Oregon grape

Mahonia aquifolium

Edible plant

Native American

Photo credit: The original uploader was Meggar at English Wikipedia.

Toxicity: Low at culinary/topical doses; berberine cautions as for goldenseal.

Contraindications: Pregnancy/lactation (berberine — bilirubin displacement), neonates.

Interactions: Berberine inhibits CYP3A4/2D6; additive with hypoglycemics.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid in pregnancy/lactation (berberine — bilirubin displacement).

Evidence level

Clinical

Supported by clinical trials in humans.

tincture · root/root bark

Part used: root/root bark

Evidence:Preclinical

berries eaten (edible) · berries

Part used: berries

Evidence:Folk

decoction · root/root bark

Part used: root/root bark

Traditional use: bitter tonic, blood purifier, skin conditions, GI complaints, infections

Proposed mechanism: berberine — antimicrobial; small clinical trials of topical Mahonia for psoriasis/eczema

Evidence:Clinical

Edible parts: Ripe berries (tart, eaten raw or made into jelly; high pectin). The root is not food (medicinal/bitter).

No major toxic lookalike for the distinctive holly-like foliage + blue berries, but the root is not food (medicinal/bitter).

Berries: vitamin C, anthocyanins.

Native American

Sources (2)