Juniper Berries

Introduction: Juniperus is a shrub/small tree that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. They are widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere; in North America, in Europe, including the UK and Ireland, in areas of Asia such as Siberia and the Himalayas and mountainous areas of Northern Africa. Juniper Berries grow on these shrubs. The Juniperus genus contains over 50 species with some of the most notable and important being;

1. Juniperus Communis - Common Juniper, which is found in Ireland and has been used historically for culinary and medicinal purposes.

2. Juniperus Sabina - Savin Juniper, growing at high altitudes and toxic, not for consumption

3. Juniperus Virginiana - Eastern Red Cedar - with some medicinal use

4. Juniperus Oxycedrus - Cade Juniper, used for essential oils.

‘Juniperus Communis’ berries are found in the collection in the Department of Pharmacology of Trinity College Dublin, based in St. James’s University Hospital. 

Active Ingredient:

Up to 2% of the fresh weight of Juniper Berries consists of volatile oil (essential oil), which consists of monoterpenes, primarily a-pinene, sesquiterpenes, phenols and phenolic esters.

Interestingly, the amount of essential oil in an unripe cone/berry has been found to be slightly higher than those in ripe cones.

A-Pinene is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and respiratory properties. 

Historical Medicinal Use:
Throughout history Juniper Berries have been used in folk medicine of various countries throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

In Turkey and Romania, they were thought to have diuretic and antiseptic properties as well as used in treating gastrointestinal issues.

In Europe, the fruit was used for the treatment of gout, rheumatic arthritis and migraines. Native Ameicans used Juniperus Communis berries as anorexigenic agents, female contraceptives and for the treatment of diabetes.

Mechanism of Action/Use/Indications:

1. Anti-Inflammatory effect - Inhibits prostaglandin and platelet-activating factor exocytosis resulting in a strong anti-inflammatory effect

2. Antioxidant effect - due to high content of flavonoids, polyphenols and essential oils they are effective at scavenging harmful free radicals and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, such as superoxide dismutase

3. Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidemic effect - In studies using diabetic rats, juniper berries lowered blood sugar levels significantly. They worked in the same way as Glibenclamide, a diabetic drug that ensures the effective use of insulin. Juniper Berries were also seen to reduce Low Density Lipoproteins (LDLs) ‘bad cholesterol’ and increase High Density lipoproteins (HDLs), which is considered ‘good cholesterol’

4. Antibacterial Effect - Extracts from Common Juniper berries were found to be effective against treatment resistant pathogenic bacteria. The hexane extract was the most effective, even more effective than ampicilin and erythromycin in certain tests.

5. Antimicrobial Effect - The essential oils in Juniper Berries, especially a-pinene, disrupt the membrane of microbes and prevent their growth. Therefore, they are helpful in disinfecting and preventing infection

6. Antifungal Effect - Juniper Berries have shown to have a strong antifungal effect depending on concentration. Oxygenated monoterpenes in the volatile oils damage the fungal cell walls.

Much more research and experimentation must be carried out before these could be incorporated into clinical practice!

Contradictions:

Juniper Berries should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding as they possess possible anti-implantation and abortifacient properties. They should also be avoided in renal impairment due to their potential irritant activity. 

Side Effects:
Allergic reactions to the berries can occur. Large doses of berries may also cause convulsions and catharsis

Drug-Drug Interactions:

Juniper berries possess natural diuretic properties leading to increased urine production. When combined with diuretics, the process is amplified and may lead to excessive fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances. Conversely, anti-diuretics would attenuate the berries effect.

Hypoglycemia may occur when Juniper berries are taken by a diabetic on antidiabetic medications, causing blood sugar levels to drop too low. 

Sample #26/43