Oregon Grape for Medicinal Use

Some Plateau Indian tribes used Oregon-grape to treat dyspepsia.

The plant is used medicinally by herbalists. Recent studies indicate that M. aquifolium contains a specific multidrug resistance pump inhibitor (MDR Inhibitor) named 5'methoxyhydnocarpin (5'MHC) which works to decrease bacterial resistance to antibiotics and antibacterial agents.

Oregon-grape root is commonly used medicinally as an effective alternative to the threatened goldenseal. Both plants similarly contain the alkaloid berberine, known as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial used in the treatment of infection. Mahonia aquifolium is also known to be capable of treatment on inflammatory skin diseases such as Eczema and Psoriasis. Other actions may include alterative, diuretic, laxative and tonic.



Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_grape

See also: Florist, Florists, Flower