The Berberis amurensis, also called Amur Barberry, is a deciduous species with yellow-gray stems and red fruit. It is native to the Amur region of China and Japan. The plant is not available for sale in Canada or several US states due to the Black stem rust eradication program. But, it is widely regarded for its antirheumatic properties and the presence of berberine, which has antibacterial effects and is used orally in the treatment of enteric infections. The plant should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because it nullifies the effects of berberine. The Berberis amurensis also has antitumor activity. The plant is a shrub, reaching a height of 2-3.5 m tall and is found in thickets, sparse forests, valleys, forest margins, stream sides, and sides of rocks. Its leaves are papery and obovate-elliptic, elliptic, or ovate. Its inflorescence is a raceme, with 10-25 flowers, and its berry is red and oblong.
