy and menstruation." This is consistent with the effects on the nervous system and women's health in Islamic medicine.)
In Ayurveda and Ancient Indian Medicine (Charaka, Sushruta, etc.)
In the Ayurvedic tradition of India Berberis aristata (Indian word for "tree turmeric") Daruharidra ) has been considered sacred for at least 3000 years. Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata Classical Sanskrit writers and later scholars such as Nagarjuna, gave information about Daruharidra. According to Ayurveda, this plant bitter and astringent has the feature and “Kapha ve Pitta doshas“Balances the blood” (reduces phlegm and heat).
In the Charaka Samhita:
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Arshoghna (anti-hemorrhoid herbs)
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Kandughna (itch reliever)
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Lekhaniya It is in the (excess oil cleansing and purifying) groups.
Charaka, Daruharidra powdery Subtan includes it in the herbal massage mixture called; this, itching, acne and hives It is used in the treatment of conditions such as.
Sushruta and Vagbhata:
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Plants similar to turmeric They are counted among the (Haridradi group).
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Skin diseases, wounds ve eye diseases they use.
An Ayurvedic adage:
"Daruharidra is as beneficial as haridra (turmeric) in many inflammatory diseases."
Traditional Areas of Use
👁️ Netra rogas (Eye diseases):
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It is considered the most effective plant for eye health.
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The powder of its shell or aqueous extract (Rasanjana), eye ointment (anjana) used as.
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Conjunctivitis, itchy eyes, inflammation It is applied to problems such as.
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Ancient healers used Rasanjana as an eyewash to clear red and inflamed eyes and improve vision.
🧴 Kustha (Skin diseases):
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Eczema, itching, acne problems such as paste In this case, it is applied to the lesions.
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It supports rapid wound healing (vranajit).
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Rasanjana or fresh bark paste, on wounds that do not heal, syphilis sores ve fistulas It dries and heals by applying.
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Hatta shingles (visarpa) It is effective even on lesions.
(I.e. Prameha (Metabolic diseases):
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Due to the bitter effect diabetes (Madhumeha) and is used to treat blood sugar lowering.
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In Ayurvedic texts Mehajit (conquering diabetes).
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It is beneficial for urinary tract problems and symptoms related to diabetes.
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Also The Turkish strengthens the liver, jaundiceis used in.
💩 Atisara (Diarrhea) & Raktatisara (Bloody dysentery):
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Astringent shell, diarrhea, dysentery ve kolera It is given as a decoction for infections such as:
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It stops excessive fluid loss.
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In the digestive system “heat” disorders useful for.
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Charaka also recommends it for increasing appetite and preventing vomiting.
👩⚕️ Women's health:
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Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) ve vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) It is useful in such cases with its astringent effect.
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Cooling and drying effect It reduces bleeding and abnormal discharge.
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Related to gynecological diseases cramp-like abdominal pain alleviates.
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However, excessive use may cause miscarriage It is not recommended to use during pregnancy.
Application Forms in Ayurveda
🔹 Powder (Churna):
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The root or wood part is dried and turned into powder.
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Diabetes or liver diseases It is given internally to those with diabetes (1–3 grams daily).
🔹 Boiling (Kwatha):
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Root bark, boiled in water and drunk.
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Between 15–60 ml per day fire, diarrhea or eye wash using for.
🔹 Extract – Rasanjana (Rasaut/Rasavanti in Unani):
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A thick, viscous extract obtained by boiling the root and bark.
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Eye and skin is applied on.
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Conjunctivitis for eye rubbing (anjana), eczema It is used by mixing into lotions.
🔹 For oral health:
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From classic recipes Khadiradi vati It is available in tablets such as.
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mouthwash or tooth powder as strengthening the gums and after used in the treatment of.
There are various ways to use it in Ayurveda:
Powdered form of wood or root (churna), those with diabetes or liver disease It is used to be administered internally to patients (approximately 1–3 grams).
Decoction prepared by boiling the root bark (kwatha), fever, diarrhea, or eye flushing 15–60 ml per dose is used for
Concentrated aqueous extract of root and bark Rasanjana (Also known as Rasaut/Rasavanti in Unani medicine) – it is a thick paste obtained by boiling and evaporating the decoction.
