242 POWDERED VEGETABLE DRUGS 



29. (Fig. 48.) BERBERIS. Barberry. 

 Fl. ex. 60. 



Sauerdorn, Bereberitzen, Saurach, G. Berberide, Epine-vinette, 

 Vinettier, FT. 



The root bark of Berberis canadensis (vulgaris) L, Berberidaceae. 



Brownish lemon yellow. 



Odorless. 



Bitter; colors saliva yellow. 



Sclerenchymatous bast cells and typical sclerenchyma; numerous 

 bark parenchyma cells with prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate. 

 Suberized cells of the outer bark. Starch granules simple and two to 

 three compound, 3 to 10/z in diameter. A bit of the powder mounted in 

 dilute nitric acid (1 per cent, aqueous solution) will show clusters of 

 acicular crystals of berberine. 



Ash 3 per cent. 



Related species of Berberis are substituted for the Canadian bar- 

 berry. Likely to be attacked by insect parasites and the container 

 should be kept closed with a little chloroform added from time to time. 



