Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
This herb has been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat fungal infections and as an anti-diarrheal. The active ingredient is berberine, an alkaloid also found in related species and also in oregon grape root, Chinese goldthread and goldenseal.
Berberine has significant anti-fungal activity and is also effective against some types of bacteria. However, like Pau D’arco it does not kill the beneficial bacteria present in the gut and so is useful as a a specific against Candida albicans. As well as directly killing Candida cells, berberine also interferes with their ability to break down fats, starving the yeast of one potential food source.
Berberine is supplied in capsule form, often in combination with other herbal extracts. Dosage is according to strength and instructions should be followed.