Berberine Complex [Discontinued] by Integrative Therapeutics

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Acne. It is unclear if oral European barberry fruit is beneficial for acne. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adolescents 12-17 years of age with moderate or severe acne shows that taking European barberry aqueous extract 200 mg three times daily for 4 weeks reduces acne severity and decreases the number of acne lesions when compared with placebo (94824).
• Bacterial vaginosis. It is unclear if topical European barberry is beneficial for bacterial vaginosis. Details: A small clinical study in adults with bacterial vaginosis shows that applying 5 grams of a cream containing European barberry 5% with metronidazole 0.75% vaginally nightly for 7 days modestly reduces infection recurrence rate over the following three weeks when compared with metronidazole cream alone (94826).
• Breast cancer. Although there is interest in using oral European barberry for breast cancer prevention, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of European barberry for this condition.
• Dental plaque. It is unclear if brushing the teeth with a gel containing European barberry is beneficial for dental plaque. Details: Preliminary clinical research in males 11-12 years of age shows that brushing with a European barberry extract gel containing berberine 1%, three times daily for 3 weeks reduces plaque index when compared with placebo. This effect was similar to that seen with a commercial antiplaque toothpaste (Colgate) (33695).
• Diabetes. It is unclear if oral European barberry is beneficial for diabetes. Details: A small clinical study in adults with type 2 diabetes shows that taking European barberry juice 200 mL daily for 8 weeks, in conjunction with standard treatment, reduces fasting blood glucose levels by 7.5%, compared with an increase of 20% in those receiving standard treatment alone. Patients taking European barberry also had improvements in body weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol when compared with standard treatment alone (98575).
• Gingivitis. It is unclear if brushing the teeth with a gel containing European barberry is beneficial for gingivitis. Details: Preliminary clinical research in males 11-12 years of age shows that brushing with a European barberry extract gel containing berberine 1%, three times daily for 3 weeks, reduces gingival inflammation when compared with placebo. This effect was similar to that seen with a commercial antiplaque toothpaste (Colgate) (33695).
• Hyperlipidemia. It is unclear if oral European barberry is beneficial for hyperlipidemia. Details: Meta-analyses of five small clinical trials shows that taking European barberry decreases total cholesterol by 24 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 14 mg/dL, and triglycerides by 29 mg/dL, without significantly affecting high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, when compared with a control intervention (102055,105756). However, because the studies included in these analyses enrolled patients with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the effects of European barberry on lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidemia are unclear.
• Opioid withdrawal. It is unclear if oral European barberry is beneficial for opioid withdrawal. Details: Clinical research in patients using methadone during opioid withdrawal shows that taking European barberry root extract 500 mg twice daily for 4 weeks reduces overall symptoms of withdrawal by a large amount, but does not improve depression, anxiety, stress, or sleep quality, when compared with placebo (108156). More evidence is needed to rate European barberry for these uses.

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POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

• Urine drug tests. Drinking water with goldenseal or adding goldenseal tea to urine does not appear to cause a false negative urine drug screen for amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine, or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Details: Goldenseal is often promoted to mask illicit drugs in the urine, but drinking one gallon of water with goldenseal or adding goldenseal tea to urine samples does not seem to cause a false negative immunoassay (EMIT and TDx) for cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or opiates. It also does not produce a false negative for Microgenics CEDIA DAU assays for amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine, or THC (260,261,52599). Although adding goldenseal tea to urine samples at 15 grams per liter may produce a false-negative EMIT reading for the presence of THC, the adulteration is obvious due to a brownish color in the urine (52599). Some people also claim that goldenseal can cause a false positive on a drug screen. However, goldenseal does not seem to cause false positives for the fluorescent polarization immunoassay (FPIA) or thin-layer chromatography (TLC) assays for amphetamines, opiates, cocaine, methadone, or their metabolites (2590).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Acne. Although there has been interest in using topical goldenseal for acne, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Although there has been interest in using oral goldenseal for allergic rhinitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Anorexia nervosa. Although there has been interest in using oral goldenseal for anorexia nervosa, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Although there has been interest in using topical goldenseal for atopic dermatitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Although there has been interest in using oral goldenseal for CFS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Conjunctivitis. Although there has been interest in using goldenseal as an eye drop for conjunctivitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Dandruff. Although there has been interest in using topical goldenseal for dandruff, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Flatulence. Although there has been interest in using oral goldenseal for flatulence, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Gastritis. Although there has been interest in using oral goldenseal for gastritis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Gingivitis. Although there has been interest in using goldenseal as a mouthwash for gingivitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Hemorrhoids. Although there has been interest in using oral goldenseal for hemorrhoids, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Herpes labialis (cold sores). Although there has been interest in using topical goldenseal for herpes labialis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Menorrhagia. Although there has been interest in using oral goldenseal for menorrhagia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Otitis media. Although there has been interest in using goldenseal as an ear drop for otitis media, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Peptic ulcers. Although there has been interest in using oral goldenseal for peptic ulcers, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Respiratory tract infections. Although there has been interest in using oral goldenseal for various respiratory tract infections, including influenza, pneumonia, rhinosinusitis, and the common cold, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for these conditions.
• Tinnitus. Although there has been interest in using goldenseal as an ear drop for tinnitus, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Although there has been interest in using oral goldenseal for UTIs, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Uveitis. Although there has been interest in using goldenseal as an eye drop for uveitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Vaginitis. Although there has been interest in using oral goldenseal for vaginitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose.
• Wound healing. Although there has been interest in using topical goldenseal for wound healing, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of goldenseal for this purpose. There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of goldenseal for its other uses.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when the fruit is consumed orally in food amounts (13527). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of European barberry when used orally in medicinal amounts or when used topically.

CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally in newborns. The berberine constituent of European barberry can cause kernicterus in newborns, particularly preterm neonates with hyperbilirubinemia (2589). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of European barberry when used orally in older children.

PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally. Berberine is thought to cross the placenta and may cause harm to the fetus. Kernicterus has developed in newborn infants exposed to berberine (2589).

LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally. Berberine and other harmful constituents can be transferred to the infant through breast milk (2589).

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POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately as a single dose (260,261). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of goldenseal when used as more than a single dose.

CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally in newborns. The berberine constituent of goldenseal can cause kernicterus in newborns, particularly preterm neonates with hyperbilirubinemia (2589).

PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally. Berberine is thought to cross the placenta and may cause harm to the fetus. Kernicterus has developed in newborn infants exposed to goldenseal (2589).

LACTATION:
LIKELY UNSAFE when used orally. Berberine and other harmful constituents can be transferred to the infant through breast milk (2589). Use during lactation can cause kernicterus in the newborn and several resulting fatalities have been reported (2589).

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ANTICHOLINERGIC DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, taking European barberry with anticholinergic drugs might cause additive effects.  Details In vitro evidence suggests that European barberry might have anticholinergic properties (13527).

ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, European barberry may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.  Details In vitro and animal evidence suggest that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, might inhibit platelet aggregation (33591,33660,33661,33694). Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, taking European barberry with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.  Details Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that European barberry juice reduces fasting glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes who are also taking antidiabetes drugs (98575). Additionally, some animal studies show that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, has antiglycemic potential (33622,33667). Monitor blood glucose levels closely.

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, taking European barberry with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.  Details Animal and human research suggests that European barberry extracts can have hypotensive effects (13528,33604,98575).

CHOLINERGIC DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, taking European barberry with cholinergic drugs might decrease the effects of cholinergic drugs.  Details In vitro evidence suggests that European barberry might have anticholinergic properties (13527).

CNS DEPRESSANTS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use with drugs that have sedative properties may cause additive effects.  Details Animal research suggests that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, might have sedative effects (33650,33692). Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

CYCLOSPORINE (Neoral, Sandimmune) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use with cyclosporine may cause additive effects.  Details Berberine, a constituent of European barberry, can reduce the metabolism and increase serum levels of cyclosporine. This effect is attributed to the ability of berberine to inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine (13524). Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, European barberry might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.  Details There is very preliminary evidence suggesting that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, might inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme (13524). Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

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ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.  Details Goldenseal contains berberine. In vitro and animal research shows that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation (33660,33694). However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.  Details Goldenseal contains berberine. Clinical research shows that berberine can lower blood glucose levels (20579,34247,34265,34282). However, this effect has not been reported with goldenseal.

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.  Details Goldenseal contains berberine. Animal research shows that berberine can have hypotensive effects (33692,34308). Also, an analysis of clinical research shows that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone (91956). However, this effect has not been reported with goldenseal.

CNS DEPRESSANTS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.  Details Goldenseal contains berberine. Animal research shows that berberine can have sedative effects (13519,33650,33664,33692). However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.  Details In vitro research shows that goldenseal root extract can modestly inhibit CYP2C9. This effect may be due to its alkaloid constituents, hydrastine and berberine (21117). However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.  Details Clinical and in vitro research shows that goldenseal can significantly inhibit CYP2D6 enzymes, potentially increasing levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 (13536,16848,35907).

CYTOCHROME P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.  Details In vitro research shows that goldenseal root extract can inhibit the activity of CYP2E1 (94140). However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.  Details Most clinical and in vitro research shows that goldenseal inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme activity and increases serum levels of CYP3A4 substrates, such as midazolam (6450,13536,21117,91740,111725). However, in one small clinical study, goldenseal did not affect the levels of indinavir, a CYP3A4 substrate, in healthy volunteers (10690,93578). This is likely due to the fact that indinavir has a high oral bioavailability, making it an inadequate probe for CYP3A4 interactions (13536,91740) and/or that it is primarily metabolized by hepatic CYP3A, while goldenseal has more potential to inhibit intestinal CYP3A enzyme activity (111725). Both goldenseal extract and its isolated constituents berberine and hydrastine inhibit CYP3A, with hydrastine possibly having more inhibitory potential than berberine (111725).

