Mahonia aquifolium Pursh. Mountain grape, Oregon grape
Family: Berberidaceae
Description: “Vigorous cultivar with a low-growing dense, spreading habit, red-stalked, brown-tinged leaves that turn bronze in winter, and large clusters of bright yellow flowers. H 60cm, S 150cm. Fully hardy.” (Bown, 1995: 155)
Habitat: Native to NW USA.
Harvest: “Roots and bark are collected in late autumn or early spring. And dried…Fruits are collected when ripe and used fresh.” (Bown, 1995: 308)
Part used: Root bark
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture: 1-4ml tds, Fluid Extract: 1-2ml tds, Dried: 1-2g tds
Actions:
-Alterative,
-Tonic,
-mild Cholagogue,
-Anti-diarrhoeal (Wren, 1988);
-Hepatic,
-Anti-inflammatory (AD)
Organ system: Digestive (gastrointestinal)
Indications:
-Gastritis;
-Skin diseases such as PSORIASIS and eczema (Wren, 1988);
-Arthritis (AD);
-also as Berberis but with milder action.
Contra-indications: None found.
Key Constituents:
-ISOQUINOLINE ALKALOIDS, incl. berberine, berbamine, hydrastine, oxycanthine
Pharmacology: In vitro studies shown inhibits enzymes, also inhibits multiplication of keratinocyte cells (AD).
History: Has been called yerba de la sangre , “herb of the blood”, indicating its importance as blood purifier and lover tonic (Bown, 1995). Introduced into England from States in 1823 (Grieve, 1985).
Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“In constipation it is combined with Cascara sagrada. It improves digestion and absorption.” Mrs. Grieve (1985)
“Mildly stimulating tonic hepatic and alterative: influences alimentary mucous membrane, stimulates glandular elements and improves nutrition. Promotes elimination of catabolic residues and stimulates recuperation. Indications:
-Catarrhal disorders of stomach, intestines and urinary organs;
-Hepatic torpor, bilious headache;
-Eczema, herpes, psoriasis, acne, facial blotches and pimples -with Rumex/ Arctium rad.” Priest and Priest, (1983: 96).
