Family : Berberidaceae

English : Indian Barberry

Hindi : Rasaut

Gujarati : Daruhaldar

Sanskrit : Daruharidra

Part used : Stem (Wood)

Botanical Description:  An erect stout shrub, angular, spines small, leaves simple, elliptic to ovate-oblong, leathery, hairy. Flowers are in racemes and yellow in colour. Berries are red in colour, purple or black. Flowering and fruiting from August to Febuary.

It occurs in the ranges of Himalayas.

Modern Pharmacological Action: The stem is said to be diaphoretic and laxative and useful in rheumatism. The dried extract of the roots is used as an application in ophthalmia. It is also an excellent medication in the case of sun-blindness. The bark of its root is a valuable medicine in intermittent and remittent fevers. It does not produce any bad effects on the stomach, the bowels, the brain and the organs of hearing. It is antimicrobial, anti depressant, hepatoprotective, inotropic activity etc.