Daruharidra (Berberis aristata): Review based upon its Ayurvedic Properties

Abstract

Berberis aristata is also known as daruharidra which is a famous plant and used in various medicinal systems like Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Chinese and Allopathy for a very long time. It is a spinous, hard, yellowish herb belongs to the family Berberidaceae. The plant is distributed in sub- Himalayan regions, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and hilly areas of Nepal. It played a significant role as an herbal remedy for more than 2500 years. It was used by ancient Egyptians to anticipate plague disease. European herbalists used this plant to treat liver and gall bladder disorders during the early middle ages. Russian therapists used B. aristata plant to cure inflammation, high blood pressure and abnormal menstrual cycle. It is used as a bitter tonic, stomachic, cholagogue, antiperiodic and alternative by American Indians to cure intermittent fever, neuralgia and menorrhagia. In the traditional medicinal system, the plant is used to treat skin diseases, menorrhagia, diarrhea, eye problem inflammation and wound healing. Fruit of the plant is a rich source of Vitamin C. The main active constituent of the plant is Berberine found mainly in its roots. The most important formulation of this plant is 'Rashut' that is acts as a tonic as well as blood purifier and also used to treat ulcer and ophthalmic diseases. Reported clinical and experimental studies showed that the plant possesses various pharmacological properties like antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory and cardiotonic activity.