Genus Berberis and Berberine HPLC: An Overview

Abstract

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is well known for richness and diversity of valuable but highly sensitive species of medicinal and aromatic plants. Among medicinal plants of the region, genus Berberis has gained an important place in different systems of medicine. This genus represents richness of species across IHR with wide ranging distribution from low lying sub-tropical to High alpine areas. The roots stem bark and fruits of various Berberis species in the region are well recognized for their alkaloid contents. Specifically the roots and stem bark of these species contain variety of isoqunoline alkaloids with berberine as a chief alkaloid. Berberine and its allied alkaloids are known to inhibit growth of microorganisms including fungi, protozoa and bacteria, and possess anti-tumor activity as well. In recent years, the global demand for these alkaloids and their derivatives has grown substantially. Its medicinal uses are reported Indian pharmaceutical codex and in different traditional medicines. Consequently pressure on wild populations has increased manifold, and a number of Berberis species have attained threatened status. All these features make the genus an important candidate for detailed investigation. Considering the above facts and realizing overall importance of the species. This articles briefly review, the pharmacologically, active isolated alkaloids and high performance liquid chromatography method of berberine alkaloid. This is an attempt to compile and documented information about above aspect need for further research and development.