Abstract

PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC USES OF MEDICINAL AYURVEDIC HERB DARUHARIDRA (BERBERIS ARISTATA): AN UPDATED REVIEW ARTICLE

Saurabh Saklani*, Suman Yadav, Garima Bisht, Sanjay Rishishwar and Poonam Rishishwar

ABSTRACT

Berberis aristata (Daruharidra and Chitra), belonging to the family Berberidaceae, 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. 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 vitamin C. Berberine, which is mostly found in the plant's roots, is its primary active component. The most significant preparation of this plant is "Rashut," which functions as a tonic and blood purifier and is also used
to treat ophthalmic and ulcer problems. Phytochemical studies shows that plant Berberis 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.

Keywords: Daruharidra, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Berberis aristata, Berberine, Hepatoprotective, Hypoglycemic, Ayurvedic Medicine.