Daru Haldi

For Today Barberry is used for treating gallbladder disease, heartburn and indigestion, and diarrhea. It is also used for treating dysentery and hepatitis. This herb can also be used to treat infections, eczema, parasites, psoriasis, and vaginitis. Barberry is known to decrease heart rate, slow breathing, and reduce bronchial congestion as well. Barberry has been used in treating colorectal cancer, liver cancer, strep throat, and toxic shock syndrome though there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in treating those conditions. This herb is also a remedy that corrects liver function and promotes the flow of bile. In eye drops, Barberry works well for eliminating bloodshot eyes. Medicinal properties The fruits of Berberis aristata DC. are given as a cooling laxative to children. The stem is said to be diaphoretic and laxative and useful in rheumatism. The dried extract of the roots is used as an application in ophthalmia. It is also an excellent medication in the case of sun-blindness The bark of its root is a valuable medicine in intermittent and remittent fevers. The root is one of the few really good medicines in India. In its efficacy, it is almost equal to quinine and Warburg's tincture. It does not produce any bad effects on the stomach, the bowels, the brain and the organs of hearing (Watt, 1889). A very valuable preparation called rasaut is prepared from this plant. For preparing rasaut, the bark of the root and of the lower part of the stem is boiled in water, strained and evaporated till a semi-solid mass (rasaut) is obtained. Rasaut is fairly soluble in water. It is mixed with butter and alum, or with opium and lime-juice and is applied externally to the eyelids to cure ophthalmia and other eye diseases (Jain, 1968). It is also reported to be a mild laxative, a tonic and is useful in curing ulcers and fevers (Kirtikar and Basu, 1938; Uphof, 1968). Dastur (1962) has reported that the chief constituent of Berberis aristata DC. is barberine, which is a bitter alkaloid. According to him, rasaut is used as a purgative for children and as a blood-purifier, a tonic and a febrifuge. It is also given in diarrhoea, jaundice and skin diseases. A watery solution of this preparation is also used for washing piles, Oriental sores and glandular swellings. The extract is derived form the roots of Berberis aristata belonging to family Berberidaceae. This Indian herb is been used as a Hepatoprotective and Anti-tumor. It is also been traditionally used as an emmenagogue, cholagogue, anti-arhythmic, anti-hypertensive, blood purifier, bitter tonic, stomachic and antiperiodic. The chief constituent of Berberis aristata is an alkaloid Berberine which is reported to be responsible for hepatoprotective activity of Berberis aristata. Scientific Evidence In clinical and preclinical studies, Berberis aristata has shown to have a liver protective property. In one of the scientific investigation, pretreatment of animals with berberine (4 mg/kg; orally twice daily for 2 days) not only prevented the acetaminophen or CCl4 (hepatotoxic drugs) induced rise in serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aminotransaminases (AST and ALT) but also provided significant protection against liver damage. The results of this study indicated the potential hepatoprotective property of berberine. The studies translating antitumor properties of Berberis aristata have been conducted. In one of these studies it has been proved that administration of berberine (0.5, 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg) could reduce significantly the incidence of tumor in animals after an injection of 20-methylcholanthrene a tumor inducer and increased their life span compared with the control. Pharmacological studies have shown its usefulness in many disorders including sedative, antitumor, wound healing. The dried stem, root bark and wood are alterative, antiperiodic, deobstruent, diaphoretic, laxative, ophthalmic and tonic (bitter)[46, 61, 158, 194, 240]. An infusion is used in the treatment of malaria, eye complaints, skin diseases, menorrhagia, diarrhoea and jaundice[240, 243]. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Berberis species, has marked antibacterial effects. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery[218]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[218]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[218]. Remedies For: Cholagogue, hepatic, anti-emetic, bitter, laxative Ayurvedic action: Diuretic, antibilious, refrigerant, stomachic, bitter tonic, antiperiodic, alterative, antipyretic Used for the treatment as an antibiotic, immune stimulant, for treating pinkeye, high blood pressure. One study showed that the herb may shrink some tumors. Another study shoed that it has anti-inflammatory properties, useful for treating arthritis. More work is needed in this case. Indications : Barberry is one of the best remedies for correcting liver function and promoting the flow of bile. It is indicated when there is an inflammation of the gall-bladder or in the presence of gall stones. When jaundice occurs due to a congested state of the liver, Barberry is also indicated. As a bitter tonic with mild laxative effects, it is used with weak or debilitated people to strengthen and cleanse the system The herb is believed to have the ability to reduce an enlarged spleen. It acts against malaria. Herbalists recommend barberry as a stimulating tonic hepatic: influences the mucosa generally, removing mucoid accumulations and controlling excess secretion. Improves appetite, digestion and assimilation. Indicated for gouty constitutions. Felter considered barberry much like Hydrastis and could be employed for many of the uses of that scarce and high-priced drug. Barberry tends to dilate the blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. A teaspoon of the root will purge the bowels, or use an infusion of the berries with wine for the same purpose. A decoction of either berries or root bark makes a good mouthwash or gargle for mouth and throat irritations. The fresh juice of the fruit is also said to strengthen the gums and relieve pyorrhea when brushed on or applied directly to the gums. Ayurvedic Applications For bile and urinary conditions, Pitta detoxification, and congestion of abdomen and pelvic cavities; rheumatism, scarlet fever, brain disorders, heat, thirst, nausea; small amounts- tonic; large doses-purgative; excellent herb for jaundice, during pregnancy, mild laxative, periodic neuralgia, fevers, skin diseases, vomiting in pregnancy; fruit-mild laxative/purgative for children, fevers, blood purifier, malaria, gastric and duodenal ulcers; sores, jaundice, enlarged liver and spleen, and regulates liver functioning, diabetes, and toxins/ama (with twice as much turmeric); destroys toxins, reduces body fat (with turmeric); renal calculi, abdominal and pelvic congestion; G.I. stimulant, reduces blood pressure.