PubMed-compiled information sheet
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Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Berberine is a quaternary ammonium salt from the protoberberine group of isoquinoline alkaloids found in plants such as Berberis aquifolium [PMID:27671811]. It is recognized for its wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial effects [PMID:32735398, PMID:10767672].
Background
Berberis aquifolium, also known as Oregon grape, is a plant source of the alkaloid berberine [PMID:27671811, PMID:10767672]. The alkaloid is located in the roots, rhizomes, and stem bark of the plant [PMID:10767672].
Traditional uses
Plants of the genus Mahonia have a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating tuberculosis, periodontitis, dysentery, pharyngolaryngitis, eczema, and wounds [PMID:26387740]. In TCM theory, these species are used to relieve internal heat, eliminate dampness, remove toxins, suppress pain, promote blood circulation, inhibit cough, and alleviate inflammation [PMID:26387740]. Berberine also has a history of use in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine [PMID:10767672].
Active compounds
The primary active compound is berberine, a protoberberine isoquinoline alkaloid [PMID:27671811]. Other identified compounds in Mahonia aquifolium include berbamine, oxyacanthine [PMID:7997469], jatrorrhizine [PMID:11943071], norisocorydine, liriodenine, liriodendrine, sinomenine, and glaucine [PMID:40674142].
Mechanism of action
Berberine exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities [PMID:27671811]. It may operate through the Nrf2 signaling pathway to preserve redox balance [PMID:31609017]. In cancer cells, it acts by inducing apoptosis and autophagy, arresting the cell cycle, and inhibiting metastasis and invasion [PMID:32735398]. Additionally, Oregon grape root extracts have been shown to inhibit P-glycoprotein mediated efflux of certain drugs in vitro [PMID:38304488].
Clinical evidence
Evidence BPsoriasis
Topical Mahonia aquifolium cream showed statistically significant improvement in PASI score and Dermatology Life Quality Index after 4 weeks of treatment [PMID:16148424].
Evidence BLipid levels and Insulin resistance
Lipid-lowering and insulin-resistance improving actions have been demonstrated in numerous randomized clinical trials [PMID:27671811].
Evidence CInfections
Predominant clinical uses include bacterial diarrhea, intestinal parasite infections, and ocular trachoma infections [PMID:10767672].
Drug interactions
Oregon grape root extracts (0.1-1 mg/mL) inhibited the efflux of cyclosporine A (CsA) and digoxin in Caco-2 cells in vitro [PMID:38304488].
Evidence summary
Evidence ranges from in vitro and animal studies (D) to clinical trials (B) and systematic reviews (A). Strongest clinical evidence supports its use for lipid management, insulin resistance, and topical treatment of psoriasis.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 27671811 (2016) — Berberine and Its Role in Chronic Disease. · Advances in experimental medicine and biology
- 2.PMID: 10767672 (2000) — Berberine. · Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic
- 3.PMID: 16148424 (2005) — A report on three recent clinical trials using Mahonia aquifolium 10% topical cream and a review of the worldwide clinical experience with Mahonia aquifolium for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. · American journal of therapeutics
- 4.PMID: 32735398 (2020) — Berberine: A novel therapeutic strategy for cancer. · IUBMB life
- 5.PMID: 38304488 (2023) — Effect of Oregon grape root extracts on P-glycoprotein mediated transport in in vitro cell lines.