Berberis Research Articles

Effects of Berberis asiatica, Withania somnifera, and Their Combination on Body Weight in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Type 2 Diabetes in Wistar Rats.

Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion, and beta cell dysfunction, often leading to chronic hyperglycemia and associated complications. Berberis asiatica (BA) and Withania somnifera (WS) are ancient medicinal plants with a reputation for having potential therapeutic effects in diabetes management. The purpose of this study was to look into how body weight (BW) was affected in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NIC) induced T2DM in Wistar rats by BA, WS, and their polyherbal combination (PHC). Materials and methods Seventy-eight Wistar rats of both sexes were divided into 13 groups, with six rats in each group, including normal and diabetic controls, and treated with varying doses of BA, WS, and PHC. The rats were under observation over the course of 35 days for any change in BW. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) rules and guidelines were followed in the conduct of acute toxicity tests. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey-Kramer post hoc tests, was used for statistical analysis. Results The findings indicated that the highest dose of BA (1000 mg/kg) significantly improved BW in diabetic rats, approaching that of the normal control group. The combination of BA and WS also demonstrated significant improvements in BW, suggesting a synergistic effect. The standard antidiabetic drugs, metformin and glimepiride, were effective in increasing BW in diabetic rats. Conclusion The study concludes that BA, WS, and their combination have a positive impact on BW management in T2DM rats, with the combination therapy showing enhanced effects. These findings support the potential utilization of these herbs in managing BW and other T2DM-associated metabolic disturbances and abnormalities.

Evaluation of Lipid Profile Modulation by Berberis asiatica, Withania somnifera, and Their Synergy in Type 2 Diabetic Wistar Rats.

Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, leading to complications such as dyslipidemia, which increases cardiovascular risks. Current treatments for dyslipidemia often have undesirable side effects. This study aims to evaluate the effects ofBerberis asiatica(BA),Withania somnifera(WS), and their combination in the ratio of 1:1 on the lipid profile in T2DM-induced Wistar rats. Additionally, the study investigates the potential synergistic effects of these two herbs. Materials and methods Mature albino Wistar rats of both sexes were employed, weighing 150-250 g. Rats were obtained from the Central Animal House of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences and kept under standard laboratory conditions. The study was conducted per theguidelines setby the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA). T2DM was induced using streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NIC). Thirteen groups of rats were formed, including normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), and various treatment groups received varying dosages of BA, WS, their polyherbal combination (PHC), and the conventional medications metformin (MET) and glimepiride (GLI). Lipid profiles were measured, and the data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by the Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test. Results The study revealed that both BA and WS showed statistically significant lipid-lowering effects in diabetic rats. The BA-treated groups displayed a statistically significant and considerable decrease in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels compared to the DC group. Similarly, WS-treated groups also showed statistically significant reduced levels of TC and LDL, along with an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The PHCof BA and WS exhibited enhanced lipid-lowering effects compared to individual treatments. No significant differences in triglyceride (TG) levels were observed among the treatment groups. Conclusion BA and WS, individually and in combination,effectively modulate lipid profiles in T2DM rats. Their synergistic effects provide a promising alternative for managing dyslipidemia in diabetic patients. Further research is needed to determine the clinical consequences of these findings.

Genus Berberis: A Comprehensive and Updated Review on Ethnobotanical Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities.

Genus Berberis is an excellent choice for research due to its history in traditional medicine, diverse pharmacological properties, and it has potential for drug discovery. This review presents information on the ethnobotany, pharmacological activities, and many phytochemicals identified from Berberis species. It examines the existing literature on the genus Berberis, drawn from online databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Elsevier, and Google Scholar, etc encompassing the data from 1960 to 2023. This review focuses on the structural details of reported phytochemicals of Berberis species and pharmacological actions. Different extraction techniques were evaluated for extracts preparation. According to literature review, phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. A major bioactive alkaloid, berberine exhibits its main role in treatment of many gastric, infectious, and chronic disorders. This literature indicates that Berberis genus exhibits a variety of biological activities, i.e anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and antioxidant activities and utilization of these effects in the treatment and management of various diseases, like diabetes, microbial infections, inflammation, liver disorders, and cancer. However, conventional medicines, validation of traditional uses, and in-depth phytochemical analysis are areas of research in genus Berberis.

