Berberine reduced blood pressure and improved vasodilation in diabetic rats

Research progress on pharmacological effects and bioavailability of berberine

Berberine (BBR), a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid obtained from natural medicines such as coptidis rhizoma, has a wide range of pharmacological activities such as protecting the nervous system, protecting the cardiovascular system, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antitumor, antibacterial, and antidiarrheal. However, factors such as poor solubility, low permeability, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux, and hepatic-intestinal metabolism result in BBR having a low bioavailability (< 1%), which restricts its application in clinical settings. Therefore, improving its bioavailability is a prerequisite for its clinical applications. This review summarizes the various pharmacological effects of BBR and analyzes the main reasons for its poor bioavailability. It introduces methods to improve the bioavailability of BBR through the use of absorption enhancers and P-gp inhibitors, structural modification of BBR, and preparation of BBR salts and cocrystals as well as the development of new formulations and focuses on the bioavailability study of the new formulations of BBR. The research of BBR was also prospected in order to provide reference for the further research of BBR.

A Mechanistic Review on How Berberine Use Combats Diabetes and Related Complications: Molecular, Cellular, and Metabolic Effects

Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid that can be extracted from herbs such as Coptis, Phellodendron, and Berberis. BBR has been widely used as a folk medicine to treat various disorders. It is a multi-target drug with multiple mechanisms. Studies have shown that it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can also adjust intestinal microbial flora. This review focused on the promising antidiabetic effects of BBR in several cellular, animal, and clinical studies. Based on previous research, BBR significantly reduced levels of fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, BBR stimulated insulin secretion and improved insulin resistance through different pathways, including up-regulation of protein expression of proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, glucose transporter (GLUT) 4, PI3K/AKT, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Interestingly, it was demonstrated that BBR has protective effects against diabetes complications, such as diabetic-induced hepatic damage, cardiovascular disorders, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Furthermore, multiple clinical trial studies have emphasized the ameliorative effects of BBR in type 2 diabetic patients.

Modulating Pharmaceutical Properties of Berberine Chloride through Cocrystallization with Benzendiol Isomers

PURPOSE

To synthesize and characterize new cocrystals of berberine chloride (BCl) for potential pharmaceutical tablet formulation.

METHODS

Solutions of BCl with each of three selected cocrystal formers, catechol (CAT), resorcinol (RES), and hydroquinone (HYQ) were slowly evaporated at room temperature to obtain crystals. Crystal structures were solved using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Bulk powders were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry, FTIR, dynamic moisture sorption, and dissolution (both intrinsic and powder).

RESULTS

Single crystal structures confirmed the formation of cocrystals with all three coformers, which revealed various intermolecular interactions that stabilized crystal lattices, including O-H···Cl- hydrogen bonds. All three cocrystals exhibited better stability against high humidity (up to 95% relative humidity) at 25 ℃ and higher intrinsic and powder dissolution rates than BCl.

CONCLUSION

The enhanced pharmaceutical properties of all three cocrystals, as compared to BCl, further contribute to the existing evidence that confirms the beneficial role of cocrystallization in facilitating drug development. These new cocrystals expand the structure landscape of BCl solid forms, which is important for future analysis to establish a reliable relationship between crystal structure and pharmaceutical properties.

Investigation of berberine and its derivatives in Sars Cov-2 main protease structure by molecular docking, PROTOX-II and ADMET methods: in machine learning and in silico study

Bioactive compounds found in plants also have pharmacological antiviral effects. Berberine (BBR), an alkaloid found naturally in plants, is one of the phytochemicals with a wide range of biological activities, including antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. In this study, we firstly aimed to predict pIC50 values for selcted compounds and then extract the binding patterns of berberine and its derivatives in the Sars Cov-2 Master Protease structure via employing molecular docking approache. Our results showed that berberine and its derivatives have good binding affinities towared Sars Cov2 main protease protein. Based on docking results the pharamaccokinetic studies for berberine, berberrubine, demethylen-berberine, jatrorrhizin, and thalifendine, were conducted and showed a good pharamacokinetic properties as an oral drugs. For deep inspection, we utiilized molecular dynmaics simulation to examine the Sars Cov2 main protease-ligand stabilities. The molecular dynamics simulation and PCA investigations revealed that thalifendine have a strong willing to act as good bindinder to SARS-CoV-2 protease. Further, the network based pharamacology showed that these drugs mediate different pathways such as human T-cell leukemia virus 1 infection, viral carcinogenesis, human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection, kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection and epstein-Barr virus infection.The findings of this study have an important recomendation for thalifendine for more in vivo and in vitro studies to work.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Berberine isolation from Coscinium fenestratum: optical, electrochemical, and computational studies

