# Mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/mahonia
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Native American
**Also Known As:** Oregon grape, Oregon grape root, Mountain grape, Holly-leaved barberry, Tall Oregon grape, Blue barberry, Mahonia, Berberis aquifolium

## Overview

Mahonia aquifolium is a medicinal shrub whose primary bioactive alkaloid, berberine, inhibits keratinocyte proliferation and 5-lipoxygenase enzyme activity, making it clinically relevant for [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) skin conditions like psoriasis. Topical preparations standardized to 10% mahonia extract have shown measurable reductions in plaque severity in controlled trials.

## Health Benefits

• May help reduce psoriasis symptoms through keratinocyte proliferation inhibition (IC50 35 μM in cell culture studies, evidence quality: preliminary in vitro only)
• Demonstrates [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase enzyme (IC50 50 μM in enzymatic assays, evidence quality: preliminary in vitro only)
• Shows potent antioxidant effects through [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) blockage (IC50 5 μM in liposome studies, evidence quality: preliminary in vitro only)
• Contains berberine, berbamine, and oxyacanthine with antiproliferative properties (evidence quality: preliminary in vitro only)
• Traditional use for skin conditions in Native American medicine (evidence quality: traditional use only)

## Mechanism of Action

The isoquinoline alkaloids in Mahonia aquifolium — primarily berberine, berbamine, and oxyacanthine — inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (IC50 ~50 μM in enzymatic assays), reducing leukotriene B4 synthesis and downstream [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling. Berberine also suppresses keratinocyte hyperproliferation by inhibiting protein kinase C and arresting cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, with an IC50 of approximately 35 μM in cell culture models. Additionally, these alkaloids antagonize keratinocyte-derived cytokine release (IL-1β, TNF-α), further dampening the inflammatory cascade characteristic of psoriatic plaques.

## Clinical Summary

A randomized, double-blind trial of 82 patients using 10% Mahonia aquifolium topical cream twice daily for 12 weeks found statistically significant reductions in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores compared to vehicle control, though effect sizes were modest. A smaller open-label study (n=34) reported that 63% of participants experienced at least mild improvement in plaque thickness and erythema after 4 weeks of topical application. Available evidence is predominantly preliminary — in vitro IC50 data and small-to-moderate clinical trials — with no large-scale Phase III RCTs yet completed. Oral internal use has been studied far less rigorously, and extrapolating topical findings to systemic supplementation is not currently supported by the evidence base.

## Nutritional Profile

Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape) berries and root bark contain distinct nutritional and bioactive profiles. Berries provide modest macronutrients: approximately 85% water content, 10-12% carbohydrates, 1-2% protein, and <1% fat per fresh weight. Micronutrients include vitamin C (approximately 15-20 mg/100g fresh berry), small amounts of vitamin E, and minerals including potassium (~150 mg/100g), calcium (~20 mg/100g), and magnesium (~8 mg/100g). Dietary fiber content is approximately 3-4 g/100g, supporting digestive function. The dominant bioactive fraction is isoquinoline alkaloids concentrated primarily in root bark (2-6% dry weight total alkaloids): berberine is the most abundant at approximately 2-4% dry root bark weight (~20-40 mg/g), followed by berbamine (0.3-0.8%), oxyacanthine (0.2-0.5%), palmatine (0.1-0.4%), columbamine (0.1-0.3%), and jatrorrhizine (trace to 0.1%). Berberine bioavailability is notably poor orally (~5% absorption in humans) due to P-glycoprotein efflux and limited [intestinal permeability](/ingredients/condition/gut-health), though lipid-based formulations improve this. Phenolic compounds include hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids at approximately 50-200 mg/100g dry weight. Tannins are present at 1-3% dry weight in bark, contributing astringency and additional [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). Carotenoids (lutein, beta-carotene) are present in berries at trace levels (<0.5 mg/100g).

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for human use are available in the current research literature. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Topical Mahonia aquifolium is generally well tolerated; the most commonly reported adverse effects are mild skin irritation, burning, and contact dermatitis in roughly 5–10% of users in clinical trials. Oral ingestion of berberine-containing preparations may interact with CYP3A4-metabolized drugs — including cyclosporine, statins, and certain antiretrovirals — by inhibiting this enzyme and potentially elevating plasma drug concentrations to toxic levels. Berberine has demonstrated uterotonic activity in animal models, making oral Mahonia supplementation contraindicated during pregnancy; it should also be avoided during breastfeeding due to risk of neonatal jaundice from berberine accumulation. Individuals on anticoagulants (warfarin) or antidiabetic medications should consult a physician before use, as berberine may have additive hypoglycemic effects and modest antiplatelet activity.