Total importance value of medicinal plants in Jaunpur Range, Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand

The present study was intended to assess the total important value of medicinal plants in 5 villages of Jaunpur Range, Mussoorie Forest Division. Extensive field surveys were conducted at the study site throughout the different seasons of the year from November 2021- December 2022 to collect data. Data were collected using standard questionnaires. A total of 70 plant species were identified from 64 genera and 43 families. Among the 43 families, the maximum number of species were recorded in Rosaceae (8 spp.). The majority of identified species was herbs (36%), followed by trees (31%), shrubs (20%), climbers (7%), grass (4%) and ferns (2%). The ethnobotanical classification showed that most species are used for medicinal purposes (70 spp., 56%), followed by edible purposes (33 spp., 25%), uses such as fuel wood (8 spp., 7%), fodder (8 spp., 6%), timber (3 spp., 2%) and other uses (5 spp., 4%). Field observation revealed that most of the species were common (63 spp., 90%) in the study area, followed by uncommon (7 spp., 10%). In this study, the maximum number of species was found in the TIV 1-10% and the highest recorded TIV was 70%. The analysis of the total importance value (TIV) revealed that Grewia optiva, Diplazium esculentum, Berberis asiatica, Cedrus deodara, Lyonia ovalifolia Myrica esculenta, and Rhododendron arboreum were the plant species higher socioeconomic values, therefore it needs special attention and priority in conservation and management related activities.

Pharmacological and Therapeutic Potential of Berbamine: A Potent Alkaloid from Genus Berberis.

Berbamine (Ber) is an active medicinal bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, which is usually obtained from different plants of the genus Berberis (family Berberidaceae) and is used to cure various disorders in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. Numerous in-vitro and in-vivo studies revealed the apoptotic and cytotoxic potential of Ber against different cell lines (SMMC-7721, A549, MDA-MB-231, and K562) by upregulating pro-apoptotic (Bax, p53) and downregulating anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2, survivin) proteins. Other pharmacological attributes ascribed to Ber included cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-hypercholesterolemic, and anti-allergic. Moreover, the synergistic effect of Ber improved the therapeutic potential of different drugs (paclitaxel (PTL), gemcitabine, dexamethasone, doxorubicin (DOX), and celecoxib) in different models. Various attempts could fabricate biologically active derivatives of Ber, such as 4-chlorobenzoyl berbamine (CBB) and O-4- ethoxyl-butyl-berbamine (EBB). The review focuses on the medicinal applications of Ber, particularly anti-cancer, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory, along with the mechanism of action.

A Review on Folklore Uses, Phytoconstituents and Pharmacological Activities of the Genus Berberis

Abstract: Genus berberis, an evergreen shrub of about 500 plant species found in subtropical and temperate regions but only some of them are investigated and evaluated for their phytochemistry and bioactivity. These plants are spread worldwide and help in the nourishment of humans and animals. Almost all parts of the plant are investigated for pharmacological and phytochemical purposes, including, roots, fruits, stems, buds, seeds, branches, flowers, leaves, and whole plant. Rasaut, an extract of either the stem or root of Berberis aristata is mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic literature of India for treating indolent ulcers and eye disorders, and B. vulgaris is still used to treat malaria in North America. They have many medicinal properties and compounds that are bioactive like berberine. Berberine possesses anticancer, antimicrobial, and other activities. The plants contain a number of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, carotenoids, terpenoids, and other categories of chemical constituents. The alkaloidal compounds are isolated and evaluated for various activities and are found to be active. The researchers are continuously working to get novel exploration regarding the Genus Berberis . Here in the review, traditional and folkloric uses of the genus were also described. Apart from this, they possess numerous activities like anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiulcer, antiviral and, wound healing and many more. These activities were authenticated by in-vitro and in-vivo methods. The aim of this review is to update and systematically arrange information in one platform. In this review, we extracted the current information from Pubmed, Googlescolar, Scifinder and many more databases.

