Tree Turmeric
OTHER NAME(S): Bérbero Indio, Chitra, Citra, Darhahed, Darhald, Daruhaldi, Daruharidra, Darurajani, Darvi, Épine-Vinette Aristée, Hint Amberparisi, Indian Barberry, Indian Berberry, Indian Lycium, Indian Ophthalmic Barberry, Nepal Barberry, Nepalese Barberry, Ophthalmic Barberry, Pisse Vinaigre, Vinettier Aristé, Berberis aristata, Berberis chitria, Berberis coriaria, Berberis Aristate, Cúrcuma de Árbol, Épine-vinette indienne
Overview
Tree turmeric (Berberis aristate) is a shrub found in India and Nepal. It contains high amounts of a chemical called berberine.
The chemicals in tree turmeric might reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Tree turmeric is widely used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine.
People use tree turmeric for diabetes, high cholesterol, burns, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Do not confuse Tree turmeric with Turmeric (Curcuma longa). These are not the same plant.
Uses
We currently have no information for Tree Turmeric overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: A specific tree turmeric product that also contains milk thistle (Berberol, PharmExtracta) is likely safe. The most common side effects are nausea and other stomach problems. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other forms of tree turmeric are safe.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: A specific tree turmeric product that also contains milk thistle (Berberol, PharmExtracta) is likely safe. The most common side effects are nausea and other stomach problems. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other forms of tree turmeric are safe.
Pregnancy: It's likely unsafe to use tree turmeric while pregnant. It contains a chemical called berberine, which can cross the placenta and might cause harm to the fetus. Kernicterus, a type of brain damage, has developed in newborn infants exposed to berberine.
Breast-feeding: It's likely unsafe to use tree turmeric while breast-feeding. The berberine in tree turmeric can be transferred to the infant through breast milk, and it might cause harm.
Children: Tree turmeric is likely unsafe to give to newborn infants by mouth. It contains a chemical called berberine which can cause kernicterus, a rare type of brain damage. There isn't enough reliable information to know if berberine is safe for older children.
High bilirubin levels in the blood in infants: Tree turmeric may keep the liver from removing bilirubin fast enough. This can cause brain problems, especially in infants with high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Avoid using.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, others) interacts with Tree TurmericTree turmeric might decrease how quickly the body breaks down dextromethorphan. Taking tree turmeric while taking dextromethorphan might increase the effects and side effects of dextromethorphan.
- Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with Tree TurmericTree turmeric might decrease how fast the body breaks down cyclosporine. This might increase the amount of cyclosporine in the body and increase the risk for side effects.
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Tree TurmericSome medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Tree turmeric 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 Tree TurmericTree turmeric might lower blood sugar levels. Taking tree turmeric along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
- Midazolam (Versed) interacts with Tree TurmericTree turmeric can decrease how quickly the body breaks down midazolam. Taking tree turmeric along with midazolam might increase the effects and side effects of midazolam.
- Pentobarbital (Nembutal) interacts with Tree TurmericPentobarbital is a medication that can cause sleepiness. Tree turmeric might also cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking tree turmeric with pentobarbital might cause too much sleepiness.
- Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with Tree TurmericTree turmeric might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking tree turmeric with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
- Tacrolimus (Prograf) interacts with Tree TurmericTree turmeric might decrease how quickly the body removes tacrolimus. This might increase the effects and side effects of tacrolimus.
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with Tree TurmericSome medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Tree turmeric 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 Tree TurmericSome medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Tree turmeric might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
- Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with Tree TurmericTree turmeric might lower blood pressure. Taking tree turmeric 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 Tree TurmericTree turmeric might slow blood clotting. Taking tree turmeric along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Dosing
A specific combination product containing tree turmeric and milk thistle (Berberol, PharmExtracta) is the most well-studied form of tree turmeric. It is typically taken by mouth in adults as a daily dose providing turmeric extract 1176 mg and milk thistle extract 210 mg for up to 12 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
References
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