Berberis Aristata Research Articles

Proximate Analysis and Techno-Functional Properties of Berberis aristata Root Powder: Implications for Food Industry Applications.

Berberis aristata, commonly known as Indian barberry, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. Despite its recognized pharmacological benefits, its potential application in the food industry remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the proximate analysis and techno-functional properties of Berberis aristata root powder to evaluate its feasibility as a functional food ingredient. The root powder of Berberis aristata was subjected to proximate analysis to determine its moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate content. Techno-functional properties, including water and oil absorption capacity, emulsifying and foaming properties, and bulk density, were evaluated using standardized analytical techniques. The proximate analysis revealed a high fiber content and a significant number of bioactive compounds. The root powder exhibited favorable water and oil absorption capacities, making it suitable for use as a thickening and stabilizing agent. Emulsifying and foaming properties were comparable to conventional food additives, indicating their potential in various food formulations. The findings suggest that Berberis aristata root powder possesses desirable techno-functional properties that could be leveraged in the food industry. Its high fiber content and bioactive compounds offer additional health benefits, making it a promising candidate for functional food applications. Further research on its incorporation into different food matrices and its sensory attributes is recommended to fully establish its utility.

Comprehensive Analysis of Berberis aristata DC. Bark Extracts: In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Bioaccessibility and Safety.

Berberine (BER) is an alkaloid found, together with other protoberberinoids (PROTBERs), in several species used in medicines and food supplements. While some herbal preparations containing BER and PROTBERs, such as Berberis aristata DC. bark extracts, have shown promising potential for human health, their safety has not been fully assessed. Recently, the EFSA issued a call for data to deepen the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic understanding of products containing BER and PROTBERs and to comprehensively assess their safety, especially when used in food supplements. In this context, new data were collected in this work by assessing: (i) the phytochemical profile of 16 different commercial B. aristata dry extracts, which are among the most widely used preparations containing BER and PROTBERs in Europe; (ii) the In Vitro and In Silico investigation of the pharmacokinetic properties of BER and PROTBERs; (iii) the In Vitro cytotoxicity of selected extracts in different human cell lines, including tests on hepatic cells in the presence of CYP450 substrates; (iv) the effects of the extracts on cancer cell migration; and (v) the In Vitro molecular effects of extracts in non-cancer human cells. Results showed that commercial B. aristata extracts contain BER as the main constituent, with jatrorrhizine as main secondary PROTBER. BER and jatrorrhizine were found to have a good bioaccessibility rate, but they interact with P-gp. B. aristata extracts showed limited cytotoxicity and minimal interaction with CYP450 substrates. Furthermore, tested extracts demonstrated inhibition of cancer cell migration and were devoid of any pro-tumoral effects in normal cells. Overall, our work provides a valuable overview to better elucidate important concerns regarding botanicals containing BER and PROTBERs.

Berberine sensitizes immune checkpoint blockade therapy in melanoma by NQO1 inhibition and ROS activation

Unprecedented progress in immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has been made in cancer treatment. However, the response to ICB therapy is limited to a small subset of patients. The development of ICB sensitizers to improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes is urgently needed. Berberine (BBR), a well-known phytochemical compound isolated from many kinds of medicinal plants such as Berberis aristata, Coptis chinensis, and Phellondendron chinense Schneid, has shown the ability to inhibit the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. In this study, we investigated whether BBR can enhance the therapeutic benefit of ICB for melanoma, and explored the underlying mechanisms involved. The results showed that BBR could sensitize ICB to inhibit tumor growth and increased the survival rate of mice. Moreover, BBR stimulated intracellular ROS production partially by inhibiting NQO1 activity, which induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) in melanoma, elevated the levels of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and subsequently activated DC cells and CD8 + T cells in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, BBR is a novel ICD inducer. BBR could enhance the therapeutic benefit of ICB for melanoma. These effects were partially mediated through the inhibition of NQO1 and ROS activation.

