Overview

Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a plant native to the western coast of North America. It has a history of use in American folk medicine.

Oregon grape contains chemicals that might help fight bacterial and fungal infections. Oregon grape might also reduce inflammation from skin conditions such as psoriasis.

People use Oregon grape for scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis). It is also used for eczema, indigestion, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Oregon grape is sometimes called Oregon barberry. Don't confuse Oregon grape with European barberry. These are not the same.



Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis). Applying a specific Oregon grape extract cream (Relieva, Apollo Pharmaceutical) to the skin somewhat improves symptoms and quality of life in people with psoriasis.

There is interest in using Oregon grape for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Oregon grape is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if Oregon grape is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Oregon grape is possibly safe when a specific 10% Oregon grape cream (Relieva, Apollo Pharmaceutical) is used for up to 12 weeks. Side effects might include itching, burning, irritation, and allergic reactions.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Oregon grape is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if Oregon grape is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Oregon grape is possibly safe when a specific 10% Oregon grape cream (Relieva, Apollo Pharmaceutical) is used for up to 12 weeks. Side effects might include itching, burning, irritation, and allergic reactions.

Pregnancy: Oregon grape Is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Oregon grape contains a chemical called berberine, which might cause harm to the fetus.

Breast-feeding: Oregon grape is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding. Oregon grape contains a chemical called berberine, which can be transferred to the infant through breast milk.

Children: Oregon grape is likely unsafe when given to infants by mouth. The berberine in Oregon grape can cause brain damage in newborns, particularly premature newborns who have jaundice. There isn't enough reliable information to know if Oregon grape is safe when used by older children.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with Oregon Grape

    The body breaks down cyclosporine to get rid of it. Oregon grape might decrease how fast the body breaks down cyclosporine. This might cause there to be too much cyclosporine in the body and potentially cause side effects.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Oregon Grape

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Oregon grape might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with Oregon Grape

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Oregon grape might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with Oregon Grape

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Oregon grape might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Oregon Grape

    Oregon grape might lower blood sugar levels. Taking Oregon grape along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with Oregon Grape

    Oregon grape might lower blood pressure. Taking Oregon grape along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Oregon Grape

    Oregon grape might slow blood clotting. Taking Oregon grape along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with Oregon Grape

    Oregon grape might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking Oregon grape with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

  • Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-glycoprotein substrates) interacts with Oregon Grape

    Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Oregon grape might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.

Dosing

Oregon grape has most often been applied to the skin as a topical cream in adults. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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