Barberry (Berberis L.) as a functional food and therapeutic agent in traditional persian medicine and modern phytotherapy: a narrative review

Background: Barberry (Berberis L.) is a well-known fruit traditionally used in various ethnomedical systems, including Ayurveda and Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM), for its nutritionaland therapeutic properties. Objective: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the traditional medicinal uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological effects of barberry. Method: A systematic review was conducted by examining traditional Persian medicine texts and electronic literature on traditional medicine. Additionally, electronic databases were searched for scholarly articles focusing on the pharmacological activities and phytochemical components of barberry. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of essential oils, micronutrients, macronutrients, phytosterols, and various phenolic compounds. Pharmacological studies demonstrate that barberry possesses diverse biological activities, including anti-cancer, antioxidant, cardiometabolic protective, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, nootropic, and neuroprotective effects. Conclusion: Although barberry shows promising therapeutic potential, further clinical trials and meta-analyses are required to confirm its efficacy in medical applications.