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

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.