Berberis crataegina DC. root exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and febrifuge effects in mice and rats

Abstract

Extracts obtained from the roots and barks of various Berberis species are used as folk remedy worldwide for the treatment of various inflammatory ailments including lumbago, rheumatism and to reduce fever. Effects of the extracts and fractions from the roots of Berberis crataegina DC. (Berberidaceae) were studied using various in vivo models of inflammation in mice and rats and observed potent inhibitory activity against carrageenan- and serotonin-induced hind paw oedema, acetic acid-induced increased vascular permeability, castor oil-induced diarrhoea, and Freund's complete adjuvant-induced (FCA) arthritis models. Through bioassay-guided fractionation berberine was isolated as the main active ingredient. Moreover, a dose-dependent analgesic activity was determined, which assessed by using the model based on the inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing reflexes, as well as antipyretic activity on FCA-induced increased body temperature. Acute and subchronic toxicity studies were also performed.

Introduction

The fruits, barks, root barks and roots of Berberis vulgaris L., as the official species, is reputed to treat kidney problems, as spasmolytic and cholagogue for gastrointestinal disorders, for respiratory discomforts, and as a stimulant and vasodilator for the circulatory diseases and as febrifuge (Baytop, 1999, Blumenthal et al., 1998).

There are four Berberis sp. in Turkey. B. crataegina DC. and its hybrids are widespread and the fruits are often used as food, as well as diuretic and expectorant. The roots and root barks of the plant is used in Turkish folk medicine for various ailments including jaundice, haemorrhoids, dysurea and as febrifuge (Sezik et al., 1992, Sezik et al., 1997, Yeşilada et al., 1995), as well as tonic and appetizer (Baytop, 1999).

During our field surveys in Uzbekistan for documenting Uzbek folk remedies, a black tough material called ‘Zirk’, which was packed in small vinyl bags attracted our attention in Semerkand Bazaar. The herb dealer described that it is the concentrated aqueous extract of zirk (B. oblonga) roots and prescribed for the effective treatment of lumbago. If small pieces removed from this mass with a knife are taken orally with water like taking a pill everyday for 2-month-period, claimed that completely recover the symptoms.

Although there were no record in Turkish folk medicine to support this claim, in Azarbaijan folk medicine, another Turkic society, concentrated aqueous extract of B. vulgaris L. barks is also reported to be used to treat rheumatism and fever (Damirov et al., 1988). This plant has also been used in Bulgaria for similar purposes (Ivanovska and Philipov, 1996). Several other Berberis sp. is also described in Far-East traditional medicines for similar purposes: the aqueous extract of B. chengi Chen. roots and barks are used to treat several inflammatory conditions and to possess fever-suppressing properties (Cyran, 1989). Powdered roots of B. lycium Royle are taken orally with milk to treat rheumatic and muscular pains in Pakistan (Ikram et al., 1966). Concentrated aqueous extract of B. asiatica Roxb. ex DC. root barks is also taken orally against fever and applied externally to treat inflammatory lid in Nepal (Bhattarai, 1992).

The aim of the present study is to study the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of B. crataegina roots, a widespread species in Turkey, in order to evaluate the folkloric information on Berberis species and isolation of active constituent(s) through bioassay-guided fractionation techniques and chemical characterisation.