Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aquifolium)

Dried root of Mahonia aquifolium, Oregon Grape, an evergreen shrub native to the Pacific Northwest forests. Oregon Grape is one of the major plant sources of berberine - the bright yellow alkaloid that also gives Goldenseal its color and pharmacology. As Goldenseal has become threatened, Oregon Grape has emerged as a sustainable Pacific Northwest alternative with substantially overlapping traditional uses.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Mahonia aquifolium (also Berberis aquifolium)

Family

Berberidaceae

Native region

Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, northern California)

State flower

State flower of Oregon

Active compounds

Berberine (the yellow alkaloid), other isoquinoline alkaloids

Sustainable alternative to

Goldenseal - both contain berberine, both have overlapping uses

What is Oregon Grape?

Oregon Grape is an evergreen shrub with glossy spiny leaves (resembling holly) and clusters of small dark purple-blue berries (resembling small grapes - hence the name). The plant is the state flower of Oregon and grows abundantly across Pacific Northwest forests. The roots are bright yellow - the color comes from berberine, the same alkaloid found in Goldenseal and Barberry. Traditional Western herbal use is parallel to Goldenseal: liver support, immune support, digestive bitter, traditional antimicrobial.

Why Sustainable Alternative to Goldenseal?

Goldenseal has been overharvested from wild populations and is now CITES Appendix II. Oregon Grape contains the same primary active compound (berberine) and has substantially overlapping traditional uses, but grows abundantly across the Pacific Northwest with much less sustainability pressure. Many Western herbalists now recommend Oregon Grape as the more sustainable choice when berberine herbs are appropriate.

How to Use Oregon Grape Root

Decoction: simmer 1 teaspoon of root in 8 oz water for 15-20 minutes; strain. The flavor is intensely bitter. Tincture: alcohol extracts the alkaloids well. Capsules: encapsulated powder for measured dosing.

Safety Information

Not recommended during pregnancy (the berberine alkaloids can affect uterine tone). Can interact with various medications metabolized by liver enzymes. Consult a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oregon Grape used for?
Traditional Western use for liver support, immune support, digestive bitter, traditional antimicrobial. Substantially overlapping uses with Goldenseal.

Is Oregon Grape the same as Goldenseal?
Different species but both contain berberine and have overlapping uses. Oregon Grape is far more sustainable.

What is berberine?
The yellow isoquinoline alkaloid found in Oregon Grape, Goldenseal, Barberry, and several other unrelated plants.

Why choose Oregon Grape over Goldenseal?
Oregon Grape is much more sustainable. Goldenseal is now CITES Appendix II due to overharvesting.

Are Oregon Grape berries edible?
Yes; the small dark berries are edible but quite tart. Traditional use includes jelly-making.

Is it safe during pregnancy?
No; the berberine alkaloids can affect uterine tone.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.