Berberine Suppressed the Progression of Human Glioma Cells by Inhibiting the TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 Signaling Pathway

Coptidis Rhizoma and Berberine as Anti-cancer Drugs: a 10-year updates and future perspectives

Cancer continues to be among the most substantial health challenges globally. Among various natural compounds, berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid obtained from Coptidis Rhizoma, has garnered considerable attention for its broad-spectrum biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and anti-microbial activities. Furthermore, berberine exhibits a broad spectrum of anti-cancer efficacy against various malignancies, such as ovarian, breast, lung, gastric, hepatic, colorectal, cervical, and prostate cancers. Its anti-cancer mechanisms are multifaceted, encompassing the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, the prevention of metastasis, the induction of apoptosis, the facilitation of autophagy, the modulation of the tumor microenvironment and gut microbiota, and the enhancement of the efficacy of conventional therapeutic strategies. This paper offers an exhaustive overview of the cancer-fighting characteristics of Coptidis Rhizoma and berberine, while also exploring recent developments in nanotechnology aimed at enhancing the bioavailability of berberine. Furthermore, the side effects and safety of berberine are addressed as well. The potential role of artificial intelligence in optimizing berberine's therapeutic applications is also highlighted. This paper provides precious perspectives on the prospective application of Coptidis Rhizoma and berberine in the prevention and management of cancer.

A Comprehensive Review Highlighting the Prospects of Phytonutrient Berberine as an Anticancer Agent

Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid derived from various medicinal plants, emerges as a potential therapeutic agent against diverse human diseases. It has particularly shown notable anticancer efficacy against breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, and liver cancer. Berberine results in inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and suppressing angiogenesis, positioning it as a versatile, multitargeted therapeutic tool against cancer. Notably, berberine enhances the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, mitigating associated drug resistance. Mechanistically, it has been shown to exert its efficacy by targeting molecules like nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, thereby inhibiting survival pathways and promoting apoptosis of cancer cells. Moreover, berberine influences the expression of tumor suppressor genes, curtails cancer cell migration and invasion, and modulates the tumour microenvironment. Despite promising preclinical evidence, further research is essential to comprehensively elucidate its mechanisms of action and evaluate its safety and efficacy in clinical settings. In the present review, we have highlighted the pharmacokinetics, biosynthesis, and recent research work done pertaining to berberine's strong anticancer activity. We have also emphasised on the research being done on nanoformulations of berberine, which aim to improve its stability and bioavailability.

Neuroprotective effect and preparation methods of berberine

Berberine (BBR) is a natural alkaloid, which has played an important role in the field of medicine since its discovery in the late 19th century. However, the low availability of BBR in vivo prevents its full effect. In recent years, a large number of studies confirmed that BBR has a protective effect on the nervous system through various functions, yet the issue of the inability to systematically understand the protection of BBR on the nervous system remains a gap that needs to be addressed. Many existing literature introductions about berberine in neurodegenerative diseases, but the role of berberine in the nervous system goes far beyond these. Different from these literatures, this review is divided into three parts: preparation method, mechanism, and therapeutic effect. Various dosage forms of BBR and their preparation methods are added, in order to provide a reasonable choice of BBR, and help to solve the problem of low bioavailability in treatment. More importantly, we more comprehensively summarize the mechanism of BBR to protect the nervous system, in addition to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (anti-oxidative stress, anti-neuroinflammation, regulation of apoptosis), two extra mechanisms of berberine for the protection of the nervous system were also introduced: bidirectional regulation of autophagy and promote angiogenesis. Also, we have clarified the precise mechanism by which BBR has a therapeutic effect not only on neurodegenerative illnesses but also on multiple sclerosis, gliomas, epilepsy, and other neurological conditions. To sum up, we hope that these can evoke more efforts to comprehensively utilize of BBR nervous system, and to promote the application of BBR in nervous system protection.

