Herb latin name: Berberis sikkimensis,Berberis sikkimensis Extract

Latin name: Berberis sikkimensis

Family: Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)

Medicinal use of Berberis sikkimensis: 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.

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Habitat of the herb: the herb: Found at elevations of 2,100 - 4,200 metres in the Himalayas.

Edible parts of Berberis sikkimensis: Fruit - raw or cooked. A fairly acid flavour, it is acceptable raw in small quantities, and children seem to like it. Generally, though, most people will prefer to cook it.

Other uses of the herb: A yellow dye is obtained from the root.

Propagation of Berberis sikkimensis: 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. Suckers, removed in late autumn/early winter and planted out in situ or potted up and planted out in late spring.

Cultivation of the herb: Found at elevations of 2,100 - 4,200 metres in the Himalayas.

Known hazards of Berberis sikkimensis: None known

Herb latin name: Berberis sikkimensis,Berberis sikkimensis Extract

Latin name: Berberis sikkimensis

Family: Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)

Medicinal use of Berberis sikkimensis: 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.

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Habitat of the herb: the herb: Found at elevations of 2,100 - 4,200 metres in the Himalayas.

Edible parts of Berberis sikkimensis: Fruit - raw or cooked. A fairly acid flavour, it is acceptable raw in small quantities, and children seem to like it. Generally, though, most people will prefer to cook it.

Other uses of the herb: A yellow dye is obtained from the root.

Propagation of Berberis sikkimensis: 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. Suckers, removed in late autumn/early winter and planted out in situ or potted up and planted out in late spring.

Cultivation of the herb: Found at elevations of 2,100 - 4,200 metres in the Himalayas.

Known hazards of Berberis sikkimensis: None known