Overview

Tree turmeric (Berberis aristate) is a shrub found in India and Nepal. It contains high amounts of a chemical called berberine.

The chemicals in tree turmeric might reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Tree turmeric is widely used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine.

People use tree turmeric for diabetes, high cholesterol, burns, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Do not confuse Tree turmeric with Turmeric (Curcuma longa). These are not the same plant.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for TREE TURMERIC overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: A specific tree turmeric product that also contains milk thistle (Berberol, PharmExtracta) is likely safe. The most common side effects are nausea and other stomach problems. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other forms of tree turmeric are safe.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: A specific tree turmeric product that also contains milk thistle (Berberol, PharmExtracta) is likely safe. The most common side effects are nausea and other stomach problems. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other forms of tree turmeric are safe.

Pregnancy: It's likely unsafe to use tree turmeric while pregnant. It contains a chemical called berberine, which can cross the placenta and might cause harm to the fetus. Kernicterus, a type of brain damage, has developed in newborn infants exposed to berberine.

Breast-feeding: It's likely unsafe to use tree turmeric while breast-feeding. The berberine in tree turmeric can be transferred to the infant through breast milk, and it might cause harm.

Children: Tree turmeric is likely unsafe to give to newborn infants by mouth. It contains a chemical called berberine which can cause kernicterus, a rare type of brain damage. There isn't enough reliable information to know if berberine is safe for older children.

High bilirubin levels in the blood in infants: Tree turmeric may keep the liver from removing bilirubin fast enough. This can cause brain problems, especially in infants with high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Avoid using.

Interactions ?

    Major Interaction

    Do not take this combination

  • Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with TREE TURMERIC

    Tree turmeric might decrease how fast the body breaks down cyclosporine. This might increase the amount of cyclosporine in the body and increase the risk for side effects.

  • Tacrolimus (Prograf) interacts with TREE TURMERIC

    Tree turmeric might decrease how quickly the body removes tacrolimus. This might increase the effects and side effects of tacrolimus.

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with TREE TURMERIC

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Tree turmeric might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with TREE TURMERIC

    Tree turmeric might lower blood sugar levels. Taking tree turmeric along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, others) interacts with TREE TURMERIC

    Tree turmeric might decrease how quickly the body breaks down dextromethorphan. Taking tree turmeric while taking dextromethorphan might increase the effects and side effects of dextromethorphan.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with TREE TURMERIC

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Tree turmeric might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with TREE TURMERIC

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Tree turmeric might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with TREE TURMERIC

    Tree turmeric might lower blood pressure. Taking tree turmeric along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with TREE TURMERIC

    Tree turmeric might slow blood clotting. Taking tree turmeric along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Midazolam (Versed) interacts with TREE TURMERIC

    Tree turmeric can decrease how quickly the body breaks down midazolam. Taking tree turmeric along with midazolam might increase the effects and side effects of midazolam.

  • Pentobarbital (Nembutal) interacts with TREE TURMERIC

    Pentobarbital is a medication that can cause sleepiness. Tree turmeric might also cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking tree turmeric with pentobarbital might cause too much sleepiness.

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with TREE TURMERIC

    Tree turmeric might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking tree turmeric with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

Dosing

A specific combination product containing tree turmeric and milk thistle (Berberol, PharmExtracta) is the most well-studied form of tree turmeric. It is typically taken by mouth in adults as a daily dose providing turmeric extract 1176 mg and milk thistle extract 210 mg for up to 12 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.