Grape, Mountain
Where To Found It: Western United States.
Several varieties of the subgenus Mahonia contribute to
the drug of commerce under the name of Berberis aquifolium.
It is a quickly-growing shrub about 6 feet high: the oddly compound
leaves have no spine at the base; they are evergreen and shining.
The flowers grow in terminal racemes, are small and yellowish-green
in colour, and the purple berries are three- to nine-seeded. The
bark is brown on the surface and yellow beneath. The root is from
1/2 inch in diameter to 3 inches at the base of the stem, odourless,
and with a bitter taste. The shrub was introduced into England from
North America in 1823. It was formerly known as Mahonia aquifolia
and is very hardy.
The principal constituent is a high proportion of berberin, and
there is also oxycanthin.
Modern Uses: Tonic and alterative, recommended
in psoriasis, syphilis and impure blood-conditions. It may be used
like colombo, berberis, etc., in dyspepsia and chronic mucous complaints.
In constipation it is combined with Cascara Sagrada. It improves
digestion and absorption.
Other Names: Mahonia aquifolia. Holly-leaved
Barberry. Oregon Grape Root.
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