May help fight acne

Acne, a skin ailment characterized by inflammatory bumps and pimples, may benefit from the use of barberries. Berberine and other substances found in barberries, in particular, may aid in the fight against acne-related inflammation and infections.

In one trial of adolescents with moderate to severe acne, ingesting 600 mg of dried barberry extract each day for four weeks reduced the average number of lesions significantly more than a placebo.

The study indicated that berry extract may be a safe and efficient acne treatment alternative for teenagers, but additional research is needed. Barberries are known to have a tart, slightly sweet flavor and can be eaten raw, in jam, or as a component of rice dishes and salads. They can also be juiced or used to make tea. Supplemental forms of barberry include dried capsules, liquid extracts, and ointments or gels made from whole berries or berberine extract. However, due to the limited research on humans, there is no recommended dosage for barberry or berberine supplements.