Berberis lycium Royle: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

Berberis lycium Royle (family: Berberidaceae), a native to Pakistan, India and whole region to Himalyas is widely used like food and in folk medicine. A wide range of medicinally and nutritionally important phytochemical constituents have been isolated from plant such as alkaloids, cardioactive glycosides, saponins, tannins, anthocyanins, vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fiber content, beta carotein, cellulose, phytic acid and phytate phosphorous. Plant possesses minerals such as Sodium, Calcium, Sulphur, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Potassium and Phosphorus, which contribute to broad variety of biological processes and are valuable in the treatment of various disorders. Traditionally, the plant has been used against diarrhea, intestinal colic, piles, jaundice, internal wounds, rheumatism, diabetes, ophthalmia, gingivitis, throat pain, backache, scabies, bone fractures, sun blindness, pustules, manorrhagia, fever and as diuretic, expectorant and diaphoretic. B. lycium is known to possess antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antifungal, anticoccidial, pesticidal, antimutagenic and wound healing properties, supporting its traditional uses. In this review, a comprehensive account of phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities is presented along with traditional uses in a view of many recent findings and its potential for future research. To what extent, the findings about pharmacological activities are of potential clinical relevance and are unclear due to lack of clinical data.