Abstract

ANCIENT WISDOM ON DARUHARIDRA (BERBERIS SPP.): A REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES

Pallavi Purohit*, Ramakant Marde, S. M. Tripathi

Abstract

Daruharidra (commonly identified with Berberis species) holds an distinguish position in the Ayurvedic materia medica. References to this plant span from the Vedic era to later medieval texts, reflecting its continuous recognition and therapeutic importance in Indian medical traditions. This article reviews the documentation of Daruharidra in major Ayurvedic treatises, including the Vedas, Brihat Trayi (the three great treatises of Ayurveda), Laghu Trayi (Madhava Nidana, Sharngadhara Samhita, Bhavaprakasha) covers materia medica and therapeutics., and other classical compendia. Its repeated mention across diverse contexts, pharmacological properties, disease management, and formulation inclusion, illustrates its historical significance. By collating these references into a comprehensive master table, the study highlights the textual evidence for Daruharidra’s medicinal relevance, thereby providing a foundation for future pharmacological and clinical explorations.

Keywords: Daruharidra, Berberis, Ayurveda, Brihat Trayi, Classical texts.