Berberis napaulensis

Berberis napaulensis, commonly known as the Napau Barberry, is a distinctive medicinal shrub native to high-altitude regions. Renowned for its antioxidant properties, it contains potent alkaloids like berberine. This plant is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to support digestive health, combat inflammation, and regulate metabolic functions effectively.

  • Scientific name: Berberis napaulensis
  • Family: Berberidaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, placing it within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Ranunculales and the family Berberidaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in 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 napaulensis, is referred to by the common name Mahonia napaulensis in German (de).
Language Common Name Source
de Mahonia napaulensis Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several key regions in Asia. Within China, its range extends from the South-Central areas to the Southeast. It can also be found growing in the high-altitude terrains of Tibet. Moving into the Indian Subcontinent, the species is documented in the state of Assam. Finally, its distribution includes the rugged landscapes of the East Himalaya.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
China Tibet WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Indian Subcontinent East Himalaya WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Nepal WCVP
Indian Subcontinent West Himalaya WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Berberis napaulensis, is a medicinal species where the roots serve as a primary component for therapeutic applications. These roots are often harvested for their concentrated chemical properties, containing specific alkaloids that are utilized in traditional medicine. By utilizing the root system, practitioners can extract the active compounds necessary for treating various ailments, making this part of the plant essential to its medicinal profile.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Berberis napaulensis has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.

Total activities
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