Japanese Barberry: A Highly beneficial invasive

While there are several types of Barberry, the particular species I’ll be focusing on is Berberis thunbergii, otherwise known as Japanese Barberry.  Most Barberries are non-native to New England - those that aren't were introduced to the US in 1875 as an ornamental plant.  Back when it was introduced, it was welcomed - but since that time, most people (except for aboriginal folks, who use and make the most of it) consider it an undesirable pest.  

As most invasive plants do, Japanese Barberry spreads rapidly and can hinder or deter the growth of other plants.  It’s especially prevalent in forests or areas overgrazed by deer, due to the newly available space for it to take over - in other words, it truly behaves as an invasive, displaying opportunistic characteristics.  However, while this plant may seem to pose a threat on one hand, on the other hand, it's also an indispensable medicinal herb.  The term “barberry” is an umbrella term - while it’s often used to allude to one species (Common Barberry, or Berberis vulgaris), I may also use it to refer to all 14 species, but I will try my best to label the individual species when in context.   

There are an array of positive qualities that this plant offers, including its effectiveness against pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Bacillus dysenteria, Vibro cholera, Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Candida, cancer, malaria, and Giardia.  Barberry also has a strong potential for treating West Nile Virus.

 Like goldenseal, this invasive is berberine rich, which is a powerful component that fights bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, as well as yeast infections.  In addition to that, it could be used as treatment for encephalitic symptoms.  Berberine is the alkaloid responsible for the rich yellow coloring in the roots - a characteristic that may help someone to identify it when in nature.  Berberine has been proven to impede the growth of bacteria as well as helping the immune system to grow stronger and perform more efficiently. Barberry also contains the vitamins A and C, as well as several other constituents such as Beta-carotene, Rutin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, and Caffeic acid.  

As for the edibility of the plant, the leaves and the red berries are edible.  In the spring, the leaves will be more desirable and easier to consume than the rest of the year, since the leaves become more bitter tasting as the plant ages.  Since barberry includes ascorbic acid, a powerful antioxidant, it is also commonly sought out for its immune enhancing capabilities as well as various other benefits, such as protection from the common cold, lowering blood pressure, and even physical performance in older people. 

Alternate leaf structure, young spring edible leaves

Berberine-rich yellow roots