Berberis lycium vs Cryptolepis Sanguinolenta

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Berberis lycium

Antimicrobial

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta

Antimicrobial

Berberis lycium

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Cryptolepis Sanguinolenta

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Northwest Himalayan barberry; bark paste (Rasaut) used in Unani medicine for eye conditions and infections.

West African climber vine used in Ghana and neighboring countries as the primary herbal treatment for malaria, containing powerful alkaloids.

Active Compounds

berberine, berbamine, palmatine, oxyacanthine, tannins

cryptolepine, quindoline, neocryptolepine, cryptolepicarboline

Traditional Uses

eye infections, conjunctivitis, diabetes, infections, diarrhea

malaria, fever, infections, diarrhea, urinary infections

Modern Uses

antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, ophthalmic

antiplasmodial, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

500mg extract 2x/day; paste for eye wash

Plant decoction 200ml 3x daily for 5 days or 200mg extract

Contraindications

pregnancy, neonates

pregnancy, children under 12, cardiac conditions

Side Effects

GI upset, hypoglycemia

nausea, cardiac effects at high doses, hypotension

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E