Berberis bealei
Berberis bealei, commonly known as Daruharidra in Ayurveda, is a significant medicinal shrub prized for its therapeutic bark. Rich in alkaloids like berberine, it possesses potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is traditionally used to treat skin disorders, digestive issues, and various inflammatory conditions in holistic medicine.
- Scientific name: Berberis bealei
- Family: Berberidaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Ranunculales, it is classified under the family Berberidaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Berberis, specifically as the species Berberis bealei.
| 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 bealei, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Chinese, it is known as 阔叶十大功劳 (zh), 阔叶十大功劳 (zh-hans), and 阔叶十大功劳 (zh-cn), while in Slovenian, it is called usnjatolistna mahonija (sl).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 阔叶十大功劳 | Wikidata |
| sl | usnjatolistna mahonija | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 阔叶十大功劳 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 阔叶十大功劳 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several regions of Asia. In China, its presence is noted throughout the South-Central, North-Central, and Southeast territories. Moving further east, it can also be found within the country of Japan. Additionally, the species extends into the Indo-China region, specifically inhabiting Vietnam. Together, these locations highlight the diverse habitats where the species thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Alabama | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Arkansas | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Georgia | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Maryland | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | North Carolina | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Berberis bealei, possesses several parts that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The stem is often characterized by its woody structure and thorny nature, while the root system provides essential stability and contains concentrated alkaloids. Specifically, the Roots are highly valued in traditional medicine for their potent medicinal qualities. The leaves, which grow in distinct patterns along the branches, serve as the primary photosynthetic organs, and each individual leaf typically exhibits a serrated margin and a leathery texture characteristic of the species.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Berberis bealei has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Berberis bealei has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's Disease.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |