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PHYTO-PHARMACOLOGY OF BERBERIS ARISTATA DC: A REVIEW
M azumder Papiya M itra 1, *Das Saumya 2, Das Sanjita 2, Das M anas Kumar 3
1
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology, M esra, Ranchi, India-835215
2*
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology, Greater Noida, India-201306
3
Department of Pharmacy , IEC-CET, Greater Noida, India-201306
*
Corresponding author’s Email: [email protected], Ph: 0091-9911756080, 0091-9911940620
Received 01 Nov 2011; Revised 22 Nov 2011; Accepted 09 Dec 2011, Available online 10 Dec 2011

ABS TRACT
Plants have been the basis of many traditional medicines throughout the world for thousands of years and continue to
provide new remedies to mankind. P lants are one of the richest sources of compounds. Berberis aristata is one of the
plants used in Ayurveda for several remedies. 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. It is used as a tonic, alternative,
demulscent, diaphoretic, and diuretic, in the treatment of diarrhoea, jaundice and skin diseases, syphilis, chronic
rheumatism and urinary disorders. Scientific evidence suggests its versatile biological functions that support its
traditional use in the orient. 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. This review aims to highlight the ethnobotany, pharmacognostic and
pharmacological uses of Berberis aristata.

Key Words: Berberis aristata, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological actions, inotropy.

INTRODUCTION
Ayurveda is a traditional system of med icine using a wide rejuvenative. Susruta have me ntioned it as ropana – a
range of modalities to create health and well being. The wound healer.
primary aim of Ayurveda health care is to restore the
English names: Indian barberry, tree turmeric . Indi an
physical mental and emotional balance in patients, thereby
names: darhaldi (Bengal), kashmoi (Garhwal), rasont,
improving health, preventing disease and also treating any
kashmal (Himachal Pradesh), chitra, dar-hald, rasaut,
current illness. The number of patients seeking alternate
kashmal (Hindi), maradarisina, maramanjal, (Kerala),
and herbal therapy is growing exponentially. Herbal
daruhald (Maharashtra), chitra, chutro (Nepal),chitra,
med icines are now in great demand in the developing
kasmal. simlu, sumlu (Punjab) mullukala, usikkala (Tamil
world for primary healthcare not because they are
Nadu), daruharidra, darvi, kata, pitadaru, suvarnavarna
inexpensive but also for better cultural acceptability, better
(Sanskrit ).
compatibility with the human body and minimal side
effects. Herbal medicine is still the mainstay of about 75– There are 12 – 13 varieties like Berberis asiatica, Berberis
80% of the wo rld population, mainly in the developing lycium, Berberis vulgaris, Berberis nepalensis etc. The
countries for primary healthcare. Ho wever among the root and wood are rich in a yellow alkalo id berberine, a
estimated 250,000-400,000 plant species, only 6% have bitter substance, which dissolves in acids and forms salts
been studied for biological activity, and about 15% have of the alkaloid. The root contains two more alkalo ids. A
been investigated phytochemically 1, 2. Therefore it seems protoberberine alkalo id karachine is isolated and
necessary to evaluate the herbs properly. characterized, and taxalamine is also isolated. A
protoberberine alkaloid – karachine – isolated and
GEN ERAL INFORMATION
characterized and also taxilamine isolated. The plant is
Berberis aristata DC. (Fam. Berberidaceae) is one of the native of the whole range of Himalaya mountains at an
herbs mentioned in all ancient scriptures of Ayurveda, elevation 2000 to 3500 metres. It also occurs in Nilagiri
Charaka and Susruta have mentioned it’s different range in Southern India . The shrub grows upto 1.5 – 2.0
properties along with various used for the treatment of metres in height, with a thick woody root covered with a
numerous illnesses. As it resembles in its properties to thin brittle bark. The leaves are cylindrical, straight,
those of haridra, both the herbs have been mentioned tapering, very sharp, hard, smooth spines. The flowers
together as haridra dvaya, meaning two haridras viz. yellow, numerous, stalked, arranged in drooping racemes.
haridra and daruharidra. Charaka has categorized The fruit is a small berry, ovoid and smooth. It flo wers in
daruharidra as stanyasodhana – lactode purant, lekhana – a April and May.
reducing herb, arsoghna – anti – haemorrhoidal,
Berberis aristata DC. is an erect spinous shrub, often
kandughna – anti – haemorrhoidal, kandughna – anti –
found in small patches on the bill slopes. It is one of very
pruritic and as svedala – promotes sweating, rasayana-
important medicinal plants. Almost every part of this plant
© 2011, JDDT. All Rights Reserved ISSN: 2250-1177
Das et al Journal of Drug Deli very & Therapeutics; 2011, 1(2): 46-50 47
has some medicinal value. Its roots, stem, bark and fruits flowering season under Solan conditions was recorded to
are used in many ayurvedic preparations. This shrub is be fro m 8-25 April. The fruits start ripening fro m the
found growing wild in the sub-Himalayan tract at altitude second week of May and continue to do so throughout
ranging fro m 850-2,500 metres. It also grows in the June. They can be retained on the shrub after ripening for
Nilgiris and in Cey lon. quite a long period, but they fall off soon after the onset of
rains. The fruit ing season, therefore, ends abruptly with the
PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDIES
commencement of the rainy season. An average-sized bush
It is an erect spiny shrub, ranging between 2 and 3 metres of Berberis aristata was found to yield 657 g of fru its in
in height wood, hard and yellow; bark, yellow to brown about 4 pickings.
fro m outside and deep yellow fro m inside, removable in
PHYTOCHEMISTRY
longitudinal strips by hand; spines (which, in fact, are
modified leaves), three-branched and 1.5 cm long. Leaves, The plant contains barberine, oxyberberine, berbamine,
in tufts of 5 to 8, phyllotaxy verticillate, lanceolate, simple aromo line, karachine, palmat ine, oxyacanthine and
spiny, toothed, leathery, sessile, acu minate, with reticulate taxilamine. 4 Berberis aristata contains protoberberine
pinnate venation, 4.9 cm. long, 1.8 cm. b road, deep green and bis isoquinoline type of alkaloid. Root of plant
on the dorsal surface and light green on the ventral Berberis aristata contains alkaloid which are
surface.3 berbamine, Berberine, o xycanthine, epiberberine,
palmatine, dehydrocaroline, jatrorhizine and
Flowers, stalked, yellow, co mplete, hermaphrodite, cyclic,
columbamine,5,6 karachine,7 dihyrokarachine,
actinomorphic, perigynous, the average diameter of a fu lly
taximaline,8 oxyberberine, aro mo line.9 Four
opened flower being 12.5 mm; in florescence, a simp le to
alkaloids, pakistanine, 1-O methyl
corymbose raceme, with 11 to 16 flowers per cluster;
pakistanine, pseudopalmat ine ch loride and
caly x, yellow, polysepalous, with 6 sepals (3 small, 3
pseudoberberine chloride were als o isolated from
large), yellow, act inomorphic caducous, 4 to 5 mm long;
Berberis aristata.10,11 A secobisbenzlisoquinoline or
corolla, polypetalous, with 6 petals, yellow, actino morphic,
simp le isoquinoline alkalo id was isolated fro m Berberis
4 to 5 mm long; androecium, polyandrous, with 6 stamens,
aristata.12 The major alkaloid found in Berberis
adnate, 5 to 6 mm long; gynoecium, one, 4 to 5 mm long,
aristata is Berberine having yield of 2.23% followed
with a short style and a broad stigma. Fruits, globose to
by palamatine.13 Variation of Berberine content in root
ovoid, usually covered with bloom as in plums, 7 mm
and stem of Berrberis aristata with alt itude was
long, 4 mm in diameter, weighing 227 mg , 237 microlitres
determined. It was found that plants growing at lo wer
in volume; fruit colour, aconite violet 937; colour of pulp
altitude have more Berberine content. Berberine content
and juice, plu m purple 934/ 3. Seeds, 2 to 5, varying in
in plant is also influenced by potassium and moisture
colour fro m yello w to pink, each weighing 25 mg and
content of soil.14 HPTLC fingerprint ing of Berberine in
being 29 microlitres in vo lu me. Flo wering in Berberis
Berberis aristata was done to quantify the amount of
aristata starts from the first fortnight of March and
Berberine. Total alkalo idal content of Berberis aristata
remains in progress up to the end of April. The peak
was also done.1
Berberine Oxyberberine

Berbamine Aromoline

© 2011, JDDT. All Rights Reserved ISSN: 2250-1177

Das et al Journal of Drug Deli very & Therapeutics; 2011, 1(2): 46-50 48
Oxyacanthine externally to the eyelids to cure ophthalmia and other eye
diseases.18 It is also reported to be a mild laxat ive, a tonic
and is useful in curing ulcers and fevers . 18
Dastur in 1962 has reported that the chief constituent of
Berberis aristata is barberine, which is a bitter alkaloid.
