The fresh roots of Kilmora are used for curing diabetes and jaundice. The total alkaloid content in the roots is 4% and in the stems, 1.95%, of which berberine forms 2.09 and 1.29%, respectively. The stems are recommended in cure of rheumatism. The roots are reported to possess anti cancer activity. The berries are mildly laxative and are given to children.
Consumption of fruits and vegetables is known to lower risk of several oxidative stresses, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer and stroke and such health benefits are mainly ascribed to phytochemicals such as polyphenols, carotenoids and vitamin C. Of these phytochemicals, polyphenols are largely recognized as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.
Considering above facts, besides the traditional commercial fruits, the wild fruit like Kilmora had high phenolics and used to protect oxidation of lipoproteins and produced significant increase in plasma antioxidant capacity after consumption. Evidences of the health benefits of wild edible fruits, in addition to established role in nutrition are available.
Kilmora (Berberis asiatica) extracts showed potent antioxidant activity which is applied in both healthy medicine and food industry. This fruit is a good potential food supplement or cheaper alternative of commercial fruits across the hilly regions of Uttarakhand and other parts of India. Further studies on chemical characterization of antioxidative components, which may have pharmacological or dietetic applications, may yield some more information regarding certain phytochemicals present in these crops in future.
Puran Bisht –
Mail me once this will be available. You can deliver it to Chennai ?
Puran Bisht –