Understanding Berberine: What Fruit has Berberine in it?

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Though often sourced from supplements, the powerful compound berberine is naturally found in several plants. If you are wondering what fruit has berberine in it, the most prominent example is the barberry, a red, tart berry used for centuries in traditional medicine.

Quick Summary

The alkaloid berberine originates from plants, most notably the barberry fruit, but also from the roots and bark of others like Oregon grape. These sources are known for properties that may support metabolic and cardiovascular health, although berberine is most potent in supplemental form. It is crucial to understand these sources and their uses.

Key Points

Primary Fruit Source: The European barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is the key fruit containing berberine, known for its tart, red berries.
Higher Concentration in Roots: The concentration of berberine is often significantly higher in the roots, rhizomes, and bark of plants like the barberry and Oregon grape than in their fruit.
Culinary Uses: Barberries can be used in dried form in a variety of culinary applications, including rice dishes, sauces, and jams, adding a tangy flavor.
Metabolic Health: Berberine is known for its ability to activate AMPK, a key metabolic enzyme, and may help manage blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight.
Supplement vs. Fruit: For higher potency and therapeutic effects, supplements derived from plant roots and bark are generally more effective than consuming the fruit alone.
Safety Precautions: Berberine can interact with medications and has potential side effects; it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical supervision.

What are the natural sources of berberine?

Berberine is a bioactive compound found in various plants, acting as a potent alkaloid with potential therapeutic effects. While widely available as a supplement, berberine is naturally derived from several plant sources. It's worth noting that while some fruits contain berberine, the highest concentrations are often found in the roots, rhizomes, stems, and bark of these plants.

The barberry: a fruit that contains berberine

The European barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is a primary answer to the question of what fruit has berberine in it. This shrub produces small, tart, red berries utilized in both cooking and traditional medicine. Although the berries contain berberine, the roots and stems typically have higher concentrations. In regions like Iran, dried barberries, known as zereshk, are commonly added to rice dishes, sauces, and jellies, offering a tangy flavor.

Oregon grape: a surprising berberine source

Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), a member of the barberry family, is another plant producing berberine-rich berries. These berries are edible but not widely consumed due to their sour and seedy nature. Similar to the barberry, the roots of the Oregon grape contain higher levels of berberine and are frequently used for medicinal extracts.

Other high-potency plant sources

Beyond edible fruits, berberine is found in the roots and bark of several other plants used primarily for medicinal purposes, serving as sources for concentrated berberine supplements:

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): Roots and rhizomes are rich in berberine.
Chinese Goldthread (Coptis chinensis): Used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia.
Tree Turmeric (Berberis aristata): Indian barberry species with potent bark and roots.
Phellodendron (Phellodendron amurense): Bark is another significant source.

Health benefits associated with berberine

Berberine has been studied for its potential health benefits, particularly regarding metabolic health and inflammation. It influences metabolic regulation by activating the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Potential benefits include:

Blood Sugar Management: May help lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
Cholesterol Reduction: May help reduce total and LDL cholesterol.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Shows powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Gut Health: May support gut health and help treat certain types of diarrhea.
Weight Management: Some studies suggest a positive impact on body weight and BMI.
Antioxidant Activity: Acts as an antioxidant, helping to combat cellular damage.

Berberine source comparison

While barberry fruit offers a natural source of berberine, understanding the potency differences between various sources is important. The table below compares common sources:


Source	Part Used	Typical Form	Berberine Concentration	Notes
*Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)*	Fruit	Fresh, dried, jams, juice	Present (Lower)	Used culinarily, offers a tart taste.
*Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)*	Fruit, Roots	Berries, extracts, supplements	Present (Fruit - Lower), High (Roots)	Berries are edible but roots are more potent.
*Barberry (Berberis aristata)*	Roots, Bark	Supplements, extracts	High	Indian barberry species, used for supplements.
*Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)*	Roots, Rhizomes	Supplements, extracts	High	High potency, common in medicinal supplements.
*Chinese Goldthread (Coptis chinensis)*	Roots, Rhizomes	Supplements, traditional remedies	High	Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

How to incorporate berberine into your diet and health routine

Incorporating berberine can be done through consuming barberry fruit or taking supplements, depending on your health goals. For culinary uses, barberry fruit is accessible, while supplements provide higher concentrations for therapeutic benefits.

Consuming barberry fruit

Dried barberries, known as zereshk, are often found in Middle Eastern grocery stores. Ways to use them include:

In Dishes: Add to rice pilaf, couscous, salads, or yogurt.
Preserves: Their tartness makes them suitable for jams and jellies.
Drinks: Make a tea or juice.

Using berberine supplements

For therapeutic benefits, supplements from concentrated plant extracts (typically roots or bark) are most effective. Consult a healthcare provider before using supplements due to potential interactions and side effects like stomach upset and diarrhea. Supplements come in various forms, including capsules and extracts.

Important considerations and safety

Before taking berberine, consider the following:

Healthcare Consultation: Discuss with a healthcare professional to determine if it's suitable for your health needs.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Avoid berberine during pregnancy and breastfeeding as it is considered unsafe.
Drug Interactions: Berberine can interact with many medications, including blood thinners and diabetes medications. Inform your doctor about any supplements you take.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the barberry is the main fruit containing berberine, used traditionally in cooking and medicine. However, for higher berberine concentrations and potential therapeutic effects, plant roots and bark from sources like Oregon grape and goldenseal are typically used in supplements. While barberry fruit is a healthy dietary addition, supplements, used under medical guidance, are generally more potent for health benefits. Understanding the source and concentration is key to safely and effectively using berberine.

The best berberine supplement online

To explore high-quality, third-party tested berberine supplements, consider trusted health sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

While barberry fruit does contain berberine, the concentration is lower compared to the plant's roots and bark. For therapeutic effects on blood sugar or cholesterol, a standardized supplement is generally recommended over relying solely on the fruit.

No, Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is not a true grape. It is a shrub that belongs to the same family as the barberry (Berberis) and produces edible, though sour, berries containing berberine.

You can use barberry fruit for culinary purposes and to gain some berberine, but you should not consider it a direct substitute for a supplement. Supplements contain concentrated, standardized doses of berberine, while the amount in the fruit is much lower and can vary.

Common side effects of berberine, especially at higher intake levels, include gastrointestinal issues such as stomach upset, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

Barberries are often used in dried form, similar to currants. They can be rehydrated and added to rice dishes, mixed into sauces for meat, used in jams and jellies, or sprinkled over salads and desserts.

Yes. Berberine is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It also interacts with many medications, particularly those processed by the liver, so it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before use.

Dried barberry fruit, often called zereshk, can typically be found in Middle Eastern grocery stores or purchased online from specialty food suppliers.