Auto-defense of skin and melanin regulation through glutathione reductase modulation: a new insight

Background: The present study is to understand the Siddha cosmetic preparation - Eve fresh skinbrite cream/herbal extracts used in the cream in down-regulating the melanogenesis process and upregulating glutathione activity to offer skin lightening benefit. Methods: The effect of certain herbal extracts or the combination in reducing tyrosinase activity and associated melanin formation was evaluated in B16F10 melanoma cells and also up regulating glutathione reductase activity leading to the conversion of a reduced form of glutathione (GSH) from GSSG. Results: The extract of Berberis aristata exhibited even activity in inhibiting both tyrosinase and melanin in B16F10 melanoma cell lines. The extract combination also showed a greater effect on increasing GR activity. Conclusions: The herbal ingredients individually and as a combination exhibited strong effects in reducing tyrosinase activity and also upregulating GR activity and thereby reducing skin pigmentation.

Berberis aristata Boosts Platelet Count in Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Model

Background and purpose of the study: This study investigated the effectiveness of Berberis aristata, a medicinal plant commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, in increasing platelet count in a heparin-induced thrombocytopenia model in rats. Research rationale: Conditions like dengue fever, and certain immunological disorders result in thrombocytopenia. No standard treatment for such conditions is available. The only way of treatment is to increase platelet count naturally with alternative medicines. Therefore, well well-known medicinal plant Berberis aristata and its main constituent berberine are tested for platelet-enhancing potential in this study. Method: Dried stem powder of Berberis aristata was extracted by using methanol and HCl (2:3, v/v) by Soxhlet extractor at 45-50 0C. The crude extract was used to obtain an alkaloidal fraction. Both the crude extract and the alkaloidal fraction were analysed by developing TLC using n-butanol: glacial acetic acid: water (7:2:1, v/v/v) as a solvent system. Platelet-enhancing potential screening was done by administering the crude extract, alkaloidal fraction as well as berberine in rats with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Statistical analysis was applied. Result: The results showed that increase in platelet count in Berberis aristata extract, alkaloidal fraction, and berberine-treated groups as compared to the control group. Conclusion: All the test groups showed significant platelet-enhancing activity in comparison to the control group. Among the entire test groups, the extract of Berberis aristata was found to have the most significant platelet-enhancing potential.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential, Enzyme Inhibition, and Chemical Profiling Through Mass Spectrometry on Bark Extract of Berberis aristata

Berberis aristata, a plant from the Berberidaceae family, is renowned for its medicinal properties. The presence of bioactive metabolites in its bark underscores its importance in traditional medicine and pharmacology. This study primarily focuses on the biological activities of the plant bark extract, specifically its antioxidant properties and alpha-glucosidase inhibition. In addition to these activities, mass spectrometry-based compound annotation was conducted to explore the metabolites present in the plant bark extract. In this study, the bark samples were collected and extracted using the cold percolation method with methanol. Subsequently, an ethyl acetate fraction was obtained from the methanol extract using a separating funnel. The methanol extract of the bark showed a total phenolic content (TPC) of 70.056 ± 2.52 mg GAE/g and a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 11.89 ± 0.16 mg QE/g. To determine the antioxidant activity of the samples, a DPPH assay was used. The ethyl acetate fraction of the bark showed potent antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 188.93 ± 8.35 μg/mL, while the methanol extract of the bark showed radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 242.89 ± 4.62 μg/mL. In terms of alpha-glucosidase inhibition, the methanol extract of the bark had low enzyme inhibition activity, but the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited potential inhibition with an IC50 value of 112.99 ± 10.28 µg/mL. These results indicate that the plant bark extract is rich in phenolic content compared to flavonoid content. Additionally, the ethyl acetate fraction of the plant bark exhibits potent radical scavenging activity and inhibition of the digestive enzyme alpha-glucosidase. Mass spectrometric-based identification of metabolites revealed that the methanol extract of the bark contains compounds such as Palmatin, columbamine, and berberal. The presence of these metabolites further supports the medicinal use of this plant bark. These findings enhance the plant's potential in the drug discovery process in the future.

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

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.

Exploring the immunomodulatory and antioxidant capacities of Berberis aristata in avian lymphocytes

India is one of the leading producers for eggs and broilers globally and thus has witnessed significant growth in the poultry sector. Different poultry stressors can negatively impact the growth, gut health, immune function and production reproductive performances of poultry. Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have been used in the poultry industry as they also combat stress in poultry along with growth promotion. But the use of antimicrobials as growth promoter raises the concern of antibiotic resistance and its potential hazardous effect on human health as well as the environment. Several other alternatives are available for AGPs such as acidifiers, probiotics, prebiotics, antibacterial peptides and phytobiotics. Phytobiotics are known to possess several benefits for poultry as well as livestock such as immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory effect, antioxidant effect, maintain intestinal health etc. One such important plant is Berberis aristata belonging to the family Berberidaceae which is used in traditional system of medicine for the management of various inflammatory disorders. In the present study aqueous root extract of Berberis aristata (BAE) was evaluated for its immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity. The extraction yield of the roots of Berberis aristata in water was about 9.78%. The BAE showed presence of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and contained about 104.97 mg/gm of BAE and 83.14 mg/gm of BAE of phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. BAE showed significant antioxidant activity in DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Maximum non-cytotoxic dose (MNCD) of BAE for lymphocyte culture was determined to be 600 µg/ ml. Lymphocytes proliferation assay (LPA) showed that BAE enhanced lymphocyte proliferation of B-cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and T-cells stimulated by Concanavalin A and Phytohaemagglutinin M (PHA). Treatment with BAE significantly reduced lipid peroxidation (LPO) and increased the level of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in chicken lymphocytes, thus indicating antioxidant potential of BAE. The study reveals significant immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties of BAE, thus suggesting that it could be a potential alternative to AGPs in poultry production. But further in vivo studies are required to explore its efficacy and safety for its application in commercial poultry farming.

A Network Pharmacology-based Approach to Explore Potential Targets and Mechanism of Berberis aristata Focusing on its Implications for Diabetes Mellitus

Berberis aristata, a revered medicinal shrub in traditional systems like Ayurveda, holds promise in managing diabetes mellitus, a burgeoning global health concern. Through a comprehensive analysis of its bioactive compounds and their interactions with potential targets, this study elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-diabetic effects. Screening through databases yielded 17 bioactive compounds, including rutin, quercetin, and berberine. Protein-protein interaction analysis identified 44 potential targets, with 36 genes overlapping with disease-related genes, indicating pivotal pathways in diabetes mellitus treatment. Further, pathway analysis highlighted G-protein coupled receptor signaling, calcium signaling, and neurotransmitter receptor activity as significant, with adjusted p-values. Network analysis revealed key hub genes like DRD1 and MMP2, emphasizing their central role in Berberis aristata’s therapeutic action. The findings underscore Berberis aristata’s potential as a source of novel anti-diabetic agents and offer groundwork for potential research in this field.

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF DRUG: DARUHARIDRA (BERBERIS ARISTATA DC.)

Ayurveda is an ancient life science that came 5000 years ago and is known as ‘the Mother of all healings’. Knowledge of Ayurveda enables one to understand how to create balance in one’s physical body, mind and consciousness. The Ayurvedic system of medicine has been prevalent in India since the Vedic period and as early as the dawn of human civilization. In Dravyaguna, all the Aushadhadravya (medicinal herbs) are mentioned that act on the body based on their rasa (taste), guna (property), veerya (potency), vipaaka (post-digestive effect) and prabhava (specific property). It includes knowledge of different Aushadhadravya (herbal plants), which could heal different ailments with their pharmacological actions. Crude drugs are the starting raw materials for manufacturing herbal medicines in all indigenous systems of medicine. Daruharidra (Berberis aristata DC.) is one such popular Aushadhadravya (herbal drug) in Ayurvedic literature, and it has been used globally for its aushadha karma (therapeutic properties). It has been mentioned in Vedas, and Brihattari later described it in Nighantus (glossaries of Ayurveda). It has different varieties. It is mainly used in Netraroga (eye disorders), Pandu (anaemia), Kushtha (skin disorders), Mutrakruccha (urinary disorders), Pratishyaya (cold), and Prameha (diabetes). Clinical and experimental studies show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. This article deals with different aspects of Daruharidra (Berberis aristata DC.) and the contribution of different Acharyas towards it.

Exploring Anticancer Properties of Medicinal Plants against Breast Cancer by Downregulating Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2.

