Medicinal Herbs Database

Indonesian purple ginger used in traditional Jamu for inflammation.

Sumatran tree resin used medicinally and in perfumery; used in Southeast Asian traditional medicine for respiratory conditions, skin, and as incense.

Berberine is an alkaloid found in several plants including barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape. It has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for over 3,000 years. Modern research has revealed it to be one of the most potent natural compounds for metabolic health, with effects rivaling some pharmaceutical drugs.

Berberine activates AMPK (the metabolic master switch), reducing blood sugar, improving insulin sensitivity, and lowering LDL cholesterol; clinical evidence rivals metformin.

Concentrated berberine extract matching metformin in blood sugar studies.

The Pacific Northwest species containing berberine; antimicrobial activity comparable to tetracycline for GI infections; antiprotozoal against Giardia and Candida.

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

Ornamental Japanese shrub widely planted in Western gardens, contains berberine, invasive in North America.

European and Persian barberry fruit rich in berberine and vitamin C, used for liver and metabolic conditions.

Brilliant red native North American flower used by Oswego tribe for tea after Boston Tea Party and for respiratory and antiseptic uses.

Small Italian citrus primarily grown in Calabria whose peel oil is used in Earl Grey tea and studied for cardiovascular and cholesterol benefits.

A South African thistle used in Zulu medicine for digestive and respiratory conditions.

Roadside European plant used in folk medicine for anti-inflammatory and skin conditions; also toxic to horses.

The South African star grass root is the richest plant source of beta-sitosterol phytosterols; clinically proven for BPH with significant urinary flow improvement.