Rasanjana, It is a time-tested method in Ayurveda for external application to the eyes and skin.: applied as an eye ointment (anjana) for conjunctivitis or mixed into lotions for eczema.
For oral health, Khadiradi vati in classic recipes such as Daruharidra takes place; mouthwash or tooth powder as strengthening gums and treating oral wounds using for.
This rich Ayurvedic tradition, developed by a legendary medicinal alchemist like Nagarjuna and documented by Charaka and Sushruta, It presents berberis as a versatile treatment – a remedy for many ailments such as skin diseases, eye disorders, wound healing.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (Huangdi, Sun Simiao, Li Shizhen, etc.)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Berberis species It has also been used, but this plant is somewhat less common than in Persian or Indian medicine.
In Chinese herbal medicine, berberis, “Xiao bo” (小檗) According to Chinese plant classification, Berberis (especially Berberis poiretii and similar species), bitter taste and cold nature has and clearing Heat and drying Dampness in the body is used for the purpose.
This is it Coptis root (Huanglian) ve Phellodendron bark (Huangbo) This makes it similar to other bitter herbs like berberine – these plants also contain berberine.
Huangdi's Inner CanonIn the classic work of the Yellow Emperor, c. 100 BC, the plants are not listed by their modern names; however, the text states that treating “heat” conditions with bitter-cold substances highlights – which indicates that berberis fits this category.
Later physicians explicitly mentioned this plant.
for example Sun Simiao (7th century AD), the great Tang-era physician, lists herbs for treating dysentery and fevers; The functions of berberis are compatible with these purposes. and probably to clear liver and stomach heat included in some of the formulas.
Li Shizhen (1518–1593), his magnificent work Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) Xiao Bo wrote a chapter about it.
He describes this shrub in detail (“usually found in the mountains… a small tree with whitish bark… has red sour berries”) and notes its medicinal effects.
According to Li Shizhen, Xiao bo, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver, Gallbladder and Heart affects the meridians.
Clearing heat and toxins from the intestines used – especially for dysentery, diarrhea, and abdominal pain – also effective for red, sore eyes and mouth sores (signs of excessive heat) is also used.
Traditional use in China also to reduce fever (e.g. intermittent fevers such as malaria) and in general “fire poison” (infections, abscesses) It is used as an antidote for.
TCM physicians usually use Berberis not as a single plant, but in formulas It uses.
A regional species Berberis chengii (the shell part is called “Xiao-bo-pi”) in Chinese folk medicine diabetes and infections a Huanglian was used in a similar manner.
The bark or root is boiled with other herbs. tea for dysentery or hepatitis makes.
For topical (external) use, a weak infusion of leaves or bark eye wash for conjunctivitis – this is the same usage as in other traditions.
In Tibetan medicine (influenced by Ayurveda and TCM), berberis Skyer pa and similarly liver and skin diseases used.
Summing it Up:
Classical Chinese sources describe Berberis a plant with a bitter and cold nature and sees it as clearing pathogenic heat uses for – feverish illnesses, moist digestive disorders, red eyes and skin lesions for.
Ming Dynasty physicians, for example Li Shizhen, has confirmed these uses. The plant “clearing heat, quenching thirst and stopping dysentery” have stated its effect on. However, due to its strong cold nature, the formulas should be balanced with warming plants They emphasized.
Traditional Preparation and Usage Methods
In these cultures, Berberis has been prepared and used in various ways depending on the ailment:
🍵 Infusions and Decoctions (Teas):
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Common for internal use.
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The dried root or bark is boiled to remove the bitter alkaloids.
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Patients drink this tea liver diseases, fever, diarrhea drinks in such situations.
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For example, ancient Indian and Persian texts, jaundice, cholera and dysentery recommends these decoctions for.
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Chilled decoction, eye or skin lotion can also be used as
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Chinese doctors also Xiao bo bark decoctions, digestive problems and eyewash uses for.
🌿 Dust:
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Dried Berberis is ground into fine powder.
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In modern terms, it can be taken in capsules or mixed with food, or applied externally.
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From Ayurveda Charaka, itching and acne for treatment skin massage powder (ubtan) prescribes as.
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Berberis powder (usually 1–3 grams daily) is recommended in Unani and Ayurvedic texts, appetite stimulant, intestinal worm treatment or bleeding control recommended for.
