Evaluation of identification and estimation protocols for berberine chloride in Berberis aristata stem and coded ayurvedic trial preparation using HPTLC and HPLC techniques

Ayurveda is an ancient science of India and helps the human body to keep fit while providing cures from indigenous plants, animal and mineral origin products for various ailments. In Ayurveda literature, Berberis aristata has been described as a major plant possess antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal and antitrachoma activity and used in for several remedies including diarrhea, chronic rheumatism, jaundice, skin diseases, syphilis and urinary disorders. Berberis aristata contains photoactive constituents such as berberine, oxyberberine, berbamine, aromoline, a protoberberine alkaloid karachine, palmatine, oxycanthine and taxilamine and tannins, sugar, starch. The present study has been designed to develop a quality control protocol for the coded Ayurvedic drug by analyzing the reference standard of bioactive compound present in the formulation and respective ingredient. The R_f value of berberine chloride reference standard 0.05 was visible in test solution of Berberis aristata stem as well as in coded Ayurvedic drug extract and found comparable under UV 254 nm and 366 nm, respectively. The quantitative evaluation revealed the presence of berberine chloride in the coded Ayurvedic drug and Berberis aristata DC stem extract was 0.1261% and 5.3936%, respectively.