DEXTROMETHORPHAN (Robitussin DM, others) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.  Details Goldenseal contains berberine. A small clinical study shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan (34279).

DIGOXIN (Lanoxin) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Goldenseal might increase serum levels of digoxin, although this effect is unlikely to be clinically significant.  Details Clinical research shows that goldenseal modestly increases digoxin peak levels by about 14% in healthy volunteers. However, goldenseal does not seem to affect other pharmacokinetic parameters such as area under the curve (AUC) (15132). This suggests that goldenseal does not cause a clinically significant interaction with digoxin. Digoxin is a P-glycoprotein substrate. Some evidence suggests that goldenseal constituents might affect P-glycoprotein; however, it is unclear whether these constituents inhibit or induce P-glycoprotein.

LOSARTAN (Cozaar) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, goldenseal might decrease the conversion of losartan to its active form.  Details Goldenseal contains berberine. A small clinical study shows that berberine inhibits cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity and reduces the metabolism of losartan (34279). However, this effect has not been reported with goldenseal.

METFORMIN (Glucophage) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, goldenseal might reduce blood levels of metformin.  Details In vitro research shows that goldenseal extract decreases the bioavailability of metformin, likely by interfering with transport, intestinal permeability, or other processes involved in metformin absorption. It is unclear which, if any, of metformin's transporters are inhibited by goldenseal. Goldenseal does not appear to alter the clearance or half-life of metformin (105764).

OSELTAMIVIR (Tamiflu) Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, goldenseal might reduce the therapeutic effects of oseltamivir by decreasing its conversion to its active form.  Details In vitro evidence suggests that goldenseal reduces the formation of the active compound from the prodrug oseltamivir (105765). The mechanism of action and clinical relevance is unclear.

P-GLYCOPROTEIN SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, goldenseal might increase or decrease serum levels of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates.  Details There is conflicting evidence about the effect of goldenseal on P-gp. In vitro research suggests that berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, modestly inhibits P-gp efflux. Other evidence suggests that berberine induces P-gp. In healthy volunteers, goldenseal modestly increases peak levels of the P-gp substrate digoxin by about 14%. However, it does not seem to affect other pharmacokinetic parameters such as area under the curve (AUC) (15132). This suggests that goldenseal is not a potent inhibitor of P-gp-mediated drug efflux. Until more is known, goldenseal should be used cautiously with P-gp substrates.

PENTOBARBITAL (Nembutal) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.  Details Animal research shows that berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time (13519). However, this effect has not been reported with goldenseal.

TACROLIMUS (Prograf) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of tacrolimus.  Details Goldenseal contains berberine. In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, intake of berberine 200 mg three times daily increased the blood concentration of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL. Following a reduction of tacrolimus dosing to 3 mg daily, blood levels of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL (91954).

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General ...European barberry is generally well tolerated when consumed in amounts commonly found in food. A thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted for the use of larger, medicinal amounts. Topically, European barberry seems to be well tolerated.

Hepatic ...Orally, a case of hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia is reported in an adult male after consuming European barberry 15 drops and nannari root 15 drops twice a day for 2 weeks. The patient presented with lethargy, loss of appetite, and jaundice that progressed to high-grade fevers, chills, rigors, severe pancytopenia, and abnormal liver function tests. Liver biopsy was suggestive of drug-induced liver injury. The patient was hospitalized for multiple infections and symptomatic thrombocytopenia. Despite receiving supportive care, blood transfusions, and corticosteroids, the patient died 7 weeks after diagnosis (110021). The exact reason for this adverse effect is not clear.

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General ...There is limited reliable information available about the safety of goldenseal when used in more than a single dose. Berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, is generally well tolerated when used orally.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, can cause abdominal distension, abdominal pain, bitter taste, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Dermatologic ...Orally, berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, may cause rash. However, this appears to be rare (34285). A case of photosensitivity characterized by pruritic, erythematous rash on sun-exposed skin has been reported in a 32-year-old female taking a combination product containing goldenseal, ginseng, bee pollen, and other ingredients. The rash resolved following discontinuation of the supplement and treatment with corticosteroids (33954). It is not clear if this adverse effect is due to goldenseal, other ingredients, or the combination.

Endocrine ...A case of severe, reversible hypernatremia has been reported in an 11-year-old female with new-onset type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis who took a goldenseal supplement (52592).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, may cause diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, and bitter taste (33648,33689,34245,34247,34285,91953). Theoretically, these effects may occur in patients taking goldenseal. However, this hasn't been reported in clinical research or case reports.

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, may cause headache when taken in a dose of 5 mg/kg daily (33648). Theoretically, this may occur with goldenseal, but this hasn't been reported in clinical research or case reports.

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