A Review of the Efficacy of Nanomaterial-Based Natural Photosensitizers to Overcome Multidrug Resistance in Cancer

Natural photosensitizers (PS) are compounds derived from nature, with photodynamic properties. Natural PSs have a similar action to that of commercial PSs, where cancer cell death occurs by necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagy through ROS generation. Natural PSs have garnered great interest over the last few decades because of their high biocompatibility and good photoactivity. Specific wavelengths could cause phytochemicals to produce harmful ROS for photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, natural PSs have some shortcomings, such as reduced solubility and lower uptake, making them less appropriate for PDT. Nanotechnology offers an opportunity to develop suitable carriers for various natural PSs for PDT applications. Various nanoparticles have been developed to improve the outcome with enhanced solubility, optical adsorption, and tumor targeting. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a phenomenon in which tumor cells develop resistance to a wide range of structurally and functionally unrelated drugs. Over the last decade, several researchers have extensively studied the effect of natural PS-based photodynamic treatment (PDT) on MDR cells. Though the outcomes of clinical trials for natural PSs were inconclusive, significant advancement is still required before PSs can be used as a PDT agent for treating MDR tumors. This review addresses the increasing literature on MDR tumor progression and the efficacy of PDT, emphasizing the importance of developing new nano-based natural PSs in the fight against MDR that have the required features for an MDR tumor photosensitizing regimen.

A review of natural products and small-molecule therapeutics acting on central nervous system malignancies: Approaches for drug development, targeting pathways, clinical trials, and challenges

In 2021, the World Health Organization released the fifth edition of the central nervous system (CNS) tumor classification. This classification uses histopathology and molecular pathogenesis to group tumors into more biologically and molecularly defined entities. The prognosis of brain cancer, particularly malignant tumors, has remained poor worldwide, approximately 308,102 new cases of brain and other CNS tumors were diagnosed in the year 2020, with an estimated 251,329 deaths. The cost and time-consuming nature of studies to find new anticancer agents makes it necessary to have well-designed studies. In the present study, the pathways that can be targeted for drug development are discussed in detail. Some of the important cellular origins, signaling, and pathways involved in the efficacy of bioactive molecules against CNS tumorigenesis or progression, as well as prognosis and common approaches for treatment of different types of brain tumors, are reviewed. Moreover, different study tools, including cell lines, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trial challenges, are discussed. In addition, in this article, natural products as one of the most important sources for finding new chemotherapeutics were reviewed and over 700 reported molecules with efficacy against CNS cancer cells are gathered and classified according to their structure. Based on the clinical trials that have been registered, very few of these natural or semi-synthetic derivatives have been studied in humans. The review can help researchers understand the involved mechanisms and design new goal-oriented studies for drug development against CNS malignancies.

Ursolic acid inhibits glioblastoma through suppressing TGFβ-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis

Found in many fruits and plants, Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpene that occurs naturally, is recognized for its anti-cancer effects, especially in combating glioblastoma. However, the intricate molecular mechanisms underpinning its anti-tumor actions are still not fully understood, despite the recognition of these effects. By examining the functions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis, crucial for glioblastoma progression, and their regulation through Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFβ) - a key marker for glioblastoma, our research aims to fill this knowledge gap. This study explores how ursolic acid can block the progression of glioblastoma by precisely targeting TGFβ-triggered EMT and angiogenesis. The findings show that UA successfully blocks the spread, movement, and invasion of glioblastoma cells. Accompanying this, there is a significant reduction in the expression of TGFβ and crucial EMT indicators like snail and vimentin. Furthermore, UA shows a reduction in angiogenesis that depends on the dosage, highlighted by decreased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Interestingly, increased TGFβ expression in U87 and U251 glioblastoma cell lines was found to weaken UA's anti-tumor properties, shedding more light on TGFβ's critical function in glioblastoma's pathology. Supporting these laboratory results, UA also showed considerable inhibition of tumor growth in a glioblastoma xenograft mouse model. Overall, our research emphasizes Ursolic acid's promise as a new treatment for glioblastoma and clarifies its action mechanism, mainly by inhibiting TGFβ signaling and thereby EMT and angiogenesis.

An Insight into Emerging Phytocompounds for Glioblastoma Multiforme Therapy

Despite intense research in the field of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) therapeutics, the resistance against approved therapy remains an issue of concern. The resistance against the therapy is widely reported due to factors like clonal selection, involvement of multiple developmental pathways, and majorly defective mismatch repair (MMR) protein and functional O6- methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) repair enzyme. Phytotherapy is one of the most effective alternatives to overcome resistance. It involves plant-based compounds, divided into several classes: alkaloids; phenols; terpenes; organosulfur compounds. The phytocompounds comprised in these classes are extracted or processed from certain plant sources. They can target various proteins of molecular pathways associated with the progression and survival of GBM. Phytocompounds have also shown promise as immunomodulatory agents and are being explored for immune checkpoint inhibition. Therefore, research and innovations are required to understand the mechanism of action of such phytocompounds against GBM to develop efficacious treatments for the same. This review gives insight into the potential of phytochemical-based therapeutic options for GBM treatment.

