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Berberis

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Synonyms: Barberry, Rocky Mountain Grape

Biological source:

Botanical name:Berberis sps

Part used: roots and rhizomes

Family: Berberidaceae

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Geographical source:

Found in rocky mountain range of North America.

Some sps also found in Nepal, Indian and Bhutan.

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Macroscopical features (Stem)

    • Color: light yellowish brown
    • Odor: slight and characteristic
    • Taste: bitter
    • Shape: cylindrical
    • Size: variable length, upto 45 mm diameter
    • Other features: longitudinally wrinkled, Simple or branched. On chewing it colors the saliva yellow.

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Microscopical features

    • Cork composed of narrow and collapsed cells.
    • Cork cambium somewhat collpsed
    • Cortex cotains few layers of parenchymatous cells
    • Numerous open, collateral vascular bundles arranged in circles.
    • Vascular bundles separated by starch containing medullary rays

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Chemical constituents

Few important are berberine, oxycanthine, berbamine

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Pharmacological action / Uses

    • Bitter tonic (which acts chiefly by stimulating the appetite and improving digestion), Antiinflammatory
    • Effective in intestinal and hepatic amoebiasis
    • Powdered roots are sprinkled over wounds and ulcers.