European Barberry - Glucose Interaction
Herbal: European Barberry
Also Known As: Berberis vulgaris, Agracejo, Barberry, Berberidis Cortex, Berberidis Radicis Cortex, Berberidis Radix, Berbéris Commun, Berberry, Berbis, Common Barberry, Lebanon barberry, Mountain Grape, Oregon Grape, Pipperidge, Piprage, Sauerdorn, Sow Berry, Vinettier
Drug: Glucose
Brand names:
IV Glucose
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 04, 2025
Interaction Details
Glucose is classified as belonging to the following category: Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, taking European barberry with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that European barberry juice reduces fasting glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes who are also taking antidiabetes drugs. Additionally, some animal studies show that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, has antiglycemic potential. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Singh, J. and Kakkar, P. Antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effect of Berberis aristata root extract and its role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism in diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 5-4-2009;123(1):22-26.
- Gao, C. R., Zhang, J. Q., and Huang, Q. L. [Experimental study on berberin raised insulin sensitivity in insulin resistance rat models]. Zhongguo Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi. 1997;17(3):162-164.
- Lazavi F, Mirmiran P, Sohrab G, Nikpayam O, Angoorani P, Hedayati M. The barberry juice effects on metabolic factors and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018;31:170-174.
European Barberry Overview
European barberry is a shrub that is native to Asia, Europe, and North America. The root, bark, leaf, and fruit have all been used medicinally to treat a variety of gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and urinary tract conditions. The primary active constituent of European barberry is berberine, a bitter alkaloid. Barberry has been shown to be a good source of certain vitamins, especially Vitamin C.
European Barberry - More Interactions
European Barberry interacts with 1183 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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