ABSTRACT
In Berberis lycium anthers on alternate stamens dehisce, thus prolonging the male function so that pollination is affected and reproduction is ensured. The large pollen sac of each bithecous anther after the appearance of longitudinal dehiscence slit moves away from the filament while remaining attached at the tip of the connective and then orients in such a way that pollen-laden surface faces the stigma. No pollen is available to receptive stigma as pollen grains remain stuck to the anther sac. They do not get dispersed even by wind. Pollination and consequently reproduction is ensured through the intervention of insect, which does not affect pollen transfer to the stigma directly but by touching the base of the staminal filament while foraging nectar secreted by nectaries at the base of corolla, thus leading to staminal movement. This makes the dehisced anthers stick to the stigma and deposit pollen there.
ABSTRACT
Aims: Berberis lycium (Sumbal) is abundantly available in the northern areas of Pakistan and extensively used in local practice for the treatment of several human diseases. The objective of this study was to explore pharmacological basis for its use in gastrointestinal disorders. Materials and Methods: Crude aqueous (Bl.Aq) and methanolic (Bl.Meth) extracts of B. lycium were studied on isolated gut preparations of rabbit (jejunum) and guinea pig (ileum) by using in-vitro techniques. Tissues were mounted in tissue organ baths assembly containing physiological salt (Tyrode's) solution, maintained at 37ºC and aerated with carbogen, to assess the spasmogenic and spasmolytic effect and to find out the possible underlying mechanisms. Responses were measured on BioScience Powerlab data acquisition system by using isotonic transducers. Results: Phytochemical analysis indicates the presence of alkaloids, tannins and saponins in Bl.Aq and Bl.Meth. when tested on spontaneously contracting isolated rabbit jejunum, showed a dose-dependent spasmogenic effect at lower concentration (0.01-0.1 mg/mL) and (0.01-0.03 mg/mL), which was followed by spasmolytic effect at higher concentration (0.3-1.0 mg/mL) and (0.1-0.3 mg/mL) respectively. Pretreatment of the tissue with atropine (0.1 μM) partially suppressed the contractile effect. Bl.Aq and Bl.Meth caused complete inhibition of high K+ (80 mM)–induced contraction at 0.3 mg/mL and 0.1 mg/mL respectively and also produced a dose-dependent (0.01-0.03 mg/mL) rightward shift in the Ca++ concentration-response curve, similar to verapamil. When tested in bolus protocol on isolated guinea pig ileum, Bl.Aq and Bl.Meth caused a dosedependent spasmogenic effect at 0.01-0.1 mg/mL. Pretreatment of tissue with atropine (0.1 μM) partially suppress the contractile effect. Conclusions: Results indicate that spasmogenic effect was partially mediated through cholinergic activity and spasmolytic effect was mediated through calcium channel blocking activity (CCB), explain its traditional uses in diarrhea, intestinal cramps and other gastrointestinal intestinal disorders.
ABSTRACT
Berberis lycium belong to family Berberidaceae is an evergreen shrub growing in Himalayan region. The various parts of the plant like root, bark, stem, leaves and fruits are used by the people as a medicine or food. This plant has also gained wide acceptance for its medicinal value in ayurvedic drugs. The plant is known to prevent liver disorders, abdominal disorders, skin diseases, cough, ophthalmic etc. Moreover the pharmacological studies have shown that plant is hypoglycemic, hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, anticarcinogenic and antipyretic properties. The fruits of the plant are also very nutritious and are rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, anthocyanin etc. These fruits are consumed in raw form or are utilized in the preparation of juices, jams, preserve etc. by the local inhabitants. In the present article an attempt has been made to summarize the various properties of Berberis lycium plant.