Berberis vulgaris, or Zarishk is a shrub that produces tart and red berries . This plant is native to parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia, it is now found worldwide. As you must know Zarishk Health Benefits, its berries have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues, infections, and skin conditions.
They contain a number of beneficial compounds, the most notable of which is berberine, which acts as an antioxidant and may aid in the management of conditions such as diabetes, the fight against dental infections, and the treatment of acne. Here are some amazing barberry benefits.
1. Nutrient-Dense
Barberries are packed with nutrients. They’re high in carbohydrates, fibre, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. The Zarishk are high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that may help protect against cellular damage, which can lead to heart disease and cancer. A 1/4-cup (28-gram) serving of dried barberries contains the following nutrients:
- Calories: 89
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbs: 18 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Vitamin C: 213 percent of Daily Value (DV)
- Iron: 15 percent of Daily Value (DV)
Furthermore, barberries contain trace minerals such as zinc , manganese, and copper, all of which play important roles in immunity and disease prevention. The berries’ bright red colour is due to anthocyanins, which are plant pigments that may improve your brain and heart health, among other things.
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2. Contains Plant Compounds that are Beneficial
Berberine, a unique plant compound found in barberries, may be linked to a variety of health benefits. Berberine belongs to the alkaloid family, a class of compounds known for their medicinal properties.
According to research, it acts as a powerful antioxidant, preventing cell damage caused by reactive molecules known as free radicals. berberine may also help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, slow the progression of certain cancer cells, fight infections, and reduce inflammation.
Furthermore, barberries contain other compounds that may be beneficial to health, such as alkaloids and organic acids. Despite this, the majority of research has concentrated on berberine.
3. May Aid in the Management of Diabetes
Barberries, specifically their berberine content, may aid in the management of diabetes, a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. Berberine, in particular, has been shown to improve how your cells respond to the hormone insulin, which regulates the amount of sugar in your blood.
As a result, your blood sugar levels may be reduced. In fact, researchers discovered that berberine’s beneficial effects on blood sugar and hemoglobin-A1c were comparable to those of the traditional diabetes drug metformin.
Another 8-week study of 30 people with type 2 diabetes found that taking 2 mg of dried barberry fruit extract daily resulted in lower hemoglobin A1c levels and significantly lower blood sugar levels when compared to a placebo group.
4. Can Aid in the Treatment of Diarrhea
For centuries, people have used barberries to treat diarrhea. This is most likely due to their high concentration of berberine, which slows the transit of feces through your gut by inhibiting specific receptors, preventing diarrhea. In fact, one of the earliest human studies on berberine discovered that it treated diarrhea caused by bacterial infections, including E. coli.
Furthermore, one study in 196 adults with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. (IBS-D) discovered that taking 800 mg of berberine hydrochloride per day significantly reduced the frequency of diarrhea and the urgent need to defecate, when compared to a placebo.
While these findings are intriguing, more human research is required to better understand how berberine and barberries may aid in the treatment of diarrhea.
Consult a nutritionist to get more authentic information.
6. Beneficial to Dental Health
Barberry extract has been shown in animal studies to be anti-inflammatory. This is most likely due to berberine’s potent anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it may aid in the treatment of inflammatory dental diseases such as gingivitis, which is characterized by plaque buildup, swelling, and gum irritation.
In a study of 45 boys aged 11 to 12, applying barberry dental gel for 21 days reduced plaque and gingivitis significantly more than a placebo. The study also found that barberry gel was more effective than traditional anti-plaque toothpaste, but the difference was not statistically significant.
These findings imply that barberry treatments may benefit dental health, but more research is needed.
7. Anticancer Properties
Barberries may have anticancer effects in a variety of ways, all of which are related to berberine. Berberine, as an antioxidant, may aid in the fight against underlying oxidative damage associated with cancer development.
Berberine may also cause cancer cell death, prevent cancer cell replication, and inhibit enzymes involved in the cancer cell life cycle. Berberine has been shown in several test-tube studies to inhibit tumour growth and initiate cell death in human prostate, liver, bone, and breast cancer cells.
However, research has been limited to in vitro studies, and more research is required to better understand the potential role of barberries in cancer treatment and prevention.
8. May Aid in the Treatment of Acne
Acne, a skin condition characterised by inflamed bumps and pimples, may be treated with barberries
Berberine and other compounds found in barberries, in particular, may aid in the fight against acne-related inflammation and infections.
In one study of adolescents with moderate to severe acne, taking 600 mg of dried barberry extract daily for four weeks significantly reduced the average number of lesions when compared to a placebo. The study concluded that extract from this berry may be a safe and effective treatment option for acne-prone teenagers, but more research is required.
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FAQ’s
1. Is barberry good for kidneys?
The fruit of European barberry is used to treat kidney, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract discomforts such as heartburn, stomach cramps, constipation, lack of appetite, liver and spleen disease; bronchial and lung discomforts; spasms; increased circulation, and immune system boosting.
2. Is there any side effects of Berberis vulgaris?
GI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as dizziness and fainting, have been reported. High doses may cause effects on the heart/blood vessel system (e.g., low blood pressure, decreased heart rate) and decreased breathing.
3. Is barberry poisonous?
This plant has both poisonous and medicinal properties. Aside from its fruits and seeds, the plant contains berberine, which is poisonous but also has therapeutic properties.