~ 4740 ~ Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2019; 8(3): 4740-4745 E-ISSN: 2278-4136 P-ISSN: 2349-8234 JPP 2019; 8(3): 4740-4745 Received: 04-03-2019 Accepted: 06-04-2019 Punita Sharma Maharaja Agrasen University, Atal Shiksha Kunj, Kalujhanda, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India Abhishek Awasthi Maharaja Agrasen University, Atal Shiksha Kunj, Kalujhanda, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India Ishita Gupta Maharaja Agrasen University, Atal Shiksha Kunj, Kalujhanda, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India Correspondence Punita Sharma Maharaja Agrasen University, Atal Shiksha Kunj, Kalujhanda, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India Phytochemical investigation and evaluation of anti-oxidant potential of Berberis lycium roots from Himachal Pradesh Punita Sharma, Abhishek Awasthi and Ishita Gupta Abstract Berberis lycium, a thorny evergreen shrub, commonly known as kashmal, found in subtropical and temperate regions of the world and mentioned in Indian traditional system of medicine. The present study deals with the preliminary phytochemical evaluation of different extracts of roots of B. lycium, isolation and identification of bioactive constituents from root extracts, its fractions and evaluation of their anti- oxidant potential by using hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assay and reducing power assay. Extracts were fractionated and screened for their phytochemicals which resulted in isolation and identification of Stigmasterol (steroid), berberine, palmatine and jatrorrhizine (alkaloids), 4-methyl-7- hydroxycoumarin (coumarin) and 4,4-dimethylhexadeca-3-ol, responsible for the good anti-oxidant potential of the roots of B. lycium. Keywords: Berberis lycium, phytochemical screening, isolation, phytoconstituents, anti-oxidation activity Introduction Since the time immemorial, human beings depend completely upon nature for their livelihood. Ancient civilizations valued plants the most as they supply humans with food, shelter and medical treatment. Studies show that maximum population of the world depends upon plant based medicine systems for their healthcare [1] . Different ethnic groups have their own traditional medical knowledge and experiences, on the basis of which they have developed different system of medicines [2, 3] . India is known for its diversity, where a number of traditional systems of medicine were invented (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Siddha and Unani), flourished and practiced till date. India has varied climatic conditions and different composition of soil in different geographical regions that have caused a wide distribution of medicinal plant species which is why the people living over here have relied on plants for treatment of their medical implications. Berberis lycium Royle is a shrub that grows in the Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaun at altitudes ranging between 900-2700m, belongs to family Berberidaceae [4] . Ancient manuscripts based on traditional medicinal system of India, i.e. Charka Samhitta, B. lycium is referred as “lekhaniya” for reducing obesity and scarifying, “arsaghna” for curing piles and haemorrhoids, and “kandughna”, curative intense itching sensation that can have various causes whereas according to Sushruta Samhitta, it is used for the treatment of uterine disorders, dysentery, indigestion and quick healing of wounds [5] . Dried decoction of roots is known as ‘Rasount’ which is reported to cure many disease such as boils, conjunctivitis, piles, leprosy, oral ulcers, liver disorders, kidney, chest and throat troubles, chronic diarrhoea, ophthalmia and skin diseases [6] . Previous studies shows that B. lycium plant has a wide range of biological activities including anti-hyperglycemic [7-8] , anti- hyperlipidemic [9-10] , anti-cancer and anti-tumor [11-12] , wound and bone healing [13-14] , anti- microbial [15-16] , anti-coccidial [17] , anti-oxidant [18-19] , immunity enhancing [20-21] , hepatoprotective [21] , anti-urolithic and anthelmintic [22] . As mentioned in the earlier reported literature, B. lycium is found to be an important herb which shows numerous biological activities and used widely as folk medicine in Himachal Pradesh, India. In Himachal Pradesh, it is found in abundance in forest area and roadside. These has prompted us to carry out research to explore B. lycium found in Himachal Pradesh chemically and determine its anti- oxidant potential using in-vitro assays like hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay and reducing power assay.