Plants have a history of being employed in managing breast cancer. However, no scientific evidence supports the idea that these plants can effectively reduce the level of HER2 expression. In this study, extracts from 10 medicinal plants were evaluated for their anticancer properties against HER2-positive breast cancer cells through various methods, including the SRB assay, comet assay, annexin V-FITC dual staining, and immunoblotting. All extracts exerted antiproliferative activity against HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Furthermore, Terminalia chebula (T. chebula), Berberis aristata (B. aristata), and Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) reduced HER2 expression in tested cell lines. In addition, an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was observed after the treatment. A comparative proteomics study showed modulation in the proteome profile of breast cancer cells after treatment with T. chebula, B. aristata, Punica granatum, M. pruriens, and Acorus calamus. Metabolic profiling of lead plants revealed the existence of multiple anticancer compounds. Our study demonstrates the considerable potential of the mentioned plants as innovative therapies for HER2-positive breast cancer.

Berberine: A natural modulator of immune cells in multiple sclerosis.

Berberine is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid found in such plants as Berberis vulgaris, Berberis aristata, and others, revealing a variety of pharmacological properties as a result of interacting with different cellular and molecular targets. Recent studies have shown the immunomodulatory effects of Berberine which result from its impacts on immune cells and immune response mediators such as diverse T lymphocyte subsets, dendritic cells (DCs), and different inflammatory cytokines. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disabling and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by the recruitment of autoreactive T cells into the CNS causing demyelination, axonal damage, and oligodendrocyte loss. There have been considerable changes discovered in MS regards to the function and frequency of T cell subsets such as Th1 cells, Th17 cells, Th2 cells, Treg cells, and DCs. In the current research, we reviewed the outcomes of in vitro, experimental, and clinical investigations concerning the modulatory effects that Berberine provides on the function and numbers of T cell subsets and DCs, as well as important cytokines that are involved in MS.

Assessment of Wild Edible Plant Diversity in Fringe Forest Areas of Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh, India

Wild edible plant diversity in fringe forest areas in Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh, India, was assessed using stratified random sampling by the quadrat method. A total of 115 plant species comprised 19 trees, 31 shrubs and 65 herb species were found growing in the habitat. Of the total species recorded, the people in the district use 91 plant species (79.1% of the total species) for various edible purposes. Among the edible plants recorded, 16 were trees, 23 shrubs, and the remaining 52 were herbs. Wild edible trees had a higher density (70 trees/ ha) than non-edible tree species (11.25 trees/ ha). Among trees, Prunus persica was recorded with the highest density of 13.75 trees/ha, with a basal area of 1.27 m2/ha and an IVI value of 51.56. Wild edible shrub species had a very high contribution of 75.53% (0.71 bushes/9m2) to the total shrub species density (0.94 bushes 9/m2). The density of all edible shrub species was <1 bush/ m2, and the highest density was of Berberis aristata (0.18 bush/ 9m2). The density of wild edible herbs was (12.07 individuals/ m2) lower than the density of non-edible herb species (17.25 individuals/ m2). Thymus serphyllum a rarely used herb, had the highest density of 5.49 individuals/ m2, frequency (17.28 %) and IVI (26.00) among herbs. Most of the other edible herb species had density <1 individual/ m2. It was observed that the indigenous people in the region frequently visit fringe forest areas for various purposes, which affect the population of wild edible plant species. Further, wild edible plant species knowledge is getting eroded, especially among the younger generation. Hence, public awareness and community based management need to be encouraged at all levels. In addition, forest department and various other government agencies should include important wild edibles in their plantation program.

Phytosociological Analysis of Functional Components in Silvipastoral Land Use Systems of Himachal Pradesh, India

