Berberis Aristata : a Review

Berberis aristata commonly known as “Daru haldhi and Chitra” is spinous herb native to northern Himalaya region. The plant is widely distributed from Himalayas to Srilanka, Bhutan, and hilly areas of Nepal. Berberis aristata is used in ayurvedic medicines from very long time. The plant is used traditionally in inflammation, wound healing, skin disease, menohrrhagia, diarrhea, jaundice and affection of eyes. Pharmacological studies on the plant revels the proven activity of its as hypoglycemic, antibacterial, antifungal, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anticancer. The plant fruit is edible and it is rich in vit –c. A very valuable ayurvedic preparation ‘Rashut’ is prepared by this plant which is used in curing human ailment like ophthalmic, ulcer as a laxative and tonic and blood purifier. Phytochemical studies shows that plant B. aristata contains mainly yellow colored alkaloids Berberine, oxyberberine, berbamine, aromoline, a protoberberine alkaloid karachine, palmatine, oxycanthine and taxilamine and tannins, sugar, starch. The plant has effective pharmacological action and shows promising future for further researches.