Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) contains berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid that demonstrates antimicrobial activity against Candida, H. pylori, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The herb exhibits anti-inflammatory effects through lipoxygenase inhibition and has been traditionally used by Pacific Northwest tribes for skin conditions.
Origin & History
Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a perennial evergreen shrub native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, featuring holly-like leaves, yellow flowers, and blue-purple berries. The medicinal parts are primarily the root and root bark, which contain isoquinoline alkaloids, particularly berberine, and are traditionally extracted via tinctures, decoctions, or propylene glycol extracts.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
The research dossier reveals a notable absence of human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specifically for Mahonia aquifolium. The only study referenced (PMC10830684) examined Oregon grape root extracts in cell models (Caco-2, MDCKII) for P-glycoprotein inhibition, demonstrating reduced transport of cyclosporine A and digoxin at concentrations of 0.05-1 mg/mL, but this remains in vitro data without clinical validation.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
{"macronutrients": {"fiber": "Approximately 2.5 grams per 100 grams of fresh berries", "protein": "Approximately 1 gram per 100 grams of fresh berries"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamin_C": "Approximately 10 mg per 100 grams of fresh berries", "vitamin_A": "Present in small amounts, primarily as beta-carotene", "iron": "Approximately 0.3 mg per 100 grams of fresh berries", "calcium": "Approximately 20 mg per 100 grams of fresh berries"}, "bioactive_compounds": {"berberine": "Concentration varies, typically around 0.5-3% in root and bark extracts", "palmatine": "Present in smaller quantities compared to berberine", "oxyacanthine": "Present in trace amounts"}, "bioavailability_notes": "Berberine has low oral bioavailability, but its effects are enhanced through enterohepatic recirculation. The bioavailability of vitamins and minerals may be influenced by the presence of other dietary components."}
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Oregon grape's primary bioactive compound berberine disrupts bacterial cell membrane integrity and inhibits DNA gyrase in pathogenic microorganisms. The alkaloid also blocks lipoxygenase enzymes, reducing inflammatory mediator production including leukotrienes. Additional isoquinoline alkaloids like palmatine and canadine contribute to antimicrobial activity through similar membrane disruption mechanisms.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Preclinical studies demonstrate Oregon grape extract inhibits Candida albicans growth at concentrations of 125-250 μg/mL and shows activity against Helicobacter pylori. In vitro research confirms effectiveness against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. However, human clinical trials are lacking, with evidence limited to traditional use reports and laboratory studies. Current research focuses primarily on topical applications for skin conditions rather than systemic antimicrobial effects.
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