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Influence of Habitat Characteristics and Altitude on Berberine Content in Berberis jaeschkeana C.K. Schneid

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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography was used to estimate the berberine content of Berberis jaeschkeana. The root and bark samples were harvested from different habitats (i.e., rocky and grassy), along an altitudinal gradient. The results revealed the presence of significantly (p < 0.05) higher berberine content in the samples of rocky habitats. However, the content varied significantly (p < 0.05) within habitats, seasons and among the habitats along an altitudinal gradient. Altitude has shown a strong negative correlation (p < 0.01) with berberine content. The overall results indicated the preeminence of root samples over stem bark samples, with regard to the berberine content. The findings of this study will help medicinal plant growers, pharmaceuticals to identify suitable habitats for the effective harnessing of alkaloids like berberine.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank former Directors Dr. P.P. Dhyani, Dr. Uppeandra Dhar and Dr L.M.S. Palni, G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora for providing necessary facilities and encouragement during the course of this study. Partial financial support from Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, Kerala is gratefully acknowledged. The authors also acknowledge colleagues of Biodiversity Conservation and Management Thematic group.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environment and Natural Resource Management, Doon University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001, India

    Harish Chandra Andola

  2. G. B. Pant, National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development, Sikkim Unit, Pangthang, Gangtok, Sikkim, 737101, India

    Kailash S. Gaira & Aseesh Pandey

  3. G. B. Pant, National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhnad, 263643, India

    Indra D. Bhatt & Ranbeer S. Rawal

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  1. Harish Chandra Andola
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  2. Kailash S. Gaira
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  3. Aseesh Pandey
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  4. Indra D. Bhatt
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  5. Ranbeer S. Rawal
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Correspondence to Aseesh Pandey.

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Significance statement First time berberine content estimation of different plant parts of Berberis jaeschkeana is performed across different habitats, along an elevation gradient. Considering the high use-value of berberine and endemic status of target species, present study provides insights what are the possible habitats for the effective harnessing of berberine sustainably.

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Andola, H.C., Gaira, K.S., Pandey, A. et al. Influence of Habitat Characteristics and Altitude on Berberine Content in Berberis jaeschkeana C.K. Schneid. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., India, Sect. B Biol. Sci. 89, 967–972 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-018-1014-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-018-1014-9

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