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Dust also as an antiseptic desiccant on moist wounds can also flourish.
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Medieval sources, a “powdered medicine” that can be sprinkled on skin infections even describes its form.
🧴 Extracts and Ointments:
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Rasanjana (Ayurveda) or Rusot/Rasaunt Concentrated extracts like (Perso-Unani), especially in eye diseases is widely used.
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These, thick paste or resin-like substance containing alkaloids are forms.
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Practitioners dissolve a small amount of this essence in water and eye drops or with another carrier substance ointment prepares.
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Traditional eye ointments containing berberis, In Greco-Roman, Persian and Indian medicine Common for conjunctivitis, trachoma, and cataracts.
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Also The Turkish Fresh Berberis is crushed or mixed with powder and water. skin diseases such as ulcers, boils, eczema It is applied as a paste. This mixture is usually to dry and "absorb heat" is kept waiting.
🍯 Syrup and Preservative Preparations:
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The fruits are edible and high vitamin C It contains.
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In some traditions, food-like shapes were used.
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Medieval European herbalists, to reduce fever berberis syrup or jelly has prepared.
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The ancient Egyptians, mixing berberis fruit with fennel seeds to prevent plague epidemics are reported to have used.
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In Iranian cuisine and medicine, dried fruits (zereshk) cooked with sugar to make jam or added to rice – this, a healthy sour taste gives and especially It is believed to strengthen the heart and liver.
🔚 Overall Result:
All these traditional uses of Berberis share a common theme:
Controlling infections and inflammatory “heat” in the body – whether in the eyes, intestines, skin or blood.
This is also scientifically recognized today. antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory It perfectly matches its features. 🌿
This rich Ayurvedic tradition, Charaka and Sushruta documented by; Nagarjuna It was developed by alchemy and medicine experts such as.
All Berberis (Daruharidra), It is healing for many ailments, from eye diseases to wound healing, from skin problems to metabolic disorders. He emphasized that it was a plant.
Findings and Uses of Berberis in Modern Medicine
Modern research has confirmed many claims made about Berberis in traditional medicine. Scientists have isolated many potent compounds from the barberry plant. The most important of these are isoquinoline alkaloids, particularly berberin, Moreover Berbamin, palmatin, oxyacanthin, columbamine and other compounds may be included.
Red fruits are also C vitamin, pectin ve flavonoids While it contains nutrients such as, root and bark, as well as alkaloids minerals such as zinc It is also rich in terms of.
These compounds exhibit a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects:
🦠 Antimicrobial and Antifungal Effects:
Berberineis a powerful natural antibiotic. Laboratory studies have shown that it can kill or stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses.
Especially pathogens that cause intestinal infections It is effective against.
In the past dysentery ve kolera Berberis extracts, used in the treatment of diseases such as, are still supported today by their antibacterial effects in the intestine.
Berberine accumulates in germ cells It damages their DNA; also microbes disrupts drug excretion pumps – which prevents them from becoming resistant.
This synergy, 5′-methoxyhydnocarpin found in berberis leaves It is further increased by other compounds such as.
In conclusion, broad-spectrum berberis extracts from the whole plant, may be more effective than just pure berberine.
In clinical applications, berberis or berberine;
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Infectious diarrhea,
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Giardia Lamblia infections,
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Candida overgrowth,
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Conjunctivitis,
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Aft,
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Skin fungi It has been used in topical infections such as.
Still today herbal mouthwashes ve in eye drops It is widely used for its antiseptic effect.
🔥 Anti-inflammatory and Skin Benefits:
Modern pharmacology has established that the alkaloids of berberis, reduces inflammation by regulating cytokines and immune responses bulmustur.
This is also his traditional eczema, psoriasis and wound healing It supports its use in skin disorders such as.
Berberis creams or gels, acne treatment (by combating bacteria and inflammation) and soothing eczema rashes has been effective.
The plant antioxidant content (Carotenoids such as vitamin C, beta-carotene and lutein), neutralizes free radicals; this too anti-aging ve skin enhancer offers effects.
In natural medicine, berberis is still a “blood purifier” is seen as – clearing up skin conditions associated with systemic inflammation or toxins It helps, just as the ancient physicians described.
🩺 Liver and Metabolic Health:
One of the most remarkable areas in modern research is Effect of berberis on metabolic disorders.
