 Berberine-containing Herbs can help with the following: | |  | | | Parasites |  Giardiasis Infection | Berherine salts and extracts have demonstrated in vitro inhibitory activity against Giardia trophozoites, and berberine sulfate has been shown to induce morphological damage to trophozoites, including the appearance of irregularly-shaped vacuoles, swollen trophozoites, and the development of glycogen deposits.
In a placebo-controlled clinical trial, 40 subjects received either a vitamin B-complex syrup (as a placebo), berberine hydrochloride (5 mg/kg/day), or metronidazole for six days. Berberine administration resulted in a marked decline in gastrointestinal symptoms (superior to that of metronidazole) and a 68% reduction in Giardia-positive stools. Metronidazole-treated patients were 100% parasite free, and patients on placebo had a 25% reduction in Giardia-positive stools.The authors speculated that an increase in the dose or a longer duration of treatment would increase berberine's treatment efficacy.
In an uncontrolled trial of 137 children ranging from five months to 14 years, berberine was administered in one of four regimens. Group 1 received 5 mg/kg/day for five days, group 2 received 5 mg/kg/day for 10 days, group 3 received 10 mg/kg/day for five days, and group 4 received 10 mg/kg/day for 10 days. The number of individuals with Giardia-negative stool samples was 47% in group 1, 55% in group 2, 68% in group 3, and 90% in group 4. The cure rate in group 4 was comparable to that obtained with furazolidone (92%) and metronidazole (95%). A small number of subjects in group 4 and in the metronidazole-treated group experienced a relapse one month after treatment ceased. The authors suggested either re-infection occurred or that a longer duration of treatment or multiple treatment periods may be necessary to improve overall outcomes in some patients. |
|
| |  | |  |
KEY | | Likely to help |
GLOSSARY
Ayurvedic (Ayurveda)
Type of alternative medicine in which diet and therapies, such as herbal inhalation and massage, are dictated by individual's body type; 4,000 year-old traditional Indian system believed to be helpful to those suffering insomnia, hypertension and digestive problems.
Diarrhea
Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.
Gastrointestinal (GI, GI Tract)
Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Giardiasis (Giardia)
An intestinal tract infection caused by Giardia lamblia, a flagellate protozoa now common to much of the world. It is not normally a very serious infection, but nevertheless unpleasant.
Glycogen
A compound produced by the liver from glucose and stored in the liver and muscles. It acts as an energy source for muscles, and releases glucose from the liver to maintain blood sugar.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Kilogram (kg, kgs, Kilogramme, Kilogrammes, Kilograms)
1000 grams, 2.2lbs.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Parasite (Parasites, Parasitic, Parasitical)
An organism living in or on another organism.
Placebo (Placebos)
A pharmacologically inactive substance. Often used to compare clinical responses against the effects of pharmacologically active substances in experiments.
Last updated: Jun 08, 2008
|
 |
|
|