According to him, rasaut is used as a purgative for children
and as a blood-purifier, a tonic and a febrifuge. It is also
given in diarrhoea, jaundice and skin diseases. A watery
solution of this preparation is also used for washing piles,
oriental sores and glandular swellings. 18
ANTI – MICROB IAL
The antimicrobial activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of.
Berberis aristata, were tested against eleven bacterial,
Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Berberis cereus,
Enterobactor aerogenus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella
TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL US ES pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas
Berberis aristata has played a prominent ro le in herbal aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella
healing for more than 2,500 years. The ancient Egyptians typhimurium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and eight fungal
used it to prevent plagues. India’s Ayurvedic healers used strains. Aspergillus nidulans, Candida albicans,
it foe dysentery. During the early midd le ages, European Aspergillus terreus, Trichophyton rubrum, Aspergillus
herbalists used it to treat liver and gallbladder ailments. spinulosus, Cryptococcus albidus, Aspergillus flavus,
Russian healers used it for inflammations, high blood Aspergillus niger. Berberis aristata root extract gave low
pressure, and for abnormal uterine bleeding. American MICs values against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli,
Indians recognize barberry as similar to Oregon grape. Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus flavus while stem
Tincture made fro m Berberis aristata is used as a bitter extract against Berberis cereus and Streptococcus
tonic, stomachic, cholagogue, antiperiodic and alterative, pneumoniae. The hydroalcoholic extracts of root of the
in cases of remittent as well as intermittent fevers and also Berberis aristata were effective against most of the tested
in debility consequent there from and is very effective in bacteria. Like Berberis lycium, Berberis aristata and
periodic neuralgia and menorrhagia.12 As an antiperiodic Berberis asiatica and also showed significant antifungal
on frequently repeated admin istration, it doses not produce activity against Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus flavus.
is the case with cinchona and quinine and it may be used Berberis aristata root and Berberis lycium stem extracts
during the attack of fever. Rasaut a preparation of Berberis gave very low MIC values with the concentration of 0.3
aristata mixed with honey is useful in the treatment of µg/ml. The major alkalo id berberine may be responsible
aphthous sores abrasions and ulcerations of the skin. The for antimicrobial act ivity. 19
plant is an emmenagogue and is useful in the treatment of ANTI-DEPRESSANT
jaundice, enlargement of spleen, etc. the drug is also
regarded as laxative, diaphoretic, antipyretic and Berberine, an alkalo id isolated fro m Berberis aristata
antiseptic. Berberis aristata root bark decoction is Linn. has been used in the Indian system of medicines as a
externally used as a wash in painful eye affections, ulcers stomachic, bitter tonic, antiamoebic and also in the
and hemorrhoids. In the Unani system of medicine, it is treatment of oriental sores. Evidences have demonstrated
used for the treatment of leprosy. Decoction of roots of that berberine possesses central nervous system activit ies,
Berberis aristata is used for skin troubles and in blood particularly the ability to inhibit monoamine o xidase-A, an
purification. 13-16 enzy me involved in the degradation of norepinephrine and
serotonin (5-HT). W ith this background, the present study
PHARMACOLOGY was carried out to elucidate the antidepressant-like effect
Berberis aristata DC. are given as a cooling laxative to of berberine chloride in different behavioural paradigms of
children. The stem is said to be diaphoretic and laxative despair. Berberine (5, 10, 20 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited the
and useful in rheu matis m. The dried extract of the roots is immob ility period in mice in both forced swim and tail-
used as an application in ophthalmia. It is also an excellent suspension test, however, the effect was not
med ication in the case of sun-blindness. The bark of its dosedependent. Berberine (5 and 10 mg/ kg, i.p.) also
root is a valuable medicine in intermittent and remittent reversed the reserpine-induced behavioral despair. 20
fevers. The root is one of the few really good medicines in Berberine (5 mg/ kg, i.p.) enhanced the anti-immobility
India. In its efficacy, it is almost equal to quinine and effect of subeffective doses of various typical but not
Warburg's tincture. It does not produce any bad effects on atypical antidepressant drugs in forced swim test.
