Apr 28, 2021

The brilliance of Berberine

Berberine is a striking yellow compound naturally found in the bark, roots and rhizomes of various medicinal plants including Phellodendron, Barberry, Indian barberry, Golden seal and Chinese goldthread. A plant alkaloid, the medicinal use of Berberine spans more than 3000 years, having a long history of traditional use in both Western herbal medicine (WHM) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

As a compound, berberine is a particular plant alkaloid, an isoquinoline alkaloid, belonging to a specific class known as protoberberines. Berberine represents one of the most studied among the naturally occurring protoberberine alkaloids¹.

The stem bark of Phellodendron and Barberry in Herbs of Gold Berberine ImmunoPlex contains high-strength berberine, standardised to 109.26mg per tablet.

Phellodendron is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to “remove heat toxin”, “cool deficiency heat” and “disperse fire”. While in WHM, Barberry is traditionally used to support healthy immune system function, support digestive system health and relieve symptoms of indigestion.

Berberine ImmunoPlex contains the herbs Cat’s Claw, Pau d’arco and Thyme. Cat’s Claw also contains an alkaloid as its active, an oxindole alkaloid. Cat’s Claw is known for its positive effects on the immune system, supporting both immune system health and healthy immune system function. The World Health Organisation (WHO) supports the use of Cat’s claw from immune health as it can increase the number of white blood cells².

Rounded out with the herb Thyme, Berberine ImmunoPlex makes use of Thyme for its traditional use in WHM as an expectorant to clear respiratory tract mucous, relieve cough and relieve symptoms of a sore throat.

Berberine ImmunoPlex is standardised to high-strength berberine and supported by a careful selection of herbs with a long history of traditional use.

The Herbs of Gold team continues to stay abreast of the exciting ongoing in vitro research on berberine, which is uncovering promising uses for this well used, well-loved compound.

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.

1. Imanshahidi, M., & Hosseinzadeh, H. (2008). Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Berberis vulgaris and its active constituent, berberine. Phytotherapy Research, 22(8), 999–1012.

2. World Health Organisation. (2007). WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Vol. 3). World Health Organisation.