Daruharidra
Daruharidra
Daruharidra is also called as Indian barberry or Tree Turmeric. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine system since a long time. The fruit and stem of Daruharidra are widely used for its medicinal benefits. The fruit is edible and is a rich source of vitamin C.
Daruharidra possesses antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, liver protecting, blood sugar lowering and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help to manage diseases like malaria, hepatitis, cholera and diarrhea[1-6].
Daruharidra possesses antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, liver protecting, blood sugar lowering and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help to manage diseases like malaria, hepatitis, cholera and diarrhea[1-6].
What are the synonyms of Daruharidra?
Berberis aristata, Indian beriberi, Daru haldi, Mara manjal, Kasturipushpa, Darchoba, Maramannal, Sumalu, Darhald
What is the source of Daruharidra?
Plant Based
Benefits of Daruharidra
Modern Science View
Daruharidra might be beneficial in managing conditions that lead to heart failure[6].
Modern Science View
Daruharidra might be beneficial in the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Berberine in Daruharidra helps to lower the level of triglycerides in the body. It also reduces the level of liver enzymes like ALT and AST in the blood. It helps to reduce insulin resistance and fatty liver condition associated with NAFLD. Daruharidra also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities. Together, it prevents damage of the liver cells[6][9].
Modern Science View
Daruharidra might be beneficial in the management of malaria. The bark of Daruharidra has good antiplasmodial (acts against the parasites called Plasmodium) and antimalarial activity. It disrupts the growth cycle of the malarial parasite[6][8].
Modern Science View
Daruharidra might be beneficial in the management of diarrhea. It has good antimicrobial activity. It inhibits the pathogens that cause diarrhea[6][8].
Ayurvedic View
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues of the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Daruharidra helps to control diarrhea because it improves digestive fire due to its Ushna (hot) potency and controls the frequency of motion.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Daruharidra powder.
2. Mix with honey and take after meals twice a day to control the symptoms of diarrhea.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Daruharidra powder.
2. Mix with honey and take after meals twice a day to control the symptoms of diarrhea.
Modern Science View
Daruharidra might be beneficial in the management of jaundice. It has antioxidant and hepatoprotective (liver protective) activities[6][8].
Ayurvedic View
Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar or excessive secretion of menstrual blood. Daruharidra helps to control heavy menstrual bleeding. This is due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Daruharidra powder.
2. Mix with honey or milk.
3. Take after meals twice a day to control heavy menstrual bleeding.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Daruharidra powder.
2. Mix with honey or milk.
3. Take after meals twice a day to control heavy menstrual bleeding.
How effective is Daruharidra?
Insufficient evidence
Diarrhoea, Eye infection, Heart failure, Heavy menstrual bleeding, Jaundice, Liver disease, Malaria
Precautions when using Daruharidra
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Daruharidra if you have hyperacidity and gastritis due to its Ushna (hot) potency.
Patients with diabetes
Ayurvedic View
Daruharidra may lower the blood sugar level. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level while using Daruharidra with antidiabetic drugs.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Daruharidra during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Daruharidra
- Daruharidra Churna - ¼ - ½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Daruharidra Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Daruharidra Tablet - 1-2 tablets twice a day.
How to use Daruharidra
1. Daruharidra Churna
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Daruharidra Churna.
b. Add honey or milk and take it after meals.
2. Daruharidra Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Daruharidra.
b. Swallow it milk or water after taking lunch and dinner.
3. Daruharidra Tablet
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Daruharidra.
b. Swallow it with honey or water after taking lunch and dinner
4. Daruharidra Kwath
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Daruharidra powder.
b. Add to 2 cups of water and boil till the amount reduces to ½ a cup. This is Daruharidra Kwath.
c. Filter and take 2-4 teaspoons of this Daruharidra Kwath.
d. Add the same quantity of water to it.
e. Drink it preferably before meals once a day.
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Daruharidra Churna.
b. Add honey or milk and take it after meals.
2. Daruharidra Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Daruharidra.
b. Swallow it milk or water after taking lunch and dinner.
3. Daruharidra Tablet
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Daruharidra.
b. Swallow it with honey or water after taking lunch and dinner
4. Daruharidra Kwath
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Daruharidra powder.
b. Add to 2 cups of water and boil till the amount reduces to ½ a cup. This is Daruharidra Kwath.
c. Filter and take 2-4 teaspoons of this Daruharidra Kwath.
d. Add the same quantity of water to it.
e. Drink it preferably before meals once a day.
Benefits of Daruharidra
Modern Science View
Daruharidra might be beneficial in the management of burns. It has good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also acts as an antimicrobial agent that prevents infection of the burn and promotes wound healing[6][8].
Ayurvedic View
Daruharidra helps to manage burns when applied directly to the skin because of its Ropan (healing) property. It also helps to reduce inflammation due to its Pitta balancing nature.
