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.

Efficacy of Jatyadi Kwatha Gandusha in Management of Pittaja Mukhapaka with special reference to Aphthous Ulcer: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

“…Daruharidra (Berberis aristate DC) are Kashaya rasa, Laghu, Ruksha guna, Ushna virya, Katu vipaka are Shothahara and Vedanastapana. Berberine's chemical constituents are believed to have various pharmacological effects, such as anti-bacterial, antineoplastic, ophthalmic, antipyretic, anti-diabetic, cardiotonic, and hepatoprotective activities (20). Berberis aristata contains protoberberine and bis isoquinoline type of alkaloid.…”

Effectiveness of Dwiharidra Rasakriya Pichu in Chronic Fis-Sure-in-Ano - A Single Group Clinical Study

“…It is tikta and khashaya in rasa & possess laghu ruksha guna. 14 It is kandughna, kledopasoshana, raktha sodhana, and vrana ropana . Kashaya rasa & laghu ruksha guna poses lekhana property, so this drug also promot healing by making the vrana suddha.…”

Structural, morphological, optical and biomedical applications of Berberis aristata mediated ZnO and Ag-ZnO nanoparticles

“…It has been utilized as a part of traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, for past 3000 years, for a variety of treatments. It is used to make 'Rasaut,' an extremely useful Ayurvedic medication [24]. It is employed in organized medical systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani as a single plant treatment or in polyherbal preparations.…”