Definition of "berberine" []

• A bitter-tasting yellow alkaloid, C20H19NO5, obtained from several plants such as goldenseal and having medical uses as an antipyretic and antibacterial agent. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Barberry contains berberine, which is believed to enhance immune function by stimulating immune cells called macrophages, white cells that circulate throughout the blood, gobbling bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders."
• "From analysis by Buchner and Herberger, it is shown that the root contains a new principle called berberine, which acts like rhubarb, and with equal promptness and activity."
• "Half of it is in cash and half of it is in stock. berberine hybrid-kernel"