Berberis aristata DC. An updated review of its botany, phytochemistry and pharmacology along with its ethnomedicinal uses

Abstract

Berberis aristata (family Berberidaceae), commonly known as Daruhaldhi is widely distributed from Himalayas to Sri lanka, Bhutan and hilly areas of Nepal and used in folk medicine. A wide range of medicinally and nutritionally important phytochemical constituents have been isolated from plant such as yellow colored alkaloids Berberine, oxyberberine, berbamine, aromoline, a protoberberine alkaloid karachine, palmatine, oxycanthine and taxilamine and tannins, sugar, starch. Plant possesses minerals such as Sodium, Sulphur, Iron, Zinc, Lead, Magnesium, Potassium and Phosphorus, which contribute to broad variety of biological processes and are valuable in the treatment of various disorders. Traditionally used in Indian system of medicine, the plant has been used against as a tonic, alternative, antimicrobial, anti-cancerous, anticoagulants, antipyretic, hepatoprotective hypoglycemic, demulcent, CNS depressant, diaphoretic, and diuretic, in the treatment of diarrhea, jaundice and skin diseases, syphilis, chronic rheumatism and urinary disorders. In this updated review, a comprehensive account of the botany, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities is presented along with ethnomedicinal/traditional uses in a view of many recent findings and its potential for future research.