Berberis aristata Chitra (Berberidaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Berberis aristata
Chitra
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Berberis aristata plant species is found in E. Asia - Himalayas in Nepal. It is a member of the Berberidaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Chitra. Some home gardeners know the variety as B. chitria. B. coriaria.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Berberis aristata
Common Name:  Chitra
Family:  Berberidaceae
Author:  DC.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  3.5   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Shrubberies to 3500 metres[51].

Medicinal Information: The dried stem, root bark and wood are alterative, antiperiodic, deobstruent, diaphoretic, laxative, ophthalmic and tonic (bitter)[46, 61, 158, 194, 240]. An infusion is used in the treatment of malaria, eye complaints, skin diseases, menorrhagia, diarrhoea and jaundice[240, 243]. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Berberis species, has marked antibacterial effects. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacillary dysentery[218]. It should not be used with Glyccyrriza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[218]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[218].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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