Phytosociological studies are important for devising suitable conservation strategies of the plant genetic resources. Himachal Pradesh is a north-western Himalayan state with diverse landscape having rich and unique floristic diversity. Silvipastoral systems are one among the most prominent agroforestry land use systems which contributes significantly in productivity, ecological balance and livelihood of local communities. Thus, to know the status of floristic and phytosociological diversity in these land use systems, the present study has been conducted from April 2018 to March 2022 in 12 selected villages in Himachal Pradesh. Total number of plant species recorded in study area was 1046 (including 114 tree, 170 shrub and 762 herb species), belonging to 108 families and 538 genera. Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae and Lamiaceae were the five most dominant families. Maximum tree density recorded for species Myrica esculenta (980 ind. ha-1) at site 3, Grewia optiva (660 ind. ha-1) at site 2 and Grewia optiva (640 ind. ha-1) at Site 1 Naun, Mandi, followed by Bauhinia variegata (630 ind. ha-1) at Site 2 Banalgi, Solan in zone-II. On the basis of IVI, Cedrus deodara (252.30) was most dominant species followed by Quercus oblongata (193.11), Pinus wallichiana (164.68) and Myrica esculenta (149.10). Among the shrubs Hippophae salicifolia (119.24) was most dominant species followed by Berberis lycium (96.14) and Berberis aristata (90.98). However, Achyranthus aspera (107.66) was most dominant herb species followed by Commelina benghalensis (97.50) and Sonchus asper (44.01). The lowest value of IVI was observed for Capsella bursa-pastoris (9.63) and Tanacetum dolichophyllum (10.54). According to CAMP (Conservation Assessment and Management Prioritization), 2013 nine species viz., Angelica glauca, Berberis aristata, Dioscorea deltoidea, Polygonatum cirrhifolium, Hyoscyamus niger, Bunium persicum, Ephedra gerardiana, Juniperus communis and Selinum vaginatum are threatened and requires conservation and management efforts. In past no study was conducted on floristic and phytosociology diversity of silvipastoral systems of Himachal Pradesh. Hence, present study will definitely act as base line data for further in-depth studies on restoration of degraded lands and silvipastoral system management and improvement programs.

Isolation and characterization of endophytic bacteria from medicinal plants (Berberis aristata and Xanthium strumarium) for Rosemary plant growth promotion

Isolation and characterization of endophytic bacteria from medicinal plants (Berberis aristata and Xanthium strumarium) for Rosemary plant growth promotion

INDIAN BERBERRY DARUHARIDRA- AN ENLIGHTENMENT OF SYNONYMS FROM NIGHANTU

Naming a plant is a crucial step similar to calling a person to give them a unique identity. The name of any drug is based on its appearance, morphological and unique characteristics. It helps in the identification of a vast collection of plants. Since Vedic times, drugs have been named from time to time according to their special features like Udabhavbhodhak (Name of the origin), Swaroopbhodhak ( Morphological characters), Gunabhodak (Knowledge of properties), Karmabhodhak ( Pharmacological actions). Different synonyms are given in Samhitas and Nigantus according to their description. In Nama-Rupa gyana, additional synonyms (Prayaya) of drugs are compiled. Daruharidra (Berberis aristata DC.) is a plant with yellow wood growing in upper Himalayas .Berberis means a plant of a genus that comprises the berberries and aristata is a plant with rough leaves and stem. It resembles yellow colour like Haridra. It has some of the famous synonyms are Darvi, Panchpacha, Peetdaru, Peetchandanam, Kaleyak etc.

An <i>In Vitro</i> Study for Evaluating the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Polyherbal Combination Against <i>Escherichia coli</i> in the Management of <i>Mutrakrichra</i> (Urinary Tract Infection)

Millions of people worldwide experience Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), which rank among the most widespread bacterial infections. UTIs are a common health issue, particularly among women and certain populations. Escherichia coli is the most frequent pathogen, causing 75-90 % of UTIs. Timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and preventive measures can help reduce the burden of UTIs and minimize complications associated with these infections. In order to address this issue, classical formulations are mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. In the current study, hydroalcoholic extracts of Emblica officinalis (Amalaki) and Berberis aristata (Daruharidra) were prepared. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts and their combination was evaluated by establishing their Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and measuring the zone of inhibition. The combination of Amalaki and Daruharidra with honey shows significant inhibition of E. coli which is comparable with tablet Norfloxacin. This study suggests that Emblica officinalis (Amalaki) and Berberis aristata (Daruharidra) can be used in Mutrakrichra associated with Mutradaha in the context of urinary tract infections.

