Berberine and berberine-containing botanicals: safety in pregnancy and neonatal kernicterus risk
Chan E
Published in Biology of the Neonate
Methodology
Experimental and clinical review of berberine displacement of bilirubin from albumin binding sites
Key Findings
Berberine displaces bilirubin from serum albumin and raised free bilirubin substantially, posing a kernicterus risk in neonates.
Conclusions
Goldenseal and other berberine-containing herbs should be avoided in pregnancy, breastfeeding and infancy.
Limitations
Older data, partly experimental; not a controlled trial.
Supplements Studied
Berberine displaces bilirubin from albumin, posing a risk of kernicterus in neonates and warranting avoidance in pregnancy.
Berberine displaces bilirubin from serum albumin and raised free bilirubin substantially, posing a kernicterus risk in neonates.
Study Details
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