Daruharidra, Indian Barberry, (Berberis aristata) – Uses, Benefits, Dose & Side Effect

Daruharidra,(Berberis aristata) commonly known as Indian barberry or dry turmeric (Berberis Aristata), has long been a part of the Ayurvedic medical system. Because of its many therapeutic benefits, the fruits and stem of this plant are used to make medications.

Daruharidra’s anti-inflammatory and anti-psoriatic properties make it useful for treating skin conditions like psoriasis and inflammation. Because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, it aids in the management of acne by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause acne and by lowering inflammation.

Description

Other names for daruharidra include Indian barberry and tree turmeric. It has been a component of Ayurvedic medicine for a long time. The fruit and stem of daruharidra are widely used for their medicinal qualities. The fruit is edible and a significant source of vitamin C.

Botanical Name:

Berberis aristata

Family:

Berberidaceae

Leaves:

The dorsal surface of the leaves has a deep green color, while the ventral surface is a lighter green color. Pinnate venation characterizes the simple leaves. The leaves have a leathery texture, are serrated, and have many to numerous tiny indentations all along their margins.

Flowers:

Daruharidra flowers from mid-March to the middle of April. When completely opened, the tiny, yellow flowers have a diameter of around 12.5 mm. They grow in what are known as racemes, which are clusters of 11–16 flowers each.

Fruits:

The Daruharidra plant’s berries are its most recognized feature. When mature, they have a tiny, oval shape and a vivid red color.

Stem:

The woody shrub Daruharidra is upright and grows to a height of 2-3 meters. The bark has a rich yellow inside and a yellowish-brown outside. It has three-pronged thorns all over it that are essentially modified leaves.

Habitat:

India’s Himalayan region is home to the daruharidra plant. It is also extensively dispersed in Sri Lanka’s wet zone. Additionally found in temperate and subtropical parts of Asia, Europe, and America is this type of evergreen deciduous shrub. It is also available in Nepal’s hilly regions and Bhutan. Himachal Pradesh also has daruharidra, particularly in the Kumaon and Chamba regions. In South India’s Nilgiris hills, this herb is abundantly found.

Parts Used:

  • Fruit
  • Fruit extract
  • Stem

Dosage:

  • Powder – 3-5gm
  • Decoction – 50-100ml
  • Extract – 3gm

Synonyms in the Sanskrit language

Hemakanti, Darvi, Daruharidra, Peetachandana, Peetadru, Kashta Rajani, Peetaka, Peetahva, Hemakanta, Hemavarnavati, Darunisha, Peeta.

Chemical Constituents

Numerous important phytochemicals are present in the plant, such as phenolic acids, isoquinoline, bisbenzyl-isoquinoline, and proto-berberine. Additional phytochemicals found in B’s flowers that have been identified.

Other Language Names of Daruharidra, (Berberis aristata)

Bengali name – Daruharidra

Kannada name – Bagisutra

English name – Indian beriberi

Hindi name – Daru haldi

Tamil name – Mara manjal

Malayalam name – Maramannal, Maramanjal

Punjabi name – Daru haldi

Marathi name – Daruhalad

Gujarati name – Daru haldar

Telugu name – Kasturipushpa

Farsi name – Darchoba

Oriya name – Daruharidra, Daruhaldi

Punjabi name -Sumalu

Urdu name – Darhald

Scientific Classification

Kingdom – Plantae

Order – Ranunculales

Family – Berberidaceae

Ayurvedic Properties

Hindi/Sanskrit

  • Rasa -Kashaya,Tikta
  • Guna -Laghu,Ruksha
  • Virya -Ushna
  • Vipaka -Katu

English

  • Taste -Astringent, Bitter
  • Physical Property-Light, Dry
  • Potency- Hot
  • Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent

Daruharidra, (Berberis aristata) Uses

Leaf Extract:

The leaves of B. aristata are typically used in decoction.

Root decoction:

In the Himalayan regions of India, Bhotiya people use root decoctions to treat eye conditions.

Fruit and leaf juice:

Fruit and leaf juice is used to cure dysentery and diarrhea.

Bark decoction:

Jaundice and fever are treated with bark decoctions.

Daruharidra, (Berberis aristata) Benefits

Diabetes:

Strong anti-diabetic qualities found in daruharidra (Berberis aristata) are excellent in regulating the body’s blood sugar levels. Patients with diabetes who have inadequate glycaemic control can benefit from the introduction of insulin therapy thanks to the biochemical components berberine and berberol.

Improves Skin Quality:

Daruharidra’s antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a well-known go-to treatment in Ayurveda for a range of skin disorders. Its blood purifying qualities and Kapha-Pitta characteristics, which help eliminate toxins from the blood, lower sebum production and help treat a range of skin conditions.

Remedies Gynaecological Problems:

Daruharidra is an effective treatment for a wide range of hormonal issues. It is essential for managing postpartum illnesses, controlling menstruation, and even treating severe stomach discomfort and bleeding. Furthermore, it helps treat amenorrhea, metrorrhagia , menorrhagia.

Liver Anomalies:

With its potent hepatoprotective and hepatostimulative properties, daruharidra is a useful treatment for jaundice as well as other liver abnormalities including cirrhosis and fatty liver, which are conditions where the liver is most severely affected.Daruharidra helps lower liver enzyme levels and blood triglyceride levels since it contains the active ingredient berberine.

Treats Diarrhoea:

Daruharidra’s potent anti-bacterial and anti-diarrheal qualities are often employed to eradicate bacteria from the intestines that cause diarrhoea and other intestinal disorders. It can be used to treat AMA ATISARA, or acute diarrhea that is characterized by slimy bowel, sticky diarrhea, mucus-filled diarrhea, and an offensive stench when taken as directed. This plant cures dysentery and efficiently lowers the frequency of feces in addition to removing toxins from the body.

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Daruharidra, (Berberis aristata) Side Effects

Digestive Issues:

Overindulgence may result in nausea, cramping in the abdomen, and diarrhea.

Blood Sugar:

Blood sugar levels may be lowered with daruharidra. If you have diabetes or are on blood sugar-lowering drugs, proceed with caution.

Medications:

Daruharidra may interact with blood thinners, blood sugar medicines, and immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine. Talk about it with your physician to prevent any issues.

Conclusion

Since ancient times, this amazing yellow powder that resembles turmeric has been recognized for its wide range of medicinal benefits. Daruharidra is widely used for improving skin, controlling diabetes, boosting immunity, treating ulcers and wounds, preventing oral problems, improving digestion, lessening hair problems, lowering risk of cancer, and many other amazing health benefits because of its essential bio-active ingredients.

FAQS

What is the purpose of Daruharidra Berberis Aristata?

External treatment for Daruharidra , ulcers, and serious eye infections is provided by it. The root bark is applied topically to heal wounds, boils, skin conditions, liver issues, ear issues, and as an antidiarrhea agent.

How is Daruharidra applied on the skin?

According to Ayurveda, the Ropan (healing) quality of Daruharidra powder allows for speedier healing of burns when applied as a paste with honey or rose water.

Is it possible to find Daruharidra powder in stores?

The market offers daruharidra powder in ayurvedic medicine stores as well as online.

What benefits does Berberis aristata offer?

Additionally helpful in treating gynecological illnesses, HIV-AIDS, osteoporosis, diabetes, wound healing; jaundice, skin conditions, and malarial fever are aristata extracts and their formulations.