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A plant genus in the family BERBERIDACEAE. Oregon Grape was classified by Pursh as a Berberis but Nuttall claimed it is different enough to call it a new genus, MAHONIA. Now botanists insist on this genus while horticulturists stay with Mahonia. It is a source of BERBERINE.

Oxyacantha Galeni-b Canadensis, see Oxyacantha Galeni.

[Latin] A genus of shrubs of the Berberidacae. The root and root-bark of B. vulgaris, the berberry of Europe and the U. S., are used as an astringent and bitter tonic and antiperiodic. B. Aquifolium, the mountain grape of Oregon, is used as an antiperiodic and in syphilis. B. Lycium of India, is used as a tonic and for inflammations of the eyes. Most species contain Berberine (Berberina, Berherinuin), C20H17NO4+ 6H2O, a bitter, yellow, crystalline alkaloid which is also found in catumba, hydrastis, podophyllum, and other plants. Its sulphate, hydrochloride, carbonate, and phosphate are used as tonics and antiperiodics; dose, 1-10 gr. (gm. 0.06-0.60).

A genus of shrubs. See Barberry.

A genus of shrubs.

Of the U. S. Ph., the rhizome and roots of Berberis aquifolium. The fluid extract of b. is official in the U.S. Ph. 3. In the pl., berberes, the fruit of B. vulgaris.

See Barberry.