Barberry is a shrub. Its roots and bark supply berberine, a compound that influences metabolism and digestion. People take barberry to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, stimulate bile flow for better digestion, and support immune health.
You can find barberry as capsules or liquid extracts. Some take it before meals to ease digestion. Others use it alongside their blood sugar routine.
Do not combine barberry with other berberine supplements. The herb can interact with diabetes and blood pressure medications. Skip it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.