Berberis aristata(Berberidaceae) Daruhaldi

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Berberis aristata

Family: Berberidaceae

Genus: Berberis

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Berberis lycium (Indian Berberry, Kashmal) - Native to the Himalayas and used interchangeably in Ayurveda with B. aristata for its potent bitter and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Berberis vulgaris (European Barberry) - While not native to the Indian subcontinent, it is a well-known member of the family and shares similar alkaloid profiles and medicinal uses, primarily as a bitter tonic and for liver ailments.

• Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape) - Native to North America but used in Western herbalism for similar purposes, notably for psoriasis and liver dysfunction, due to its berberine content.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Berberis aristata | English: Indian Barberry, Tree Turmeric | Sanskrit: Daruharidra, Darvi | Hindi: Daruhaldi, Rasaut | Tamil: Mārḻam, Sīmal | Telugu: Manupasupu | Kannada: Maradarishina, Daruhaladi | Malayalam: Mārḻam | Marathi: Daruhalad | Bengali: Daruharidra | Nepali: Chutro | Urdu: Darhald | French: Épine-vinette d'Inde | Spanish: Agracejo de la India | Italian: Crespino Indiano | German: Indischer Sauerdorn | Chinese: Xiǎo bò | Russian: Барбарис индийский | Japanese: Indoberiberi | Afrikaans: Indiese berberis |

3. Medicinal Uses:Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), Antidiabetic, Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Antidiarrheal, Ophthalmic (eye disorders), Anti-dyslipidemic (lowers cholesterol), Immunomodulatory.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Berberine: The most prominent and studied alkaloid. It is responsible for the plant's bright yellow color and its potent Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antidiarrheal, and Antidiabetic actions. Berberine helps lower blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and reduces cholesterol levels.

Other Isoquinoline Alkaloids: Barbamine, Oxyacanthine, Palmatine. These compounds work synergistically with berberine, contributing to the plant's Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory effects.

Tannins: These polyphenolic compounds provide Astringent properties, which help in contracting tissues and reducing secretions, making it useful in treating diarrhea and wound healing.

Flavonoids: Quercetin and others add to the overall Antioxidant capacity, protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting the anti-inflammatory actions.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Raktapitta & Eye Disorders (Ophthalmic Use)

Formulation: Rasaut (a concentrated extract) and eye washes.

Preparation & Use: Rasaut is prepared by boiling the bark in water for a long time until a thick, semi-solid extract is obtained. For conjunctivitis and other eye inflammations, a filtered, diluted decoction of the wood is used as an eyewash. Rasaut is also applied externally on eyelids.

Reasoning: The Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial properties of berberine and other alkaloids directly address the infection and inflammation in ocular tissues.

Jwara (Fevers) and Atisara (Diarrhea, Dysentery)

Formulation: Decoction of the stem bark.

Preparation & Use: A decoction is made from the dried stem bark and consumed 2-3 times a day.

Reasoning: Berberine has a strong Antipyretic effect and its Antibacterial action targets pathogens in the gut causing diarrhea. The Astringent tannins help reduce fluid loss.

Kushta (Skin Disorders) and Vrana (Wounds)

Formulation: Paste of the root or stem bark.

Preparation & Use: The root or stem bark is ground with water or honey into a paste and applied topically on wounds, ulcers, boils, and skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis.

Reasoning: The Antimicrobial action prevents infection, while the Anti-inflammatory and Astringent properties promote healing and reduce swelling and discharge.

Yakrit Vikara (Liver Disorders)

Formulation: Decoction or powder.

Preparation & Use: The dried stem powder is consumed with water or honey, or a decoction is taken.

Reasoning: Berberine exhibits Hepatoprotective properties, helping to protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins and improving liver function.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

Berberis aristata is intensely bitter and not used in everyday cooking. Its primary use is medicinal.

Daruhaldi Decoction for Skin and Eye Health

Purpose: A potent internal cleanser for skin conditions and a base for eyewash.

Preparation & Use:

1. Boil 1 teaspoon of dried Berberis aristata stem bark in 2 cups of water.

2. Simmer until the water reduces to half.

3. Strain and allow to cool completely.

4. For internal use, take 1-2 tablespoons of this decoction twice a day.

5. For an eyewash, filter it through a fine muslin cloth and use 1-2 drops in each eye, only under professional guidance.

Rasaut Paste for Topical Application

Purpose: To treat localized skin infections and inflammation.

Preparation & Use:

1. Take a small amount of Rasaut (prepared extract) and mix with a few drops of water or rose water to make a paste.

2. Apply a thin layer directly to the affected area like boils or inflamed skin.

3. Leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing.

7. Disclaimer:Berberis aristata and its primary alkaloid, berberine, are potent substances. They should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women as berberine can cross the placenta and may cause complications. It may also cause jaundice in newborns. It can lower blood sugar and blood pressure, so individuals with diabetes or hypotension should use it with caution and under medical supervision. It may interact with several medications, including blood thinners and cyclosporine. Long-term use can affect gut flora. Consultation with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider is essential before use.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Dravyaguna Vijnana by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Coscinium fenestratum (Tree Turmeric, Jhar-i-haldi): Family: Menispermaceae. Although from a different family, this woody climber is another rich source of berberine and is used in South Indian traditional medicine for diabetes, skin diseases, and as a bitter tonic, much like Berberis aristata.

2. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi/Giloy): Family: Menispermaceae. While it does not contain berberine, it is a premier herb for fevers, immunomodulation, and liver disorders, sharing the hepatoprotective and antipyretic uses, making it an excellent complementary herb.