Standardization and phytochemical investigation of Berberis aristata

Berberis aristata DC (Berberidaceae) is used in Indian traditional medicine. It is locally known as Chitra and Dar-Hald in Hindi, and Dar-E-Hald in Urdu, is a spinous shrub native to mountainous parts of North India and Nepal. It contains Berberine as a major constituent which is an isoquinoline alkaloid. It also contains flavanoids and other poly phenols. It is used as antibacterial, antidiarrhoeal, ophthalmic, skin diseases, diabetes mellitus, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. From the present investigation an attempt has been made to standardize Berberis aristata by using macroscopy and microscopic characters, powder microscopy, fluorescence analysis, quantitative and physicochemical values. The studies will provide referential information for correct identification of crude drug.