Evaluation of In Vitro Acid Neutralizing Capacity of Bilwadi Vati

Herbs have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda, to treat various ailments, including hyperacidity. The aim of this study was to investigate the acid neutralizing properties of Bilwadi Vati, a polyherbal formulation used to treat the intestinal disorders. A total of 14 herbal ingredients of Bilwadi Vati were tested using an in vitro assay to determine their Preliminary antacid test andacid neutralizing capacity. The results showed that Bilwadi Vati as a whole and all the herbal ingredients tested exhibitacid neutralizing properties to varying degrees. Among the tested herbal ingredients Sunthi (Zingiber officinale), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Nata (Valerianawalichi), Haridra (Curcuma longum) and Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) five ingredients demonstrated the significantly higher acid neutralizing capacity. This study supports and sheds light on the purported digestive and antiacidic properties of Bilwadi Vati and its individual ingredients. Further study to determine the in vitro neutralizing and buffering capacity of ingredients is in process.

Nano formulation of Berberine (Brb): Transforming a natural alkaloid into advanced therapeutics

A naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid “Berberine” (Brb) is found in various plant species of the genus Berberis, such as Berberis vulgaris, Berberis aristata, Berberis microphylla, and so on. This component has been studied extensively by various researchers and scientists for its diverse therapeutic properties, including anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial antidiarrheal, and anti-inflammatory effects. One of the most remarkable applications of berberine is its efficacy in managing type-II diabetes, which is attributed to its capability to initiate adenosine monophosphate, glycolysis stimulation, protein kinases activation, inhibit mitochondrial function and thus collectively enhance the lipid and glucose metabolism. Also, Berberine has shown promising outcomes in addressing other health conditions, such as hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. In spite of its numerous benefits, extensive usage of berberine has been hindered by some challenges such as low bioavailability, limited absorption, and poor water solubility. Nano formulation has emerged as an auspicious approach to overcome these obstacles. This review highlights the advancements of using nano technology to overcome the limitations of berberine (Brb) associated with its absorption, dissolution, and bio-distribution, which are critical for its active application of pharmacology. While previous studies have explored the use of nano-carriers for transfer of drug, this review uniquely underlines an inclusive evaluation of several nanocarrier, together with lipid-based nanoparticles (SLNs, NLCs, micelles, and liposomes), polymeric-based nanoparticles (chitosan, alginate, dextran, and PLGA) and advanced materials (graphene, dendrimers, gold (Au), and silver (Ag) nanoparticles). It emphasizes their specific applications in treating conditions like diabetes, osteoarthritis, microbial infections, and melanoma, with special attention on innovative applications such as thermal therapy with AuNP-Brb and bio-imaging with Brb-based carbon dots. In conclusion, nanotechnology has shown an outstanding result in improving the therapeutic strength and delivery of berberine, more investigation is necessary to interpret these nanoparticle carriers into clinical applications. The detailing of specific therapeutic effects and this breadth of comparison highlight the novelty of this review, which sets a foundation for future research to translate these findings into clinical applications.

The medicinal plant Berberis aristata and its endophytes for pharmacological applications: Current research and future challenges

Exploring medicinal plants for their natural products to benefit humanity has been a practice since ancient times. Berberis aristata, also known as tree turmeric or Indian barberry, has a dominant spot in conventional medicine for 2500 plus years. In the latter years, this particular species has gained prime attention in pharmaceutical zone due to its scarcity. The plant and its formulations are used to treat numerous human health threats including cancer, diabetes, diarrhea, wound relieving, infections of eyes and ears, gynecological disorders, and HIV-AIDS. The bioactive compounds present in B. aristata are found to contain anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties. The plant is critically jeopardized species of Indian Himalaya due to the collection of its roots at a large scale for obtaining berberine alkaloid and its conservation is of great concern. At present, isolation of endophytic entities from remedial plants revolutionized the path of discovering drugs from medicinal plants. Endophytes can produce the same bioactive as their host plant as well as another bioactive to address a variety of human health issues. The review examines the bioprospecting of B. aristata, a medicinal shrub from the family Berberidaceae, and its associated endophytes for the production of bioactive compounds with application to human health. Finally, the review provides a comprehensive outlook on the current status and future prospects of bioprospecting B. aristata and its endophytes to combat future human health threats is an exciting area of research that should be further explored.