Is Oregon Grape Nature's Ozempic?
By Selena Eon, IATC Board Member
Last fall patients started asking me about the myriad TikTok videos espousing Berberine as a substitute for hard-to-get (and not without risks) GLP-1 medications. I was both doubtful and intrigued, and set forth upon PubMed to see if there was any research-proven truth behind these viral videos. But what’s the connection to Oregon Grape? Read on to become informed on this incredible plant you’ll find almost everywhere in the forests of the Issaquah Alps.
Oregon Grape on Tiger Mountain, photo from the Alpiner archives
Oregon Grape, or Mahonia, was previously known as Berberis. The old name makes sense in that Oregon Grape species are a potent source of Berberine. Although rich in Berberine, there are numerous other phytochemicals in Oregon Grape that we won’t get into today. Berberine is a bioactive phytochemical with a number of medicinal actions. As a medical student, I learned how to harvest the bright yellow roots to create herbal tinctures and powders to use as medicine. Traditionally, Berberine containing plants are used topically and internally as antimicrobial agents for infections and internally to stimulate digestion as a bitter tonic. Berberine root powder is frequently used today to reduce blood sugar, a useful addition to diet and lifestyle modification for type 2 diabetes. The drug Metformine is Berberine in pharmaceutical form.
There is published research showing a very small weight loss effect in patients utilizing Berberine, thus as social media sometimes works, the public snatched this half-truth up and started producing content touting Berberine as a more natural alternative to GLP-1 medications. Berberine isn’t comparable to GLP-1’s in any meaningful way, but it sure did get a lot of attention online. Although I would not say that Oregon Grape is Nature’s Ozempic. I can state with authority that Oregon Grape IS Nature’s Metformin!
Blossoming Oregon Grape vine on Tiger Mountain, photo from the Alpiner archives
Oregon Grape intermingling with Salal on the Chirico Trail, photo from the Alpiner archives
We have a tall Oregon Grape that can be mistaken for Holly with its tree-like appearance and shiny green spiky leaves. More abundant is our short Oregon Grape that is typically knee-high in the Issaquah Alps. You’ll often find short Oregon Grape intermingling with Salal as understory shrubs. When beholding Oregon Grape in our forests, give the smooth, robust leaves with sharp spiky edges a gentle feel to get to know this plant better. The leaves remain green year-round, although as leaves age, you may find them turn red. In the summer you’ll find beautiful yellow flowers, the same color as the berberine-rich roots. As summer progresses, the flowers fall off and dusky blue-black berries somewhat resembling grapes appear. They are edible with a sour grassy taste (spit out the seeds!) and if you’re a wildcrafting alchemist, they can be pressed and strained into a juice that can be used in recipes.
Author at Poo Poo Point (via Chirico Trail), courtesy of Selena Eon
Oregon Grape is a powerful plant—be sure to get to know her better on your next hike!
Check out our events calendar for the next “Hikes with a Purpose!”