Berberine

Berberine is an organic compound classified as benzylisoquinoline alkaloid. Chemically, it is a quaternary ammonium compound. Its name is derived from the genus of plants, Berberis. Berberine occurs in the roots, bark, stems, and leaves of Berberis vulgaris (barberry), Berberis aristata (tree turmeric), Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape), and Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal). Due to their yellow pigmentation, raw Berberis materials were once commonly used to dye wool, leather, and wood. Under ultraviolet light, berberine shows a strong yellow fluorescence. As a natural dye, berberine has a color index of 75160. Plants containing berberine have been used in traditional medicine, and berberine extracts are sold as dietary supplements. Other than in China as an over-the-counter drug, berberine is not approved as a prescription drug, regulated, or proven safe in any country.