If you want to eat parts of barberry, you should be fully aware of the plant's toxins. Here you can find out which parts are poisonous and what to look out for.
Which parts of barberry are poisonous?
Theseedsof the common barberry contain toxic substances. Theroot and the leaves also contain toxic substances to varying degrees. However, the root bark can be used as a remedy if the dosage is precise.
Which barberry is poisonous?
Basically only theberriesof theCommon barberry (Berberis vulgaris) are not poisonous. You should not harvest any berries from the other types of barberry. And even with the common barberry, only the barberry fruits are edible. The leaves are sometimes also used to make tea. However, this is usually only used for external applications.
How does berberine, the poison of the barberry, work?
Berberine is apoisonous alkaloid. The substance contained in barberry affects the release of hormones and energy balance. Berberine can cause the following symptoms, among others:
- Nausea
- Nosebleed
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Kidney problems
If you have accidentally ingested poisonous parts of the barberry and are already experiencing any of these symptoms, you should call a poison control center or a doctor immediately. In addition to berberine, barberry also contains:
- Berbamin
- Magnoflorin
- Isotetrandin
- Palmatine
What do I pay attention to when cutting the poisonous barberry?
When cutting the barberrywear sturdy protective gloves These not only offer you protection against the barberry plant sap. They also protect your hands from the barberry thorns. It is not without reason that the plant is also known as sour thorn. With this protective measure, cutting the beautiful shrub is not particularly difficult.
Tip
Also popular with birds
The red fruits of the barberry are also sought after by some animals. Birds in particular like to use it when the cold season sets in and other plants can no longer be found to eat. However, the fruits are not poisonous to animals. So you don't have to worry about their well-being.