Evaluation of iso-quinoline alkaloids by RP-HPLC-PDA in different Berberis species collected from Western Himalayan Region

The genus Berberis has high significance in Indian and other traditional systems of medicine due to the presence of iso-quinoline alkaloids. This study was conducted to record the metabolic variation in eight Berberis spp. collected from the Western Himalayan region. The RP-HPLC-PDA chromatogram separates the markers jatrorrhizine, palmatine and berberine at specific retention time, 11.45, 16.41 and 18.15 min respectively. The method was validated on linearity, precision and recovery indices as per International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. The maximum content of berberine, palmatine and jatrorrhizine was found in Berberis asiatica (1.74% ± 0.032, 1.63% ± 0.028 and 0.264% ± 0.012, respectively) on % dry weight basis. This study will help in phyto-marker-based identification and differentiation of various Berberis species, which can be used as an alternative to the official drug Daruharidra i.e. Berberis aristata.

People's Perception and Awareness towards Plant Invasion, Its Impacts on Forest Ecosystem Services and Livelihood: A Tale of Central Himalayas.

Plant invasion is a leading threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services and human wellbeing worldwide. In the central Himalayas intentionally or accidentally introduced invasive alien plant species (IAPS) facilitate their own establishment and spread, which is altering forest structure, vegetation composition, species diversity and livelihood. To understand the perception and awareness amongst local communities about invasive alien and native plants and its effect on local livelihood, a questionnaire-based study was conducted in 10 villages of Nainital district, Uttarakhand, India. Household data of 179 respondents were triangulated with key informants such as community leaders, teachers and older people. A majority of the respondents were found to be more familiar with the native species (Berberis asiatica, Pyracantha crenulata and Rubus ellipticus) than IAPS (Ageratina adenophora and Lantana camara). Both the IAPS negative impacts on native biodiversity, ecosystem services and livelihood. During the last two decades IAPS have encroached on various forests and caused a decrease in native species in the study area. According to the local perception, deforestation, forest fire, climate change, increased transport, light weight seed, no use and grazing etc. have been the main factors behind the spread of IAPS. A. adenophora invaded both chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) and banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) forests while L. camara remained more prominent in low elevation open canopy chir pine forest. Uprooting is the primary method used to control IAPS in crop fields and forests. The studied villages have not reported awareness and education programs about the IAPS. Our study demonstrates the wide range of perspectives on the threat posed by IAPS to forest ecosystems and natural resources. Education could help to raise awareness about the issue and could be beneficial in managing and controlling invasion in the Himalayan region.

Ontogenesis of species of the genus Berberis L.

Recently, climate change, reduction of species diversity, and food problems are among the problems that worry the whole world. Plants play an important role in solving these problems. For this purpose, we introduce various food, medical, and industrial plants. One of the plants with different fields of application is the species belonging to the genus Berberis L. For this purpose, the bioecology of Berberis L. species was studied to regulate the ecological balance. To study the introduction and adaptation of Berberis L. species to the Absheron conditions on a scientific basis, it is important to evaluate the biological and morphological features of these species at individual stages of development.During the introduction of barberry species, it is a very important issue to study the biology of individual development of each species. Ontogeny - the individual development of the species - covers the period from the zygote to the natural death of the species. Information about the morphological characteristics of the species is obtained in the developmental stages of ontogenesis.

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.

Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, and Chemical Profiling of Berberis asiatica

This study focused on chemical profiling and assessed the total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as the antioxidant and antibacterial effect of the medicinal plant Berberis asiatica. The results revealed that this plant has high concentrations of TPC (Total phenol content) and TFC (Total flavonoid content) of 37.686 ± 2.728 mg GAE/g and 115.568 ± 8.012 mg QE/g, respectively. The DPPH free radical scavenging assay demonstrated strong inhibition, with an IC50 of 205.7 ± 5.353 μg/mL, and also showed robust antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae with a zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 14 mm and 19 mm, respectively. The extract exhibited an excellent inhibitory potential against S. aureus, and K. pneumoniae with an MIC (Minimum inhibitory concentration) of 0.39 mg/mL, and 3.125 mg/mL respectively, indicating significant inhibitory action. Furthermore, the MBC (Minimum bactericidal concentration) for both S. aureus and K. pneumoniae was found to be 6.25 mg/mL, emphasizing the extract's consistent bactericidal effectiveness against these bacteria. These findings underscore the potential utility of the methanolic extract of Berberis asiatica as a natural antibacterial agent. GC-MS analysis of hexane fraction indicates the plant is rich in secondary metabolites, specifically 2,2-dimethyl-3-pentanol, 2-methyl-2-pentanol, 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3-hexanone, 3-hexanol, 4-methyl-2-pentanol are identified. Overall, this study highlights the importance of plant-based natural products as potential sources of antioxidants and antibacterial agents that contributes to the future drug development process.