Berberine-loaded engineered nanoparticles attenuate TGF-β-induced remodelling in human bronchial epithelial cells

Airway remodelling occurs in chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is characterized by aberrant activation of epithelial reparation, excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and airway obstruction. The master regulator is Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β), which activates tissue repair, release of growth factors, EMT, increased cell proliferation, and reduced nitric oxide (NO) secretion. Due to its fundamental role in remodelling, TGF-β is an emerging target in the treatment of CRDs. Berberine is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic activities whose clinical application is hampered by poor permeability. To overcome these limitations, in this study, berberine was encapsulated in monoolein-based liquid crystalline nanoparticles (BM-LCNs). The potential of BM-LCNs in inhibiting TGF-β-induced remodelling features in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) was tested. BM-LCNs significantly inhibited TGF-β-induced migration, reducing the levels of proteins upregulated by TGF-β including endoglin, thrombospondin-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular-endothelial growth factor, and myeloperoxidase, and increasing the levels of cystatin C, a protein whose expression was downregulated by TGF-β. Furthermore, BM-LCNs restored baseline NO levels downregulated by TGF-β. The results prove the in vitro therapeutic efficacy of BM-LCNs in counteracting TGF-β-induced remodelling features. This study supports the suitability of berberine-loaded drug delivery systems to counteract airway remodelling, with potential application as a treatment strategy against CRDs.

Hyaluronic Acid-Mediated Phenolic Compound Nanodelivery for Cancer Therapy

Phenolic compounds are bioactive phytochemicals showing a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects. Moreover, they are associated with fewer side effects compared to most currently used antitumor drugs. Combinations of phenolic compounds with commonly used drugs have been largely studied as an approach aimed at enhancing the efficacy of anticancer drugs and reducing their deleterious systemic effects. In addition, some of these compounds are reported to reduce tumor cell drug resistance by modulating different signaling pathways. However, often, their application is limited due to their chemical instability, low water solubility, or scarce bioavailability. Nanoformulations, including polyphenols in combination or not with anticancer drugs, represent a suitable strategy to enhance their stability and bioavailability and, thus, improve their therapeutic activity. In recent years, the development of hyaluronic acid-based systems for specific drug delivery to cancer cells has represented a pursued therapeutic strategy. This is related to the fact that this natural polysaccharide binds to the CD44 receptor that is overexpressed in most solid cancers, thus allowing its efficient internalization in tumor cells. Moreover, it is characterized by high biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity. Here, we will focus on and critically analyze the results obtained in recent studies regarding the use of hyaluronic acid for the targeted delivery of bioactive phenolic compounds to cancer cells of different origins, alone or in combination with drugs.

Oxidative stress induced by berberine-based mitochondria-targeted low temperature photothermal therapy

Introduction: Mitochondria-targeted low-temperature photothermal therapy (LPTT) is a promising strategy that could maximize anticancer effects and overcome tumor thermal resistance. However, the successful synthesis of mitochondria-targeted nanodrug delivery system for LPTT still faces diverse challenges, such as laborious preparations processes, low drug-loading, and significant systemic toxicity from the carriers. Methods: In this study, we used the tumor-targeting folic acid (FA) and mitochondria-targeting berberine (BBR) derivatives (BD) co-modified polyethylene glycol (PEG)-decorated graphene oxide (GO) to synthesize a novel mitochondria-targeting nanocomposite (GO-PEG-FA/BD), which can effectively accumulate in mitochondria of the osteosarcoma (OS) cells and achieve enhanced mitochondria-targeted LPTT effects with minimal cell toxicity. The mitochondria-targeted LPTT effects were validated both in vitro and vivo. Results: In vitro experiments, the nanocomposites (GO-PEG-FA/BD) could eliminate membrane potential (ΔΨm), deprive the ATP of cancer cells, and increase the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which ultimately induce oxidative stress damage. Furthermore, in vivo results showed that the enhanced mitochondria-targeted LPTT could exert an excellent anti-cancer effect with minimal toxicity. Discussion: Taken together, this study provides a practicable strategy to develop an ingenious nanoplatform for cancer synergetic therapy via mitochondria-targeted LPTT, which hold enormous potential for future clinical translation.