Oregon Grape:

http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Mahonia%20aquifolium.pdf

—Infusions of Oregon grape root and doses of isolated alkaloid have been used effectively in the past to relieve many of the symptoms of syphilis (Felter 1922). Ointments made from the plant and isolated alkaloids are currently enjoying tremendous popularity in treating psoriasis and similar skin conditions. In clinical trials, symptoms improved or disappeared in 81 percent of 443 patients suffering from subacute and chronic psoriasis (Gieler and others 1995). Of the constituent compounds tested, the benzylisoquinoline alkaloids berbamine and oxyacanthine were principally responsible for inhibition of abnormal cell growth, with berberine showing lesser activity (Muller and others 1995). The fruit serves as a safe and gentle laxative

(Plants for a Future 2003). Las Pilitas Nursery. 2003. Mahonia aquifolium. Las pilitas Nursery, Escondido, CA. http://www.laspilitas.com/plants/420.htm. 2 p. Muller, K., K. Ziereis, and I. Gawlik. 1995. The anipsoriatic Mahonia aquifolium and its active constituents: II. Antiproliferative activity against cell growth of human keratinocytes. Planta Medica 61(1): 74-75. Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2003. Plants profile: Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi. 4 p. Paghat.com. 2003. Paghat’s garden: Mahonia

aquifolium. http://www.paghat.com/

http://www.vitalnutrients.net/hq_handouts_pf.asp?VitaminName=Liver/Digest%20Tincture%20Support

Oregon grape root is best known and most used for its berberine content, which is highly effective in conditions such as “infected mucous membranes, inflammation of the gallbladder, cirrhosis of the liver and chronic skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema” (Murray, MT, The Healing Power of Herbs, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA 1995, page162-170). Due to the high alkaloid content of berberine, Oregon Grape Root possesses powerful antibiotic and anti-infective properties while also stimulating the immune system.

http://www.swedish.org/110809.cfm

The roots and bark of the shrub Mahonia aquifolium (also called Oregon grape) have traditionally been used both orally and topically to treat skin problems. They were also used for other conditions such as gastritis, fever, hemorrhage, jaundice, gall bladder disease, and cancer. In addition, Mahonia was used as a bitter tonic to improve appetite.

A large open study in which 443 participants with psoriasis used Mahonia topically for 12 weeks found the herb to be helpful for 73.7% of the group. 9 Without a placebo group, it’s not possible to know whether Mahonia was truly responsible for the improvement seen, but the trial does help to establish the herb's safety and tolerability (see Safety Issues below).

Laboratory research suggests Mahonia has some effects at the cellular level that might be helpful in psoriasis, such as slowing the rate of abnormal cell growth and reducing inflammation. 10,11

1. Wiesenauer M, Ldtke R. Mahonia aquifolium in patients with Psoriasis vulgaris – an intraindividual study. Phytomedicine. 1996;3:231–235.

2. Gieler U, von der Weth A, Heger M. Mahonia aquifolium—a new type of topical treatment for psoriasis. J Dermatol Treat. 1995;6:31–34.

3. Augustin M, Andrees U, Grimme H, et al. Effects of Mahonia aquifolium ointment on the expression of adhesion, proliferation, and activation markers in the skin of patients with psoriasis. Forsch Komplementrmed. 1999;6(suppl 2):19–21.

4. McCutcheon AR, Ellis SM, Hancock REW, et al. Antifungal screening of medicinal plants of British Columbian native peoples. J Ethnopharmacol. 1994;44:157–169.

5. Galle K, Mller-Jakic B, Proebstle A, et al. Analytical and pharmacological studies on Mahonia aquifolium. Phytomedicine. 1994;1:59–62.

6. Mller K, Ziereis K. The antipsoriatic Mahonia aquifolium and its active constituents; I. Pro- and antioxidant properties and inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase. Planta Med. 1994;60:421–424.

7. Wiesenauer M, Ldtke R. Mahonia aquifolium in patients with Psoriasis vulgaris – an intraindividual study. Phytomedicine. 1996;3:231–235.

8. Augustin M, Andrees U, Grimme H, et al. Effects of Mahonia aquifolium ointment on the expression of adhesion, proliferation, and activation markers in the skin of patients with psoriasis. Forsch Komplementrmed. 1999;6(suppl 2):19–21.

9. Gieler U, von der Weth A, Heger M. Mahonia aquifolium – a new type of topical treatment for psoriasis. J Dermatol Treat. 1995;6:31–34.

10. Galle K, Mller-Jakic B, Proebstle A, et al. Analytical and pharmacological studies on Mahonia aquifolium. Phytomedicine. 1994;1:59–62.

11. Mller K, Ziereis K. The antipsoriatic Mahonia aquifolium and its active constituents; I. Pro- and antioxidant properties and inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase. Planta Med. 1994;60:421–424.

12. Gieler U, von der Weth A, Heger M. Mahonia aquifolium – a new type of topical treatment for psoriasis. J Dermatol Treat. 1995;6:31–34.

13. deSmet PAGM, et al. (eds). Adverse effects of herbal drugs. Berlin;New York: Springer-Verlag;1992:97–104.

14. Chan E. Displacement of bilirubin from albumin by berberine. Biol Neonate. 1993;63:201–208.