http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20686799 Anti-herpes simplex virus effects of berberine from Coptidis rhizoma, a major component of a Chinese herbal medicine, Ching-Wei-San. Chin LW1, Cheng YW, Lin SS, Lai YY, Lin LY, Chou MY, Chou MC, Yang CC. Author information Abstract Berberine is an alkaloid extracted from Coptidis rhizome. Among the individual herbal components of a Chinese herb medicine, Ching-Wei-San, Coptidis Rhizoma has the most potent antimicrobial activity. By high-pressure liquid chromatography, the quantitative analysis of berberine from 6.25-mg/mL (w/v) Coptidis rhizome extract or 50.00-mg/mL (w/v) Ching-Wei-San was determined to be 0.26 mg/mL. To explore the potential use of Ching-Wei-San against herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, the cytotoxicity, anti-HSV-1 and anti-HSV-2 activity in Vero cells were assayed. The selectivity index of berberine was about 1.2-1.5 times higher than that of Coptidis rhizome extract and Ching-Wei-San. Moreover, the antiviral activities correspond to the content of berberine in the aqueous solution. Berberine may interfere with the viral replication cycle after virus penetration and no later than the viral DNA synthesis step, and its activities were not affected by the preparation processes. Berberine, the natural plants that contain this component, including Coptidis rhizome, and Ching-Wei-San have all shown anti-HSV effects.
the coptis rhizome is what is a major ingredient in my food allergy pill. and my theory was confirmed that the berberine in it was causing a herx reaction, which is why when it was added at the strength, I was getting MM symptoms, which sucked but it meant it was attacking the HSV in my inner ear. Antivirals keep the HSV suppressed (latent), the berberine is supposed to stop it from replicating a the DNA level, which mean is could possibly kill the virus. There are a lot of info about berberine and HSV, lyme and other viruses, even cancer cells, on the net but I don't know if all berberine is equal. It is found in different plants.
Once more, thanks, vicki. This is very interesting. I am not one for taking supplements and wouldn't know where to find copies rhizome, but because my vertigo is threatening again, I may investigate. More great info as usual.
Thanks! Maggie, they do sell berberine supplements. It may not need to come from the Chinese herb, and one needs to be very careful where they get Chinese herbs from. I really know very little about berberine and when I was getting MM symptoms after the Dr changed her formula, well you know me ..had to search about it
I would not trust ANY Chinese research. They have so many cases of fraud coming out of China it's not even funny. Just like their poisonous dog food and other products, the quality control of their research is non-existent.
I agree with you to a point..this study is from Taiwan and many other articles on the internet about berberine HSV Diabetes, cancer and other studies from other countries about berberine being a strong antimicrobial including the USA. But this is one of the herbs that is in the TCM medicine I take and was researching coptis rhizome to see why I was getting MM symptoms and this told me why.
For anyone interested in trying it, here's an American berberine product, derived from Berberis aristata root. No mention of any antiherpetic properties on this webpage: http://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson-premium-berberine-400-mg-60-caps#label --John of Ohio
here is another shirt abstract about berberine and hsv http://www.microbiologyjournal.org/jmabsread.php?snoid=1801&month=&year=
Thanks all of you for info on this. I am a big chicken when it comes to taking supplements. I have an appt with the neurotologist in Calgary in April and will definitely talk with her about this.