The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2024; 13(3):268-274 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2024.13312

Review Article

Unveiling the Medicinal Potential of Berberis aristata: A Traditional Native Plant of Uttarakhand

Rashmi Goswami¹ , Damini Arya² , Rukkiya Siddiqui³ , Priya Chand⁴

Rashmi Goswami,Damini Arya,Rukkiya Siddiqui,Priya Chand

1. Department of Veterinary Medicine, C.V.A.Sc., G.B.P.U.A.&T., Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
2. Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, C.V.A.Sc., G.B.P.U.A.&T., Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
3. Division of Animal Nutrition, ICAR-IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
4. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, C.B.S.H., G.B.P.U.A.&T., Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 19th May, 2024 / Accepted: 24th June, 2024 / Published : 30th June, 2024

Abstract

Since ancient times, indigenous medicinal system of India has included herbal plants as a traditional source of medicine. India is known as a rich repository of medicinal plants, and one such plant is Berberis aristata which belongs to the family Berberidaceae which grows mainly in the sub-Himalayan region and the Nilgiri Hills of Southern India. Berberis aristata is used as traditional medicine in various communities to treat eye disorders, piles, osteoporosis, joint pain, skin diseases, malaria, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, allergic conditions, ophthalmia, metabolic disorders and during menopause. The plant contains various phytochemical constituents, mainly alkaloids like berberine, oxyberberine, berbamine, aromoline, karachine, palmatine, oxyacanthine, and taxilamine. Berberine, the major alkaloid, is found in roots, stem bark, rhizomes, and leaves, with the highest concentration in the roots. Various pharmacological properties of Berberis aristata have been reported such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and improved reproductive health. This review aims to highlight the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Berberis aristata which will be helpful to give insights on medicinal utility of the plant. Although more elaborated clinical trials and studies at molecular level will be required to fully understand and validate these properties.