DESIGN AND OPTIMIZATION OF NANO ENCAPSULATED BERBERIS ASIATICA BIO COMPOUNDS

Objective: The current study goal is to develop and optimize nanoencapsulated biocompounds of Berberis asiatica (BCBA) utilizing the ionic gelation process to target the kidney for antiurolithiatic activity. Methods: Nanoencapsulated BCBA was prepared employing the ionic gelation method. Box Behnken Design (BBD) 3-factor, 3-level is used to examine the effects of formulation parameters and to enhance the desired responses. Characterization studies include Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) performed to study the quality of optimized nanoparticles. Results: Mathematical equations and response surface plots were used to relate the dependent and independent variables. Diagnostic charts were used to show the varied factor level permutations. The percentages of entrapment efficiency (% EE) and drug release (% DR) used in evaluation studies of optimized biocompounds of Berberis asiatica nanoparticles (OBCBANPs) were determined to be 83.7% and 78.33%, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results showed that chitosan, sodium tripolyphosphate (NaTPP), and BACB were compatible. Due to chitosan and NaTPP gelation in the case of OBCBANPs, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses have acknowledged the crystalinity. The particle size and zeta potential of the optimized formulation, found to be 95.4 nm and 31 mV, respectively, indicate the nanoparticles are in the nano range and possess extreme stability by preventing particle convergence. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) studies reveal that the optimized formulation nanoparticles are spherical in shape, homogeneous, and have little aggregation. The accelerated stability studies showed that the optimized formulation was stable at different temperatures and relative humidity. Conclusion: The stable optimized formulation was prepared, evaluated, and characterized. BBD is employed to optimize the formulation by minimizing the number of experimental runs and enhancing the desired responses. The optimized formulation further needs to investigate the invivo studies for antiurolithiatic activity by targeting the kidney.

Vegetative propagation of Berberis asiatica Roxb. Ex DC., Ginkgo biloba L., Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth ex Kurz, and Rhododendron arboreum Sm. through stem cuttings

The population of medicinal plants such as Berberis asiatica, Ginkgo biloba, Rauvolfia serpentina, and Rhododendron arboreum is declining from their natural habitats due to high commercial exploitation, medicinal value, slow-growing nature, and climate change. The present study was carried to assess the effects of IAA, IBA, and Rootex PD.01 (commercial 1000 mg kg−1 of indole-3-butyric acid formulation) on survival and growth performance of stem cuttings so as to develop the vegetative propagation protocols for B. asiatica, G. biloba, R. serpentina, and R. arboreum. Four hundred eighty cuttings (120 cuttings of each species) with 0.5–1 cm diameter and 10 cm length were sterilized with 1 g L−1 bavistin and treated with 250 mg L−1 concentration of IAA (indole-3-acetic acid), IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) and Rootex PD.01 (1000 mg kg-1 of IBA) respectively. The survival was highest in G. biloba (90 %) followed by R. serpentina (83.3 %), B. asiatica (80 %) and R. arboreum (66.6 %). Stem cuttings treated with Rootex PD.01 exhibited maximum root length in species i.e. B. asiatica (5.2 cm), G. biloba (8.3 cm), R. serpentina (8.4 cm) and R. arboreum (6.7 cm) respectively. Other growth parameters such as shoot height, shoot diameter, number of leaves per node, number of leaves per plant, and root number were also maximum in stem cuttings treated with Rootex PD.01. This study concluded Rootex PD.01 for the propagation of these species thereby ensuring inexpensive and efficient protocols for mass-scale cultivation.

