THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF BERBERIS ARISTATA: PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND HYPOGLYCEMIC EFFECTS

Honey Sharma*, Shaily Mishra and Shamim Ahmad

ABSTRACT

Human reliance on plant-based resources for medicinal purposes dates back to ancient civilizations. Traditional medicine systems, such as those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, India, Greece, and Rome, have documented the extensive use of medicinal plants. One notable example is Berberis aristata, a spiny shrub indigenous to the northern Himalayan region, with historical significance in Ayurvedic medicine. This comprehensive review examines the botany, taxonomy, chemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of Berberis aristata. The plant, known for its rich content of berberine, demonstrates a diverse range of pharmacotherapeutic properties, such as anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, analgesic, and antioxidative properties. These pharmacological properties validate its traditional uses and highlight it as a potential source of bioactive compounds to be developed into modern medicine. This review underscores the importance of further research to fully elucidate the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of Berberis aristata.

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