Herb latin name: Berberis ulcina


Family: Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)



Medicinal use of Berberis ulcina:

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 bacterial dysentery. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Shrub


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
May to
June

Habitat of the herb:

Open windy slopes at elevations of 2500 - 3500 metres in Nepal.

Edible parts of Berberis ulcina:

Fruit - raw.

Other uses of the herb:

A yellow dye is obtained from the root.

Propagation of Berberis ulcina:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, when it should germinate in late winter or early spring. Seed from over-ripe fruit will take longer to germinate, whilst stored seed may require cold stratification and should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible. The seedlings are subject to damping off, so should be kept well ventilated. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame. If growth is sufficient, it can be possible to plant them out into their permanent positions in the autumn, but generally it is best to leave them in the cold frame for the winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, preferably with a heel, October/November in a frame.

Cultivation of the herb:

Open windy slopes at elevations of 2500 - 3500 metres in Nepal.

Known hazards of Berberis ulcina:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.