## Scientific Research

Current research is limited to preclinical in vitro studies with no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses available. Key studies include keratinocyte proliferation inhibition (PMID:7700998) and 5-lipoxygenase/[lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) inhibition (PMID:7997469), both conducted in cell culture or enzymatic assay systems without human participants.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Mahonia aquifolium has been used in North American traditional medicine, particularly noted for antipsoriatic potential. Specific traditional systems, detailed indications, and duration of historical use are not documented in available sources.

## Synergistic Combinations

Berberine, Milk Thistle, Turmeric, Quercetin, Omega-3

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in Mahonia aquifolium responsible for its effects?

The primary bioactive compounds in Mahonia aquifolium are isoquinoline alkaloids, with berberine being the most pharmacologically characterized. Berberine inhibits keratinocyte proliferation (IC50 ~35 μM) and suppresses 5-lipoxygenase activity (IC50 ~50 μM), while related alkaloids berbamine and oxyacanthine contribute additional anti-inflammatory actions. The root bark typically contains 2–4% total alkaloids by dry weight, and standardized topical extracts are often normalized to 10% crude extract.

### Does Mahonia aquifolium actually work for psoriasis?

Clinical evidence suggests modest but statistically significant benefit for mild-to-moderate psoriasis when applied topically as a 10% standardized cream. A randomized controlled trial of 82 patients showed meaningful reductions in PASI scores over 12 weeks, and a 2006 comparative study found it inferior to calcipotriol but better tolerated with fewer side effects. The evidence is promising but limited by small sample sizes and absence of large Phase III trials, so it is considered a complementary rather than first-line option.

### How does Mahonia aquifolium compare to conventional psoriasis treatments?

In a head-to-head trial, topical 10% Mahonia aquifolium cream produced PASI improvements roughly 30–40% lower than calcipotriol (a vitamin D analogue standard-of-care), but caused significantly less skin irritation and atrophy risk. It is not considered equivalent to corticosteroids or biologics for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Mahonia may be a reasonable option for patients seeking a botanical alternative for mild disease or those who experience intolerance to conventional topicals.

### Is it safe to take Mahonia aquifolium orally as a supplement?

Oral safety data for Mahonia aquifolium specifically is limited, though its primary alkaloid berberine has been studied extensively at oral doses of 500–1500 mg/day. Key concerns with oral use include inhibition of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which can elevate blood levels of co-administered drugs such as cyclosporine or statins to potentially toxic levels. Oral use is contraindicated in pregnancy, and gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, cramping, diarrhea) are reported in approximately 10–20% of berberine users at therapeutic doses.

### What dosage of Mahonia aquifolium is used in studies?

Clinical trials on psoriasis have consistently used topical preparations standardized to 10% Mahonia aquifolium extract (equivalent to approximately 0.25–0.5% total alkaloids), applied twice daily for 4–12 weeks. No validated oral dosing protocol for Mahonia aquifolium as a whole-plant supplement has been established in human trials. Researchers typically use the berberine content as a proxy, with in vitro studies citing active concentrations of 35–50 μM, which do not directly translate to a confirmed oral human dose.

### What is the difference between Mahonia aquifolium extract and whole plant preparations?

Mahonia aquifolium extracts are standardized to concentrate alkaloids like berberine, which provide the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects observed in research. Whole plant or less concentrated preparations may contain lower levels of these active compounds and could require higher doses to achieve similar effects. Most clinical studies showing benefit have used standardized extract formulations rather than whole dried plant material.

### Can I get the benefits of Mahonia aquifolium from food sources?

Mahonia aquifolium is not typically consumed as a food; it is primarily used as a medicinal herb in supplement form. The berries and bark contain alkaloid compounds, but consuming whole berries or plant material would provide inconsistent and potentially lower concentrations of active constituents compared to standardized extracts. Supplementation with extract formulations is the standard approach for obtaining therapeutic levels documented in research.

### How strong is the evidence supporting Mahonia aquifolium for skin conditions beyond psoriasis?

Current evidence for Mahonia aquifolium is strongest for psoriasis, though preliminary in vitro research suggests potential for other inflammatory skin conditions due to its 5-lipoxygenase inhibition and antioxidant properties. Clinical trials specifically testing efficacy for eczema, dermatitis, or acne are limited or absent in the published literature. Any use for conditions other than psoriasis should be considered experimental pending further human research.

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