Pak. J. Pharm. Sci., Vol.30, No.3(Suppl), May 2017, pp.1007-1012 1007 Phytochemical screening and assessment of analgesic, Anti-inflammatory and hematological properties of the fruit of Berberis baluchistanica Faheem Ahmed Siddiqui 1 , Mansoor Ahmad 2 , Mehjabeen 3 , Noor Jahan 4 and Muhammad Imran Sajid 1 1 Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan 2 Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan 3 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan 4 Department of Pharmacology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan Abstract: Traditionally Berberis species have been used as anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic and anti-anemic drugs. This study was aimed to determine chemical constituents and to assess analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hematological effects of the crude extract of the berries of Berberis baluchistanica to verify these folkloric claims. Phytochemical screening, carried out by using different chemical reagents and techniques like Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) indicated presence of flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols and carbohydrates including reducing sugars. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed on mice by using acetic acid induced writhing method and formalin method. Potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were observed during these experiments. The extract also showed anti anemic effect as it increased the levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells significantly. Increase in the platelet count was also noted. The extract of the berries was used at oral doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg during experiments. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were determined by comparing with the standard i.e. aspirin 300 mg/kg. Both doses produced significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities at P 0.05. These activities were seemingly attributable to flavonoid and saponin contents of the drug. These results justify the folkloric claims that the drug could be used as good anti-inflammatory, antirehumatic, analgesic and anti-anemic drug. However, further chemical investigations on the drug are suggested for isolation and identification of compounds that could be safer and more effective than the currently available medicines in treating these disorders. Keywords: Berberis baluchistanica, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hematological, fourier transform infra-red, TLC, flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols. INTRODUCTION Inflammation is a part of body’s defense mechanism that provides protection against infections, foreign noxious substances or any injury to tissues. Different inflammatory mediators like histamine, prostaglandins, kinins, cytokines, Nitric oxide and complements are released that cause typical inflammatory symptoms e.g. redness, swelling, heat and pain (Choi et al., 2012, Sherwood and Toliver-Kinsky, 2004). But over production and persistence of these mediators even after cessation of cause may lead to inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases, asthma, cancer etc. (Choi et al., 2012). Pain results from activation of affront nerves (Lawrence et al., 2002). The drugs frequently used to manage inflammation and associated pain, include non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids and opioids. However, these drugs cause serious side effects, which can often limit their use for example NSAIDs can cause peptic ulcers. This necessitates the need for safer and effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs (Lima et al., 2012). Herbal medicines are thought to be better compatible with human body with fewer side effects (Parekh et al., 2006). Berberine containing plants have been used as anti-inflammatory drugs. Brberis species are used to treat inflammatory disorders like rheumatism, bronchial infections, hepatic diseases and urinary complaints (Heron and Yarnell, 1998, Yeşilada and Küpeli, 2002). Berberis baluchistanica Ahrendt belonging to family Berberidaceae grows wild in Baluchistan province of Pakistan. Traditionally it is used as a good anti-inflammatory and hepato protective agent. Roots and sap of this plant is locally used with milk to treat pains and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatism (S.I. Ali, 1975, Tareen et al., 2010). As no research work has been reported to date on anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti- anemic activities of this plant, the present study was carried out on the berries of this plant to verify these claims through approved methods. *Corresponding author: e-mail: mehjbn1@gmail.com