Berberis aquifolium
Berberis aquifolium, commonly known as Indian Barberry, is a perennial shrub highly valued in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Renowned for its bright yellow bark and medicinal berries, it contains potent alkaloids like berberine. It is widely utilized for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties to treat various skin and metabolic ailments.
- Scientific name: Berberis aquifolium
- Family: Berberidaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and falls under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the family Berberidaceae, situated within the genus Berberis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ranunculales | WCVP |
| Family | Berberidaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Berberis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Berberis aquifolium, is recognized by various names depending on the region and language. In Japan, it is referred to by the common name ヒイラギメギ, while in Russia, it is known as Барбарис падуболистный.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ja | ヒイラギメギ | Wikidata |
| ru | Барбарис падуболистный | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the regions of Northern Europe. Its presence can be documented across several Scandinavian nations, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Furthermore, it is found in the northern territories of Finland. The species also extends its range westward to include Great Britain. Together, these locations define the primary northern habitats where the plant thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Berberis aquifolium, is valued in traditional medicine for the various therapeutic properties found within its anatomical structures. The woody stems provide the structural framework for the shrub, while the thick stem bark serves as a primary source of alkaloids like berberine. Whether used in its whole form or processed as concentrated stem-bark preparations, these components are vital for medicinal efficacy. Additionally, the roots are frequently harvested for their potent bioactive compounds, and the various extracts derived from these different parts are often utilized in pharmacological applications to treat diverse ailments.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem-bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| extracts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Berberis aquifolium has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Berberine.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Berberine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Berberis aquifolium has 8 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antihypertensive, Antiparasitic, Antiproliferative.
- Total activities
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiparasitic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipsoriatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fungicide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypolipidemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Berberis aquifolium has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Wounds and injuries, abscesses, cancer.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Wounds and injuries | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| abscesses | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |