Berberis tinctoria
Berberis tinctoria · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Berberis tinctoria, scientifically known as Berberis tinctoria, is a significant medicinal shrub prized for its potent bioactive properties. Renowned for its high concentration of alkaloids like berberine, this plant is traditionally utilized in various healing practices to treat digestive ailments, skin conditions, and inflammatory issues through its antimicrobial effects.
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Tropical
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Berberis tinctoriaSources: Wikidata
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ranunculales. Finally, its taxonomic hierarchy concludes within the family Berberidaceae and the genus Berberis.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Genus | Berberis |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across multiple continents. Within the Indian Subcontinent, its presence is well-documented in India. Additionally, it can be found growing in the tropical regions of Sri Lanka. Moving to the Western Hemisphere, the species extends its range to Southern South America. Specifically, it occupies habitats within the country of Uruguay.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | India |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka |
| Southern South America | Uruguay |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Botanical Identification
Morphology
The morphology of Berberis tinctoria is characterized by its growth habit as a woody climber, specifically functioning as a self-supporting liana or vine. In terms of its climbing mechanism, the plant exhibits a self-supporting nature, acting as a facultative climber rather than an obligatory one, which allows it to maintain structural integrity through its own woody development.
- Climber :
- self-supporting
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Chemicals
Berberis tinctoria has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cardiac Glycosides, Phenols, Saponins, Steroids, Tannin.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiac Glycosides | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Phenols | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Saponins | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Steroids | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tannin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Cardiac Glycosides
- Ancient science of life
Phenols
- Ancient science of life
Saponins
- Ancient science of life
Steroids
- Ancient science of life
Tannin
- Ancient science of life