the stomach, the bowels, the brain and the organs of Berberine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) fo llo wing its acute administration
hearing.16-17 in mice resulted in increased levels of norepinephrine
(31%), serotonin (47%) and dopamine (31%) in the whole
A very valuable preparation called rasaut is prepared from brain. Chronic ad min istration of berberine (5 mg/ kg, i.p.)
this plant. For preparing rasaut, the bark of the root and of for 15 days signi.cantly increased the levels of
the lower part of the stem is boiled in water, strained and norepinephrine (29%), serotonin (19%) as well as
evaporated till a semi-solid mass (rasaut) is obtained. dopamine (52%) but at higher dose (10 mg/ kg, i.p.), there
Rasaut is fairly soluble in water. It is mixed with butter was no change in the norepinephrine (12%) levels but a
and alum, or with opiu m and lime-juice and is applied significant increase in the serotonin (53%) and dopamine
© 2011, JDDT. All Rights Reserved ISSN: 2250-1177
Das et al Journal of Drug Deli very & Therapeutics; 2011, 1(2): 46-50 49
(31%) levels was found. The antidepressant-like effect of as increased strychnine 0.3 mg/ kg; i.p. -induced toxicity,
berberine (5 mg/ kg, i.p.) in forced swim test was prevented suggestive of inhibitory effect on microsomal drug
by pretreatment with L-argin ine (750 mg/ kg, i.p.) or metabolizing enzy mes, cytochrome P450s CYPs . 25-27
sildena.l (5 mg/kg, i.p.). On the contrary, pretreatment of
INOTROPIC ACTIVITY
mice with 7-nit roindazole (7-NI) (25 mg/kg, i.p.) or
methylene blue (10 mg/kg, i.p.) potentiated the effect of Berberis aristata is an edible plant employed in South
berberine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) in the forced swim test. Asian traditional medicine; in particular, its fruit is used as
Pretreat ment of mice with (+)- pentazocine (2.5 mg/kg, a tonic remedy for liver and heart. In isolated cardiac
i.p.), a h igh-af.n ity sigma1 receptor agonist, produced tissues, Berberis aristata fruit extract exh ibits a positive
synergism with subeffective dose of berberine (2 mg/kg, inotropic action. Activity-directed fractionation using
i.p.). Pretreat ment with various sigma receptor antagonists organic solvents revealed that the cardiotonic activity is
viz. progesterone (10 mg/kg, s.c.), rimcazole (5 mg/kg, concentrated in the n-butanolic fraction (BF). The cardiac
i.p.) and N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-N-methyl-2- action of BF was investigated in spontaneously beating
(dimethylamino) ethylamine (BD1047; 1 mg/ kg, i.p.) right atria and in electrically driven right ventricular strips
reversed the anti-immobility effects of berberine (5 mg/kg, and left atria obtained from reserpin ized guinea pigs. The
i.p.). Berberine at lower dose did not affect the locomotor results show that this fraction produces a dose-dependent
activity and barbiturate-induced sleep time. It produced positive inotropic action with little effect on heart rate. To
mild hypothermic action in rats and displayed analgesic study its possible mode of action, guinea pig atria were
effect in mice. Taken together, theses finndings pretreated with propranolol, a b-adrenoceptor blocking
demonstrate that berberine exerted antidepressant-like agent. This treatment abolished the cardiotonic effect of
effect in various behavioural paradig ms of despair possibly isoprenaline, whereas the cardiotonic effect of BF
by modulating brain biogenic amines (norepinephrine, remained unaltered, suggesting that this effect does not
serotonin and dopamine). Further, nitric o xide pathway involve stimulat ion of b-adrenoceptors. On the other hand,
and/or sigma receptors are involved in med iating its application of carbachol reverses only part of the BF-
antidepressant-like activ ity in mouse forced swim test. 20 induced increase in ventricular force of contraction,
indicating that besides a cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent
DIAB ET ES MELLIT US
mechanis m, a cAMP-independent mechanism underlies
An uncontrolled clin ical trial investigated the effect of the inotropic action of BF. This is in line with the
berberine on 60 patients with type 11 diabetes mellitus. observation that the dynamics of iso metric twitch
The patients varied in severity of this disorder. Oral doses contractions are not significantly altered by BF.
(0.3-0.5 g three times a day) were prescribed for 1-3 Investigations in skinned myocardial preparations showed
months, together with a therapeutic diet prescribed for 1 that BF modulates the calcium-dependent interaction of
month. Major symptoms of d iabetes disappeared patients actin and myosin, apparently by reducing the cooperativity
strength improved, blood pressure became normal and of the calcium-dependent binding of myosin to actin, i.e.,
blood lipids decreased. Fasting glycaemic levels in 60% of there is enhanced calcium activation at low to
patients ere controlled. Further testing in animal models physiological intracellular calciu m, and reduced calciu m
indicated that treatment with berberine led to healthier activation at high intracellular calciu m concentrations as
pancreatic tissue compared to controls. It is suggested that present, for examp le, in ischemic calciu m overload. These
the mechanism of action of berberine may be associated data indicate that the edible plant, Berberis aristata,
with pro moting regeneration and functional recovery of β- contains active princip le(s) that cause(s) a selective
cells. 21,29 inotropic effect, involving—in the form of the modulatory
effect on actin myosin cooperativity—a novel mechanism
HEPATOPROTECTIV E
of action. Further phytochemical and pharmacological
In earlier studies, we demonstrated that this folkmedical studies may lead to isolation and structural identificat ion
use had scientifically justified basis, as the crude extract of of an attractive, new cardiotonic agent fro m Berberis
Berberis aristata leaves and fruits showed aristata fruit. 16-20
hepatoprotection possibly through inhibitory action on
IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY
hepatic drug metabolizing enzy mes 21-22 . In this
investigation we provide evidence that berberine is to be The activity of a crude extract formu lation was evaluated
considered the active principle of these extracts. berberine, in experimental immuno modulation studies. The
a known compound from Berbris aristata plant, was formulat ion comp rises the follo wing five p lants -
studied for its possible anti-hepatotoxicact ion in rats. Boerhavia diffusa, Tinospora cordifolia, Berberis aristata,
Pretreat ment of animals with berberine 4 mg/kg; orally Terminalia chebula and Zingiber officinale. In
twice daily for 2 days prevented the acetaminophen or immuno modulation studies humoral immunity was
CCl4 induced rise in serum levels of alkaline phosphatase enhanced as evidenced by the haemagglutination titre. The
ALP and aminotransaminases AST and ALT , suggestive T-cell counts remained unaffected in the animals treated
of hepatoprotection. Post-treatment with three successive with the formu lation but cell-mediated immune response
oral doses of berberine 4 mg/kg every 6 h reduced the was stimulated as observed in the leukocyte migrat ion
hepatic damage induced by acetaminophen, while CCl4 - inhibit ion (LMI) tests.17
induced hepatotoxicity was not modified, suggesting a
INFLUENC E ON T-CELL MEDIATED IMMUNITY
selective curative effect against acetaminophen.
Pretreat ment of animals with a single oral dose of The protoberberine alkalo id berberin is isolated as a main
berberine 4 mg/kg induced prolongation of the alkaloid fro m the roots and bark of Berberis vulgaris.
pentobarbital 60 mg/ kg, i.p. -induced sleeping time as well Berberine strongly inhibited in vit ro the proliferative
© 2011, JDDT. All Rights Reserved ISSN: 2250-1177
Das et al Journal of Drug Deli very & Therapeutics; 2011, 1(2): 46-50 50
response of mouse spleen cells to Tdependent mitogens carcinogenesis induced by 20-methylcholanthrene (200
concanavalin A (con A) and phytochemagglutinin (PHA). microg/0.1 mL/ mouse) or N-nit rosodiethylamine (NDEA;
Spleen cells obtained from berberine-t reated mice (10 0.02% NDEA in distilled water, 2.5 mL/animal by gavage,
mg/kg/3) days) expressed enhanced proliferative response five days a week for 20 weeks) in a dosedependent manner
to both mitogens. Berberine was applied to mice at in small animals. Administration of berberine (0.5, 2.5 or
different intervals before or after the induction of adjuvant 5.0 mg kg(-1) could reduce significantly the incidence of
arhrit is (AIA) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) tumor in animals after an injection of 20-
infection. The application of the alkalo id to new born mice methylcholanthrene and increased their life span compared
(5 days after birth at a dose of 5 mg/kg/3 days) did not with the control. When berberine (10, 25 or 50 mg kg(-1))
change the course of AIA and C. albicans infection. Its was admin istered simultaneously with NDEA, the markers
application at three 10 day intervals (5 mg/kg), starting of liver in jury (liver weight, gamma -glutamyl
fro m the 5 day after birth increased the joint inflammat ion transpeptidase activity and glutathione S-transferase level)
in AIA. The host resistance to C. albicans infection was were reduced significantly co mpared with animals treated
not affected, while the delayed type hypersensitivity
with NDEA only, which resulted in all the values being
(DTH)-reaction against the pathogen was enhanced. The
elevated. A similar decrease was noted in the serum levels
alkaloid inhib ited the development of AIA when applied
of lipid pero xide, bilirubin and glutamate pyruvate
after its onset (10 mg/kg fro m day +3 to +12 day).
transaminase. Morphology of liver tissue and levels of
Berberine treat ment during the ongoing infection did not
marker en zy mes indicated that berberine offered protection
influence its outcome (fro m +2 to +10 day). Berbamine, an
against chemicalcarcinogenesis. Methanolic extract of
ingredient of Berberis, wh ich itself is widely utilized in
stems of Berberis aristata is also showing promising
Chinese folk medicine has been used as a source of
results against breast and colon cancer cell lines. Hence, it
leukogenics, anti-arrhythmics and anti-hypertensives. In
is effective against breast and colon cancers. 19,23,24.
recent years the immunosuppressive effects of berbamine
has been demonstrated. In order to further investigate the MIS CELLANEOUS
value of berbamine as an immunosuppressive agent, the
Berberis aristata, an edible plant (family Berberidaceae,
delayed type hypersensitivity reaction (DTH) response
local name Zarshik ), has been used since ancient times in
with sheep red blood cells (SRBC), the mixed ly mphocyte
reaction (M LR) and a skin model of allograft rejection on South Asian traditional medicine as an herbal tonic for
liver and heart. In our earlier studies we demon- that the
mice were studied. Berbamine showed suppressive effects
folkloric use in hepatic damage has a scientifically
on DTH and MLR and significantly prolonged allograft
survival compared with untreated transplanted mice. The justified basis, as the crude ext ract of Berberis aristata
fruits and leaves showed hepatoprotection in an animal
results indicate that berbamine may be a potential agent in
16-17. model of hepatotoxicity. 20-29
clin ical transplantation.
HEPATIC AMOEB IAS IS CONCLUS ION
Berberis aristata is commonly found throughout India.
The activity of a crude extract formu lation was evaluated
Studies have revealed its use in antimicrobial,
in experimental amoebic liver abscess in golden hamsters .
The formu lation comprises the following five plants - hepatoprotective, immuno modulatory, and anti-depressant.
However not much info rmation is there to prove this plant
Boerhavia diffusa, Tinospora cordifolia, Berberis aristata,
for anti-neoplastic, anti-fert ility, anti-leprotic etc. therefore
Terminalia chebula and Zingiber officinale. The
formulat ion had a maximu m cure rate of 73% at a dose of further studies may be carried out to prove the potential of
this plant. The plant is becoming the endangered species
800 mg/kg/day in hepatic amoebiasis reducing the average
now so more work can be done on agricultural and
degree of infection (ADI) to 1.3 as compared to 4.2 for
sham-treated controls. 18 climatic conditions to grow this plant. The translational
potential and clues to possible novel bioactivities and
ANTI-CARCINOGENIC ACTIVITY novel targets yet to be discovered with this amazing plant
species can be gauged from the plethora of patents being
Berberin, an alkalo id isolated fro m the plant Berberis
awarded.
aristata, has been found to inhibit significantly the

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