Berberis amurensis

Amur barberry

Berberis amurensis, commonly known as Amur barberry, is a deciduous shrub prized for its medicinal and ornamental qualities. Rich in alkaloids like berberine, it is traditionally used to support digestive health and combat inflammation. Its vibrant foliage and berries make it a versatile addition to both gardens and pharmacopeias.

  • Scientific name: Berberis amurensis
  • Family: Berberidaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Ranunculales, it is classified under the family Berberidaceae. Finally, its taxonomic designation is completed within the genus Berberis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ranunculales WCVP
Family Berberidaceae WCVP
Genus Berberis WCVP

Common Names

This plant is known by various names depending on the region and language, including Барбарис амурский in Russian, Amur-Berberitze in German, and Amur zirinci in Azerbaijani. In Chinese, it is referred to as 黄芦木, while in Korean, it is commonly called 매발톱나무.
Language Common Name Source
ru Барбарис амурский Wikidata
de Amur-Berberitze Wikidata
az Amur zirinci Wikidata
zh 黄芦木 Wikidata
ko 매발톱나무 Wikidata
is Drekabroddur Wikidata
bg амурски кисел трън Wikidata
nl Siberische zuurbes Wikidata
ja ヒロハヘビノボラズ Wikidata
hy Կծոխուր ամուրյան Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated within the eastern reaches of the Asian continent. In the Russian Far East, it can be found growing across several distinct regions, including Amur and Khabarovsk. Its presence extends further south into the Primorye territory and across the island of Sakhalin. Beyond the Russian borders, the species also inhabits parts of China, specifically within the Inner Mongolia region. Together, these locations define the natural geographical range of Berberis amurensis.

Region Area Source
Russian Far East Amur WCVP
Russian Far East Khabarovsk WCVP
Russian Far East Primorye WCVP
Russian Far East Sakhalin WCVP
China Inner Mongolia WCVP
China Manchuria WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Mongolia Mongolia WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP

Chemicals

Berberis amurensis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Berbamine, berbamine.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Berbamine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
berbamine 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Berberis amurensis has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include hepatocellular carcinoma, leukemia.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
hepatocellular carcinoma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leukemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