Pharmacognostic Evaluation of the Roots of Berberis tinctoria Lesch

  • Published : 2007.03.31

Abstract

Berberis tinctoria (Berberidaceae), commonly known as Nilgiri Barberry is a common allied species to B. aristata, used in India Traditional Systems of Medicine by the name of 'Daruharidra' for skin disease, jaundice, affection of eyes, and rheumatism. Keeping this in view, in the present study attempts have been made to identify marker characters of B. tinctoria. Some of the diagnostic features of the root are patches of pericyclic fibre, pitted sclerieds, crystals, berberine containing cells and heterocyclic medullary rays. Besides, the physicochemical characters such as total ash; acid insoluble ash; alcohol and water soluble extractive; tannins; sugar and starch percentages has also shown some variations. The percentage of berberine as berberine hydrochloride was also calculated through HPTLC densitometric method and it was found almost similar to B. aristata, B. asiatica and B. chitria i.e. 3.36%. Thus it can be explored as a possible source of substitute to B.aristata.

Keywords

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