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Overview: Oregon grape is a plant called Mahonia aquifolium (also known as Berberis aquifolium). The root, root bark, and other parts of the plant are used to make creams, ointments, capsules, tinctures, and teas. People often apply Oregon grape products to the skin for psoriasis. It is also taken by mouth to help with digestion and blood sugar levels and for other reasons, but these benefits are not well defined. Common side effects include irritation when used on the skin and stomach upset or diarrhea when taken by mouth. Before using Oregon grape, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is Oregon grape used for?

Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium, also known as Berberis aquifolium) has a long history of traditional use, both on the skin and by mouth. It is commonly used for the following reasons.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed Oregon grape for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does Oregon grape work (mechanism of action)?

Oregon grape comes from an evergreen shrub called Mahonia aquifolium, also known as Berberis aquifolium. The plant grows in western North America and is also grown in gardens. The root, root bark, stems, and other parts are used to make supplements. Common products include creams or ointments that are applied to the skin and capsules, tinctures, and teas taken by mouth.

Oregon grape naturally contains chemicals called isoquinoline alkaloids. The main ones are berberine, berbamine, and oxyacanthine. In laboratory research, these chemicals appear to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. For psoriasis, researchers think chemicals in Oregon grape may help slow the fast growth of skin cells and calm skin inflammation.

However, the benefits of Oregon grape are not well defined. The strongest research is for use on the skin for mild to moderate psoriasis, and even there, the effect appears modest. For most other uses, evidence in humans is limited. Most of the interest for using Oregon grape to help with blood sugar, cholesterol, and general wellness comes from berberine, a chemical found in the plant. These benefits are not well defined for Oregon grape.

Herbal products such as Oregon grape naturally contain many different chemicals, such as berberine. The amounts of each chemical in a specific Oregon grape product may vary. Different amounts of berberine may change the effects of Oregon grape on the body. Some Oregon grape dietary supplements are made to contain a certain amount of these substances. There are also some dietary supplements that contain only berberine.

How should I store Oregon grape?

You should store Oregon grape according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Oregon grape?

The most common side effects of Oregon grape are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin irritation, burning, itching, rash, or redness (when applied to the skin, see below)
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting

There may be other side effects of Oregon grape that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Oregon grape?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Oregon grape are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Oregon grape may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Oregon grape and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Reactions. Applying Oregon grape products to the skin may cause a skin rash or allergic skin reaction where it is applied. Stop using Oregon grape and tell your health care provider right away if you have a rash, redness, swelling, or itching that is severe or does not go away.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Oregon grape?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Oregon grape.

  • Berberis aquifolium
  • Holly-leaved barberry
  • Mahonia aquifolium
  • Mountain grape
  • Oregon grape
  • Oregon grape root
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Oregon grape products they stock.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. Oregon grape naturally contains berberine. Berberine may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It should not be used by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or newborn babies. See the Pregnancy and Breastfeeding sections for more details.

What should I know about Oregon grape before using it?

Oregon grape is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Oregon grape is available as products for the skin and products taken by mouth. Common forms include skin creams and ointments, capsules, dried root, liquid extracts (tinctures), and teas. Capsules, tinctures, and teas are taken by mouth. Do not take a skin product by mouth. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep Oregon grape out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as Oregon grape, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific Oregon grape product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested Oregon grape products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Oregon grape?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Before using Oregon grape, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Oregon grape could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. However, Oregon grape contains berberine and there are concerns with its use during pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Oregon grape passes into breast milk. It contains berberine, which may be harmful to infants. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does Oregon grape interact with foods or drinks?

No specific interactions with foods or drinks have been reported, but this has not been well studied.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Oregon grape.

Does Oregon grape interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using so they can watch for any potential interactions.

Oregon grape contains berberine. Berberine may alter the blood levels of many medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

The interactions between Oregon grape and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with Oregon grape is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking Oregon grape with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Oregon grape?

If you or someone else has used too much Oregon grape, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Oregon grape is available as skin creams and ointments, capsules, dried root, liquid extracts (tinctures), and teas. Products for the skin should not be taken by mouth.

Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use Oregon grape safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.