Cross-cultural ethnomedicinal study of the wild species of the genus Berberis used by the ethnic communities living along both sides of the Indo-Pak border in Kashmir

Cross-cultural ethnomedicinal study of the wild species of the genus Berberis used by the ethnic communities living along both sides of the Indo-Pak border in Kashmir

In-vitro Dissolution Study of Gallstone with Medicinal Plant Extracts

Background: Gallstone disease poses a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems globally, necessitating safer alternatives to current treatments like dissolution therapy and cholecystectomy. Natural compounds from plants offer a potential solution, but research on their cholelitholytic activity is limited. In vitro dissolution studies are crucial for identifying effective plant-based therapies. Objective: This study aims to investigate the in vitro cholelitholytic activity of six plants and Ayurvedic medicines, selected based on ethnopharmacological knowledge and folk medicinal practices. Methods: Gallstone samples were categorized as combined cholesterol gallstones (CCGS) or black pigment gallstones based on external morphology and cross-sectional analysis. In vitro dissolution studies were conducted using extracts from Bergenia ciliata, Berberis asiatica, Cuscuta europaea, Kalanchoe pinnata, Teraxacum officinale, Macrotyloma uniflorum, and Ayurvedic medicines (Cystone®, Gokshuradi, and Calcury). The samples were immersed in the extracts and controls separately and incubated in a shaking water bath. The gallstone dissolution capacity was assessed by recording the dry weight of the samples at multiple time points. Results: T. officinale was highly effective in dissolving black pigment gallstones, while B. asiatica exhibited superior efficacy for CCGS. M. uniflorum and C. europaea also demonstrated significant dissolution activity against black pigment gallstones. However, K. pinnata was less effective for both gallstone types. B. ciliata and C. europaea exhibited equal effectiveness against both types. Ayurvedic medicine extracts were less effective compared to plant extracts. Conclusion: This in vitro study showed the plants can dissolve GS effectively. However, the effectiveness of the plant to dissolve GS depends on the type of the stone. The findings from this study serve as a basis for further in vivo research

The Role of Daruharidra as Pramehaghna Karma with Special Reference to Madhumeha

There are many drugs described in Ayurveda which can be used in the treatment of ,Madhumeha. Sometime different species of that particular drug is sold in market having no therapeutic use or having no record of therapeutic potential under same vernacular name. In this study the drug Daruharidra has been selected. The exact botanical source of Daruharidra is root of Berberis aristata D.C, but more than 13 species of berberis are available throughout Himalayan region ranging from 3,000-13,000ft height. One of it is Berberis asiatica, which is considered as a substitute of B.aristata but no such scientific work has been done to prove it. Secondly now days due to ban in uprooting of Daruharidra, physician has started using stem. So, in this studystem ofboth species is assessed for its efficacy in Prameha. In Berberis aristata D.C group 14 patients completed the drug regime, highly significant (P<0.001 relief was seen in Prabhutamutratrata(83.47%), Kar-pad-tal dah(86.40%) and Daurbalyata(62.50%) and postprandial blood sugar was significantly reduced (P<0.05). In this group 14.28% patient markedly improved, 57.14% patients improved and 28.57% patients were in unchanged category. In B.asiatica group 14 patients completed the drug schedule, highly significant(P<0.001) relief was observed in prabhutamutrata (59.02%) and Kar-pad-tal dah(62.71%) and post-prandial blood sugar level was significantly reduced (P<0.05).As overall effect of drug is concern 07.14% patients controlled,14.28% patients markedly improved,57.14% improved, and 21.42% in unchanged category. No difference was observed in the therapeutical potential of Berberis aristata D.C. and Berberis asiaticaRoxb.ex.D.C clinically. As in pharmacological and Clinical study not much difference is observed in both the drugs, but the water soluble extractive and Berberine quantity is higher in B.asiatica groups so B.asiatica can be used in preparation of Rasanjan and other products.

Himalayan Sources of Anthocyanins and Its Multifunctional Applications: A Review.

Anthocyanins, the colored water-soluble pigments, have increasingly drawn the attention of researchers for their novel applications. The sources of anthocyanin are highly diverse, and it can be easily extracted. The unique biodiversity of the Himalayan Mountain range is an excellent source of anthocyanin, but it is not completely explored. Numerous attempts have been made to study the phytochemical aspects of different Himalayan plants. The distinct flora of the Himalayas can serve as a potential source of anthocyanins for the food industry. In this context, this review is an overview of the phytochemical studies conducted on Himalayan plants for the estimation of anthocyanins. For that, many articles have been studied to conclude that plants (such as Berberis asiatica, Morus alba, Ficus palmata, Begonia xanthina, Begonia palmata, Fragaria nubicola, etc.) contain significant amounts of anthocyanin. The application of Himalayan anthocyanin in nutraceuticals, food colorants, and intelligent packaging films have also been briefly debated. This review creates a path for further research on Himalayan plants as a potential source of anthocyanins and their sustainable utilization in the food systems.

