Bayberry
Also known as: Morella rubra, Chinese bayberry, bayberry, red bayberry, Berberis vulgaris, Barberry, common barberry
Overview
Bayberry, particularly Chinese bayberry (*Morella rubra*), is a fruit native to China, known for its high anthocyanin and polyphenol content. Barberry (*Berberis vulgaris*) is a plant whose fruits and other parts have been used in traditional medicine. Chinese bayberry is traditionally used for various health conditions, including gastrointestinal issues, inflammatory diseases, and as an antioxidant. The key compounds in bayberry are anthocyanins, especially cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G). Research suggests potential therapeutic effects on gut health, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and related brain comorbidities. Bayberry extracts and berberine (found in barberry) are available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and liquid extracts. While research is emerging, more high-quality, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these benefits.
Benefits
Bayberry, specifically Chinese bayberry extract and its compounds like cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), has shown potential benefits in gut health. Studies in mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) indicate that bayberry extract can rapidly reduce diarrhea scores, increase food intake, and restore body weight by enriching beneficial gut bacteria like *Parabacteroides* and *Lachnoclostridium*. Berberine, found in barberry, has demonstrated a significant reduction in waist-hip ratio (WHR) in adults (WMD: -0.03; 95% CI: -0.04 to -0.01, P < 0.0001). Additionally, Chinese bayberry extract may alleviate IBD-related brain comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline by reducing oxidative stress and improving the permeability of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). These benefits are supported by animal studies and meta-analyses, but further human trials are needed to confirm these effects.
How it works
The anthocyanins in bayberry, such as C3G, act as antioxidants and modulate the gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing pathogenic bacteria. This modulation can have systemic effects on health. Berberine from barberry may influence metabolic pathways, including those related to glucose and lipid metabolism, although the exact mechanisms are complex and multifaceted. Chinese bayberry extract improves the permeability of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB), reducing oxidative stress and related brain comorbidities in IBD models. These actions involve interactions with various molecular targets involved in inflammation and oxidative stress pathways.
Side effects
Bayberry is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts. However, there is limited data on common, uncommon, and rare side effects in human trials. Animal studies have not reported significant adverse effects at the tested doses. Potential drug interactions, especially with medications metabolized by the liver, may occur due to the polyphenolic content of bayberry. Caution is advised in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to limited safety data. Patients with IBD or other gastrointestinal conditions should consult healthcare providers before using bayberry or barberry supplements. Long-term safety and potential interactions need further study to fully characterize the safety profile of bayberry and barberry.
Dosage
Optimal dosage ranges for bayberry and barberry supplements in humans are not well-established. Animal studies have used doses of bayberry extract and C3G in the range of several hundred milligrams per kilogram of body weight, but these doses are not directly translatable to human use. Human trials are needed to establish appropriate dosage ranges. Caution is advised against high doses due to the lack of comprehensive safety data. Extracts and powders have been used in studies, and bioavailability may vary depending on the form and preparation method. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for the efficacy of bayberry or barberry supplements.
FAQs
Is bayberry safe to use?
Bayberry is generally considered safe in moderate amounts, but long-term safety and potential interactions require further study. Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.
When should I take bayberry?
There are no specific timing recommendations for taking bayberry. Consistency is key, so choose a time that fits your routine. However, it's best to follow the advice of your healthcare provider.
What are the expected benefits of bayberry?
Potential benefits include improved gut health, reduced waist-hip ratio (with berberine), and relief from IBD-related brain comorbidities. Individual results may vary, and more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Does bayberry affect blood pressure or body weight?
Current research indicates that bayberry and barberry are not proven to significantly affect blood pressure or body weight in adults. Some studies have shown a reduction in waist-hip ratio with berberine.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32147051/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 trials (849 subjects) found that berberine consumption significantly reduced waist-hip ratio (WHR) but had no significant effects on BMI, body weight, or waist circumference. The study suggests that berberine may have a targeted effect on fat distribution without affecting overall weight.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.970530/full – This animal study investigated the therapeutic effects of Chinese bayberry extract on antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) in mice. The study found that the extract rapidly reduced diarrhea scores and restored body weight, with improvements in gut microbiota diversity and composition, suggesting a potential role in managing gut health.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33197673/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 5 trials (350 subjects) examined the effect of barberry supplementation on blood pressure. The study concluded that barberry supplementation had no significant effect on either systolic or diastolic blood pressure, indicating it may not be effective for managing hypertension.
- https://academic.oup.com/fqs/article/doi/10.1093/fqsafe/fyae028/7682312 – This animal study explored the effects of Chinese bayberry extract on IBD-related brain comorbidities in a mice model. The study found that the extract improved behavioral markers, reduced oxidative stress, and decreased permeability of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB), suggesting potential benefits for managing brain-related symptoms associated with IBD.
- https://libguides.usc.edu/healthsciences/systematicreviews/databases – This URL provides a list of databases that can be used to find systematic reviews. It is a resource for researchers looking to conduct or find existing systematic reviews on various health topics.
