Berberis aristata: a comprehensive review of its phytochemical profile and polypharmacological potential

Abstract

Berberis aristata, a spiny shrub from the northern Himalayan region, has been widely used in traditional Indian system of medicine for a long time in the management of a wide array of diseases such as hepatitis, jaundice and skin diseases. This review is going to give a broad example of phytochemical profile of B. aristata focusing on its vast concentration of bioactive substances such as alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolic acids. The polypharmacological activity of B. aristata is also investigated with emphasis on anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. The review summarizes previous studies on the medicinal properties, pharmacological activities, and therapeutic effects of B. aristata and identifies B. aristata as a potential source of new drugs and therapeutics.