berberine UK /ˈbɜː.bə.ɹiːn/US /ˈbɝ.bəˌɹin/ noun1 •Any of a class of alkaloid C₂₀H₁₉NO₅ originally obtained, as a bitter, yellow substance, from the root of the barberry, goldthread, and other plants. It is used in medicine especially for its antimicrobial properties. formsberberines