Especially berberin, type 2 diabetes, Obesity, fatty liver disease ve high cholesterol showed significant benefits.
A systematic review of more than 1000 diabetic patients, Berberine lowers blood sugar levels as effectively as standard diabetes medications has revealed.
Increases insulin sensitivity ve controls blood sugar spikes.
In a 12-week study, 500 mg of berberine three times daily, while reducing total cholesterol by 12% and triglycerides by 23%, good cholesterol (HDL) has increased.
The barber does this by increasing LDL receptors in the liverIt achieves this by clearing bad cholesterol from the blood.
These findings suggest that berberis has traditionally been used as “blood purifier”And treating diabetes symptoms confirms its use as .
Today, berberis or berberine supplements, Natural products to support blood sugar control and lipid balance It is used as.
Some researchers, Berberine as an alternative or adjunctive agent to metformin It is evaluated as.
???? ️ Digestive and Biliary Effects:
Berberis bitter taste, it is not in vain – in phytotherapy bitter herb that stimulates digestion ve cholagogue (known as a bile flow enhancer).
It increases bile secretion from the gallbladder, which helps digest fat ve a mild laxative effect It makes.
Modern uses include:
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Indigestion,
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Constipation due to liver sluggishness,
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Bile duct infections (cholangitis) located.
Some studies have shown that berberis non-alcoholic fatty liver disease It is reported that it is beneficial and reduces liver fat and inflammation.
Gallstones ve gallbladder inflammation It has also been used by traditional physicians such as Ibn Sina “bile disorders” as used for.
Also The Turkish can increase appetite, May relieve reflux by toning stomach muscles.
All these effects are the traditional use of berberis stomach strengthener (stomachinic) ve liver protector (hepatoprotective) compatible with its classification as a plant.
❤️ Cardiovascular and Other Benefits:
Preliminary research, Berberine and berberis have positive effects on the cardiovascular system beyond cholesterol control. shows that it is possible.
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May lower blood pressure (through vasodilation and reduction of blood fluidity),
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Anti-arrhythmic effect on the heart can and can protect heart muscle cells.
Also The Turkish anti-cancer potential It has also been shown: berberine, apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells can launch and various models may inhibit tumor growth.
Although it is not a cancer cure in itself, a complementary treatment with its immune-regulating and antioxidant properties is being investigated as .
There are other uses in modern herbal practices:
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the treatment of (berberine is good for insulin resistance),
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In gout disease (can reduce inflammation and lower uric acid).
🧪 Modern Usage Forms:
Various forms of berberis have also been adopted in modern medicine:
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Berberine supplements, usually 500 mg capsules is widely used in the form of and metabolic health supports.
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In herbal medicine, berberis root bark tincture (alcoholic extract) still broad-spectrum antimicrobial and bitter tonic used as – 0.5–1 teaspoon daily in the right dose.
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Berberis tea (dried fruit or peel infusion) throat ache ve mild infections It is taken as a home remedy for; it is also Rich in vitamin C it is a drink.
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Among topical products in eye drops (for conjunctivitis) and in skin creams/gels (acne, psoriasis, etc.) contains berberis extracts.
In a modern development, the use of berberis extracts together with antibiotics - like this, The effects of the plant's compounds that reduce drug resistance are utilized..
???? Berberis as a Functional Food:
In the food and supplement industry, berberis high antioxidant content and health benefits thanks to "functional foodis referred to as “.
Iran, thousands of tons per year zereshk (dried caramel fruit) produces and this Berberis is both a medicine and a food preservative. has encouraged its research.
Berberis fruit extract, as a natural preservative and antioxidant in food preservation is also used.
✅ Result:
Berberis has been used since ancient times infections, liver disorders, digestive problems, skin problems and eye diseases Its use has been largely validated by modern science.
The main alkaloid of the plant berberin, nowadays antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and metabolism regulating It is known as.
berberisis a wonderful medicinal plant where traditional wisdom meets modern science.
Whether it was a syrup made for fever in the time of Hippocrates, a boiled mixture for jaundice in the clinics of Ibn Sina, or in the form of berberine capsules for diabetes today – The barberry plant has continued to provide healing throughout the ages. and maintains its historical reputation as a multi-purpose medicinal plant. 🌿