Diversity, endemism, indigenous uses and threat status of medicinal plants in Shivalik Hills of Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya, India

Indian Himalayan Region is known globally since the Vedic time for its rich resources. Due to less accessibility to basic facilities, communities of the Himalaya are well adopted with forests for curing various ailments. The present study has been conducted in Shivalik Hills of Himachal Pradesh. A total of 330 medicinal plants belonging to 85 families and 263 genera were recorded. 40 species were native to the Himalayan Region and 27 species were native to the Himalayan Region and other biogeographical regions, together, 01 species was endemic, 23 species were near endemic. Leaves, roots and whole plants were utilized in majority of cases. The analysis revealed that maximum species were used for fever, skin diseases, cough, dysentery and stomach problems. Acorus calamus, Berberis asiatica, Cheilocostus speciosus, Cinnamomum tamala, Gloriosa superba, Pittosporum eriocarpum, Rauvolfia serpentina, Terminalia chebula, etc. were identified as threatened species. Due to habitat degradation, biological invasion, over-exploitation and changing environmental conditions, the populations of these medicinal plants are facing high pressures. Therefore, identification of Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs), frequent monitoring of habitats, extraction trend of medicinal plants, education, awareness and participation of the local inhabitants have been suggested.

A Comparative Study of the Inhibitory Action of Berberine Derivatives on the Recombinant Protein FtsZ of E. coli.

Medicinal plants belonging to the genus Berberis may be considered an interesting source of drugs to counteract the problem of antimicrobial multiresistance. The important properties associated with this genus are mainly due to the presence of berberine, an alkaloid with a benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline structure. Berberine is active against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, influencing DNA duplication, RNA transcription, protein synthesis, and the integrity of the cell surface structure. Countless studies have shown the enhancement of these beneficial effects following the synthesis of different berberine analogues. Recently, a possible interaction between berberine derivatives and the FtsZ protein was predicted through molecular docking simulations. FtsZ is a highly conserved protein essential for the first step of cell division in bacteria. The importance of FtsZ for the growth of numerous bacterial species and its high conservation make it a perfect candidate for the development of broad-spectrum inhibitors. In this work, we investigate the inhibition mechanisms of the recombinant FtsZ of Escherichia coli by different N-arylmethyl benzodioxolethylamines as berberine simplified analogues appropriately designed to evaluate the effect of structural changes on the interaction with the enzyme. All the compounds determine the inhibition of FtsZ GTPase activity by different mechanisms. The tertiary amine 1c proved to be the best competitive inhibitor, as it causes a remarkable increase in FtsZ Km (at 40 μM) and a drastic reduction in its assembly capabilities. Moreover, a fluorescence spectroscopic analysis carried out on 1c demonstrated its strong interaction with FtsZ (Kd = 26.6 nM). The in vitro results were in agreement with docking simulation studies.

Preliminary results of in-vitro laboratory propagation of barberry (Berberis L.)

The genus Berberis vulgaris (Berberis L.) is currently found in tropical, subtropical, temperate, and cold climate zones. There is little doubt that Southeast Asia is where the majority of Berberis vulgaris' interspecies biodiversity is found. Additionally, species are widely distributed, mostly in hilly areas, and, in terms of moisture requirements, they are mesophytic and xeromesophytic plants. In this article, experiments on in-vitro propagation of Berberis vulgaris (Berberis L.) seedlings were carried out in laboratory conditions. During the experiments, the time of sterilization of the explants obtained from the Berberis vulgaris plant was determined. Different concentrations of hormones and auxins were used in several nutrient mediums for growing in artificial nutrient medium. The results depicted that the highest rate was observed in the variant, where 2ml.BAP+0.5NAA+30g sucrose+7g accounted for 87% of plant rooting rate. It was observed that the rooting rate was slightly higher in the control variant of WPM-Woody plant medium-nutrient medium than the control variant of the MS nutrient medium, which was 17%.