Mahonie ordinary

The common mahonia, also known as thorn-leaved mahonia or Mahonia aquifolium, is a plant of the mahonia genus (Mahonia) within the Berberidaceae family (barberry family). Originally found in western North America, from Canada to Oregon, it is now also native to large parts of Europe.

Ancient medicinal plant with antibiotic effect. Due to the alkaloid berberine it contains, it inhibits bacteria and in higher quantities reduces various cell activities.

The bark of the mahonia is used phytotherapeutically: see Mahoniae cortex

Commisison E: negatively evaluated!

HMPC: not processed

ESCOP: not processed

Currently only homeopathic preparations(Commission D) available.

Empirical medicine: mild to moderate psoriasis, acne vulgaris, seborrhea, itchy dry dermatoses

The common mahonia grows as an upright evergreen shrub and reaches heights of up to 180 cm. The hard leaves of the shrub grow up to 30 cm long and are glossy dark green above, lighter green below, bronze-red in winter. The edges of the leaves are covered with spines.
The mahonia flowers between March and June. The flowers are yellow to red in colour.
The fruits begin to ripen in August. When ripe, the berries are purple-black to bluish in colour and the size of a pea.

Action: Antiphlogistic, promotes wound healing by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxgenase, antiproliferative, mitosis inhibiting, antibacterial, antiseborrheic, keratolytic, free radical scavenger, inhibits histamine secretion.

Mahonia aquifolium is the parent plant of Mahoniae cortex and Mahoniae radix.

Currently no positive monographs except Commission D: psoriasis, eczema, acne, wound treatment, and skin infections.

Preparation:Rubisan® cream and ointment, DHU

Preparations: Rubisan® cream, Rubisan® ointment

1. https://www.phytodoc.de/heilpflanzen/mahonie
2. Bernstein S et al (2006) Treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis with Relieva, a Mahonia aquifolium extract- a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Am.J.Ther 14: 121-126
3. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp. 152-153