Tips:
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Daruharidra powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with honey to make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area for quick healing of burn.
Tips:
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Daruharidra powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with honey to make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area for quick healing of burn.
How effective is Daruharidra?
Insufficient evidence
Burns
Precautions when using Daruharidra
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Use Daruharidra powder for hypersensitive skin with milk or rose water because it is Ushna (hot) in potency.
Recommended Dosage of Daruharidra
- Daruharidra Powder - ¼-1 teaspoon once a day.
How to use Daruharidra
1. Daruharidra Powder
a. Take 1/4 -1 teaspoon of Daruharidra powder.
b. Add rose water to it and make a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area for 2-4 hours.
d. Use this remedy once a day for quick healing of burns.
a. Take 1/4 -1 teaspoon of Daruharidra powder.
b. Add rose water to it and make a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area for 2-4 hours.
d. Use this remedy once a day for quick healing of burns.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Daruharidra has been used in Ayurvedic medicine system for a long time. Fruit of this plant is edible and is a rich source of vitamin C. The root and bark of this herb are rich in berberine and isoquinoline alkaloids. These constituents are responsible for the pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, antidiabetic, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory.
Modern Science View
Daruharidra is available in the market in the following forms:
1. Churna
2. Capsule
3. Tablet
1. Churna
2. Capsule
3. Tablet
Modern Science View
Daruharidra helps to lower cholesterol level in the body. Berberine in Daruharidra reduces the intestinal absorption and uptake of cholesterol. It also helps to lower the level of LDL or bad cholesterol. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood cholesterol level while using Daruharidra with lipid-lowering drugs.
Modern Science View
Yes, Daruharidra has a role in diabetes. Berberine in Daruharidra has blood sugar lowering effect. It reduces the increase in glucose levels in the blood. It improves insulin sensitivity and promotes the uptake of glucose by the cells and tissues. It also inhibits the formation of glucose by the process of gluconeogenesis. Daruharidra also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Together, it reduces the risk of diabetic complications[7].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Daruharidra helps to manage high blood sugar level by improving metabolism. It reduces the level of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the body. This is due to its Ushna (hot) nature.
Modern Science View
Yes, Daruharidra has a role in obesity. Berberine in Daruharidra inhibits the formation of fat cells in the body. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Together, it reduces the risk of complications associated with obesity like diabetes[7].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Daruharidra helps to manage weight by improving metabolism. It reduces the level of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the body. This is due to its Ushna (hot) nature. It also removes excess fat from the body due to its Lekhaniya (scraping ) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Daruharidra helps to lower cholesterol level in the body. Berberine in Daruharidra reduces the intestinal absorption and uptake of cholesterol. It also helps to lower the level of LDL or bad cholesterol[7].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Daruharidra helps to manage normal cholesterol level by improving metabolism. It reduces the level of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the body. This is due to its Ushna (hot) nature. It also removes excess cholesterol from the body due to its Lekhaniya (scraping ) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Daruharidra has a role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Berberine in Daruharidra has anti-inflammatory effect. It inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators. Thus, it reduces the damage of intestinal epithelial cells[7].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Daruharidra helps to manage the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is caused by an imbalance of Panchak Agni (digestive fire). Daruharidra helps to improve Pachak Agni and correct the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Modern Science View
Yes, Daruharidra has a role in acne. It has good antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits the growth of acne-causing and pus-forming bacteria. It also inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators. This reduces inflammation (swelling) associated with acne[8].
Ayurvedic View
A Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type can be prone to acne and pimples. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha increases sebum production which clogs the pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. An aggravation of Pitta also causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Daruharidra helps in balancing Kapha and Pitta which helps to remove clogs and inflammation as well. Together, it helps to control acne.
References
- Srivastava S, Rawat AKS.Quality evaluation of ayurvedic crude drug daruharidra, its allied species, and commercial samples from herbal drug markets of india.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2013;2013:472973.
- Tamilselvi S, Balasubramani SP, Venkatasubramanian P,et.al.A review on the pharmacognosy and pharmacology of the herbals traded as ‘Daruharidra’.Int J Pharm Bio Sci.2014;5(1):556-570.
- Srivastava SK, Srivastava M, Mehrotra S, et.al.Pharmacognostic evaluation of the roots of Berberis chitria Lindl.Natural Product Sciences.2006;12(1):19–23.
- Dutta NK, Panse MV.Usefulness of berberine (an alkaloid from Berberis aristata) in the treatment of cholera.Indian Journal of Medical Research.1962;(50):732–735.
- Lahiri SC, Dutta NK.Berberine and chloramphenicol in the treatment of cholera and severe diarrhoea.Journal of the Indian Medical Association.1967;48(1):1–11.
- WebMD.Tree-turmeric: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.