Traditional use describes several different ways this plant can help treat simple ailments. Talk to your doctor about medicines that incorporate Mahonia or its compounds as an active ingredient!
Read also:
One of the key active compounds of Mahonia is a molecule called berberine.
This is a compound that has been shown to affect the brain system, especially young, immature nerve cells.
For adults who aren’t nursing or breastfeeding, this molecule isn’t toxic.
However, there hasn’t been much modern research on the topic, so always consult with your family physician before taking on a course of Mahonia products and extracts.
Furthermore, it’s been proven that Mahonia extracts interact with other medicines. It modifies the rate with which the medicines are broken down by the body, acting on the liver functions.
It’s important that your consulting doctor be fully aware of your intention to pursue a course, since it might interfere with other treatments you might already be taking.
Roots and stems of this plant have traditionally been used for medicine. Usually, they are harvested in autumn. This is when the plant has replenished its stores of nutrients and is ready to face winter.
When taken internally, natives would treat dyspepsia and other discomforts related to the stomach and bowels.
One of the common ailments Oregon grape holly helps cure is diarrhea. This is only in small amounts, since eating too many berries will cause light diarrhea instead of curing it.
In cases of upset stomach, it also helps normalize things. Similarly, heartburn is partly controlled and alleviated.
Furthermore, Mahonia has been used to treat stomach ulcers.
It has tonic virtues and also reduces infections.
Additionally, Mahonia triggers release of bile, stimulating the liver and the digestive tract. Lastly, it’s also a strong diuretic. This means it enhances urinary functions in the body.
Like other plants that are rich in flavonoids, some compounds in Mahonia have antimutagenic properties.
Antimutagenic means they work to reduce and cancel out mutations that occur in our body cells. When one learns that cancerous cells usually result from such mutations, that’s good news!
It works in individual cells as they multiply.
Mahonia berries, which are edible, are beginning to attract a lot of attention. In the quest for “new superfoods“, the food industry has rediscovered this ancient berry and its many properties!
Two major compounds in Mahonia berries display strong antioxidant activity. These are:
They are the most abundant phenols and anthocyanins that can be found in “Oregon grape holly” berries, but there are others, too.
Anthocyanins are a category of chemicals naturally produced by plants. They’re often bright red in color. In blueberries, they’re what give the deep blue color, but for Mahonia they turn out blood-red. They influence:
of plants and berries. Many (but not specifically those of Mahonia) are used as food coloring.
Anthocyanins and phenols are powerful antioxidants.
As a balm or ointment, it has been shown to reduce psoriasis.
It’s suspected to have antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity. In the case of itch-causing skin ailments, this helps reduce spread of the issue, is very soothing, and prevents relapse.
For another skin disorder, eczema, traditional use was also claimed to be effective. However, to this day, modern research hasn’t succeeded in proving this yet.
Crush a few berries (including the mahonia seeds) together and lather the mix on boils. Wrap with a cloth or gauze to hold in place. Replace after a few hours with a new poultice.
Remember that these berries aren’t to be given to children, infants, and breast-feeding or pregnant mothers.
Sources:
“Anthocyanins and phenolic compounds of Mahonia aquifolium berries and their contributions to antioxidant activity” by Hacer Coklar, Mehmet Akbulut, Department of Food Engineering, Selcuk University, Selcuklu 42031, Konya, Turkey, in Journal of Functional Foods 35 (2017) 166-174.
