Berberis, Barberry or Vinettier, is a thorny tree of the Berberidaceae family. It is very common in Iran, a country which appreciates it for its berries and its therapeutic properties. Indeed, berberide, a compound found in large quantities in the roots, has many powers. Berberis berries; the barberry does not have them, but that does not mean that they remain without interest. Barberry is a beautiful little red berry with a tangy flavor that goes wonderfully in savory and sweet recipes. Nutritionally, they have many phytonutrients and fiber. Thus, they regulate intestinal transit, limit the absorption of cholesterol or fight against oxidative stress. Latin name: Barberis vulgaris L. Botanical family: Berberidaceae. Part used: Fruit.
Recommended consumption
Dried barberry is a dried fruit. It therefore contains more sugar than a fresh barberry, the daily consumption recommendations are defined. As a classic treatment or for pleasure, 20 à 30 g of dried barberries per day, i.e. 3 to 4 handfuls.
In what form ?
To make the most of their benefits, you can use them:
- Whole
At what time of the day ?
We advise you to use them during the following meal(s) to make the most of their benefits:
- Breakfast
- In case
What methods of use?
You can include them in the following preparations to make them easier to take:
- Salad
- Dessert
- Yogurt, dairy
- Flat
- Alone
- Mixed with other dried fruits
- Infusion
- Muesli
Health nutrition benefits
25 g of dried barberries contain a significant portion of Nutritional References for the Population (RNP) of Iron and Fiber.
As such, dried barberries can complement your healthy and varied diet.
Metabolism
Barberry is a vector of anthocyanins and flavonoids. These compounds are antioxidants. Due to the absence of fat and the presence of fiber, this antioxidant power is all the more effective in preventing cardiovascular pathologies. In fact, fiber reduces the absorption of cholesterol and antioxidants limit the formation and worsening of atherosclerotic plaques.
Digestive system
Barberry contains pectin, a soluble fiber. Pectin is useful in cases of digestive transit disorders, such as diarrhea or constipation (see our guides constipation and diet and diarrhea and diet). In fact, pectin forms a gel on contact with water, which regulates the activity of intestinal transit.
Nervous system, well-being
Rich in iron, dried barberry contributes to cognitive functions and reduces fatigue. In short, it is ideal during more intense periods: exams, sporting events, etc.
Immune system
An iron deficiency impacts the functioning of the immune system. Barberry is rich in iron, it supports the immune system. Iron reinforces the immune benefits of a varied and balanced diet.
Circulatory system
Thanks to its richness in iron, dried barberry is a perfect accompaniment to treatment for iron deficiency anemia (see our guide iron deficiency anemia and diet).
Nutritional properties
Main properties
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Febrifuge : scientific studies observe a reduction in fever after consumption of barberry berries.
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Anti-oxidant (phytonutrient): there are approximately 22 alkaloid compounds found in barberry berries: phenolic compounds (including anthocyanins and carotenoids), tannin, flavonoid, anthocyanin, etc. These compounds are antioxidant agents, that is, they neutralize free radicals.
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Intestinal regulator (pectin): dried barberry is a berry rich in soluble fiber (pectin). Soluble fibers form a gel on contact with water, which tends to balance digestive transit. Be careful, in excess, they are laxative.
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Hypocholesterolemic (fiber): barberry reduces the absorption of dietary cholesterol, thanks to its high fiber content.
Secondary properties
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Anti-anemic (iron): barberry is extremely rich in iron. Iron is a hematopoietic trace element: it is involved in the formation of red blood cells.
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Anti-fatigue (iron): an iron deficiency leads to unusual fatigue. Barberry compensates for iron deficiencies.
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Mental tonic (iron): barberry stimulates intellectual functions and contributes to iron intake.
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Immunomodulating (iron): iron deficiency reduces resistance to infections. Due to its richness in iron, barberry ensures the proper functioning of the immune system.
Nutritional values
| Nutritional elements | per 100g | for 25g | % of RDA* per 100 g | % of RDA* for 25 g |
| Energy (Kcal) | 269 | 67 | 14 | 3 |
| Energy (Kj) | 1135 | 284 | 14 | 3 |
| Lipids (g) | 0.7 | 0.1 | 1 | 0 |
| Saturated fatty acids (g) | 0.4 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 53.9 | 13.4 | 21 | 5 |
| Including sugars (g) | 48.9 | 12.2 | 54 | 14 |
| Dietary fiber (g) | 14.6 | 3.65 | ||
| Protein (g) | 4.5 | 1.12 | 9 | 2 |
| Salt (g) | 0.07 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Iron (mg) | 26 | 6.5 | 186 | 46 |
*recommended daily allowance
Learn more about the plant: Berberis
Berberis, Vinettier, or Barberry belongs to the Berberidaceae family. It is a deciduous, thorny tree, reaching 3 m in height. In spring, the barberry is covered with golden yellow flowers, which will give way to berries. These small red berries grow in clusters and have the same name as the mother tree: barberries.
The genus Berberis is native to the semi-tropical regions of Asia, Europe, Africa and America. Today, barberry has established itself in Iran, which is the main producer and consumer of barberry berries. In Europe, we tend to eradicate it since it is an intermediate host of a wheat parasite: black rust, a fungus of the Pucciniaceae family. Apart from this fact, the barberry is an easy-care and aesthetic shrub.
Berberine
Berberine is an alkaloid. It has different medicinal indications: antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, vasodilator, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiemetic, cholagogue, etc. This berberine is responsible for the yellow coloring of barberry stems and roots. It is present in the roots, rhizomes, stem and bark of the plant, but barberry berries do not have it. Barberry berries cannot therefore claim these therapeutic properties.
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Bibliography
Publication: F Shamsa, A Ahmadiani, R Khosrokhavar, Antihistaminic and anticholinergic activity of barberry fruit (Berberis vulgaris) in the guinea-pig ileum, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 64, Issue 2, 1999, Pages 161-166, ISSN 0378-8741, https ://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(98)00122-6.
Publication: Firouzi S, Malekahmadi M, Ghayour-Mobarhan M, Ferns G, Rahimi HR. Barberry in the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome: possible mechanisms of action. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2018;11:699-705 https://doi.org/10.2147/DMSO.S181572
Publication: Emamat H, Asadian S, Zahedmehr A, Ghanavati M, Nasrollahzadeh J. The effect of barberry (Berberis vulgaris) consumption on flow-mediated dilation and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with hypertension: A randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2020 Dec 22. doi: 10.1002/ptr.7000. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33350540.
Publication: Rasool Nasiri Kalmarzi. (2019). Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) and Its Main Compounds. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/6183965
Website : eFlore. (sd-h). Tela Botanica. https://www.tela-botanica.org/eflore/?referential=bdtfx&module=fiche&action=fiche&num_nom=9456&onglet=description