Berberine

Berberine

The most active ingredient in Oregon grape root, California poppy, barberry or goldenseal is berberine which has anti-bacterial properties and aids in killing (the TB) bacteria.  

Berberine [natural yellow 18, 5,6-dihydro-9,10-dimethoxybenzo(g)-1,3-benzodioxolo (5,6-a) quinolizinium] is an alkaloid present in plants of the Berberidaceae family and used in traditional Chinese and North American medicine. 

Berberine causes mitochondrial depolarization and fragmentation, with an increase in oxidative stress.  Berberine causes inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and less calcium loading capacity via more mitochondrial permeability.  Complex I of the respiratory chain is targeted and improves insulin sensitivity via increased AMPK activity. 

Induced by toxins, membrane-bound multidrug-resistance pumps (MDRs) in bacteria, fungi and (cancer) cells confer resistance to chemically unrelated amphipathic toxins.  

The function of microbial MDRs remains hotly debated.  Some MDRs can extrude all amphipathics (cationic, neutral, and anionic).  Amphipathic cations accumulate in the cell driven by membrane potential, which makes cations very dangerous toxins.  Amphipathic cations are also highly hydrated and do not permeate the membrane as readily as neutral compounds. 

The pump of B. subtilis that protects cells from amphipathic cationic antimicrobials is part of an operon that codes for a putrescine acetyl transferase.  The pump extrudes putrescine, suggesting that this might be its primary function, and drug resistance is coincidental.

Berberis medicinal plants making berberine also make an inhibitor of the NorA MDR pump (of Staph aureus).  The inhibitor is 5'-methoxyhydnocarpin (5'-MHC), a minor part of chaulmoogra oil, traditionally used for leprosy.

Antimicrobial activities of Rhizoma coptidis and berberine results in less degradation of  polysaccharides, which may signal gene expressions in visceral tissues  This may contribute to fitness.  The host influences gut microbes by patterns of thinking as well as choices in eating. 

Berberine reduces the cholera toxin-induced secretion of water, sodium and chloride. Berberine  also inhibits the intestinal secretory response of Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli enterotoxins without causing histological damage to the mucosa.

Berberine is also active against other intestinal infections that cause acute diarrhea like Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella and various Klebsiella.  Berberine blocks adherence of Strep pyrogenes and E. coli, explaining it's action against many pathogens.  

Berberine ameliorates pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by damage at the epithelial tight-junction, and berberine may restore barrier function in intestinal disease. 

Berberine inhibits growth of Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis. Parasites all have morphological changes after berberine.  Berberine is useful in treating Leishmania donovani (intracellular protozoan). 

Berberine is anti-diarrheal.  It significantly inhibits muscle electric activity and transit in the small intestine.  This is party mediated by opioid and alpha-adrenergic receptors. The anti-diarrheal properties of berberine may be partly mediated by its ability to slow transit. 

Berberine is synergistic, it also acts as an herbal antidepressant.  California poppy has a reputation of being a milder, non-addictive version of other poppies, and can be used for pain relief, anxiety and hysteria.

Native Americans use California poppy for colic, sleeplessness and griping stomach pains (parasite symptoms).  It is often used to counter excitability and nervousness in children (hyperactivity). When used as a tea before bed, California poppy promotes long, restful sleep and is often used to treat insomnia.  This herb can also be smoked for relaxation.

As it is mild and non-addictive, this poppy is legal and can help opiate addiction and withdrawal: drinking a strong tea or smoking the herb as often as needed, has been used to help reduce heroin, morphine and opium cravings.  It also assists stopping cannabis and tobacco habits.