Berberine was extracted from Coscinium fenestratum (tree turmeric) and purified by column chromatography. The UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy of berberine was studied in acetonitrile and aqueous media. TD-DFT calculations employing the B3LYP functional were found to reproduce the general features of the absorption and emission spectra correctly. The electronic transitions to the first and second excited singlet states involve a transfer of electron density from the electron donating methylenedioxy phenyl ring to the electron accepting isoquinolium moiety. An estimate of the electrochemical gap (2.64 V) was obtained from microelectrode voltammetry and good agreement was found with quantum chemical calculations using the cc-pVTZ basis set and the B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP and wB97XD functionals. The calculations indicate spin density of the radical dication is delocalised over the molecule. These basic data are useful for assessment of the synthesis of donor-acceptor polymeric materials employing oxidative polymerization or co-polymerisation of berberine.

Er-xian decoction drug-containing serum promotes Mc3t3-e1 cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation via regulating BK channel

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Er-xian Decoction (EXD) is a well-known prescription widely used to prevent and treat climacteric syndrome and osteoporosis in China. BK channel positively affects osteoblast bone formation in vitro. However, it is still unclear whether the effect of EXD on promoting osteoblasts osteogenic differentiation is related to BK channel.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study is aimed at determining whether the EXD-containing serum promotes the proliferation of osteoblasts and their differentiation through BK channel.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical compounds of EXD were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. An osteogenic induction medium (OM) was used to induce MC3T3-E1 cells' osteogenic differentiation. The effects of EXD-containing serum and tetraethylammonium (TEA) on the proliferation activity of Mc3t3-e1 cells were detected by CCK-8 assay. ALP activity was determined by an alkaline phosphatase kit. The protein expression (BMP2, OPG, and COL1) was analyzed by Western blot, and the mRNA expression (Runx2, OPG, and BMP2) was assessed by real-time PCR. Alizarin red was used to stain the mineralized region of osteoblasts. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between BK channel and its downstream PTEN/Akt/Foxo1 signaling pathway.

RESULTS

72 compounds were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis in EXD. Mangiferin, ferulic acid, berberine, and icariin were main active components of EXD. EXD-containing serum could enhance the cell viability of MC3T3-E1 cells by decreasing the expression of BKα protein. EXD-containing serum increased ALP activity and calcium nodule formation of Mc3t3-e1 cells, promoted the protein expression of BKα, COL1, BMP2, OPG, and the mRNA expression of RUNX2, OPG, and BMP2, however, these effects can be reversed after adding TEA. In addition, EXD-containing serum could upregulate phosphorylation of Akt and Foxo1 in osteogenic-induced Mc3t3-e1 cells, and lower the expression of PTEN. And these effects of EXD-containing serum could be reduced by TEA.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of EXD-containing serum on promoting cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of Mc3t3-e1 cells might be linked to the regulation of BK channel.

Advances of berberine against metabolic syndrome-associated kidney disease: Regarding effect and mechanism

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is drastically growing worldwide, resulting in MetS-associated kidney disease. According to traditional theories, preventing blood pressure, lipid, glycose, and obesity and improving insulin resistance (IR), a couple of medications are required for MetS. It not only lowers patients' compliance but also elevates adverse reactions. Accordingly, we attempted to seek answers from complementary and alternative medicine. Ultimately, berberine (BBR) was chosen due to its efficacy and safety on MetS through multi-pathways and multi-targets. The effects and mechanisms of BBR on obesity, IR, diabetic nephropathy, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia were elaborated. In addition, the overall properties of BBR and interventions for various kidney diseases were also collected. However, more clinical trials are expected to further identify the beneficial effects of BBR.

Flavonoids as Modulators of Potassium Channels

Potassium channels are widely distributed integral proteins responsible for the effective and selective transport of K+ ions through the biological membranes. According to the existing structural and mechanistic differences, they are divided into several groups. All of them are considered important molecular drug targets due to their physiological roles, including the regulation of membrane potential or cell signaling. One of the recent trends in molecular pharmacology is the evaluation of the therapeutic potential of natural compounds and their derivatives, which can exhibit high specificity and effectiveness. Among the pharmaceuticals of plant origin, which are potassium channel modulators, flavonoids appear as a powerful group of biologically active substances. It is caused by their well-documented anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, and antidiabetic effects on human health. Here, we focus on presenting the current state of knowledge about the possibilities of modulation of particular types of potassium channels by different flavonoids. Additionally, the biological meaning of the flavonoid-mediated changes in the activity of K+ channels will be outlined. Finally, novel promising directions for further research in this area will be proposed.

The effects of berberine supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major concern today. Herbal medicine is one helping way to control CVD risks. One conclusive of herbal medicine is Berberine (BBR) and converse about it still exists, to clarify this issue, this meta-analysis was performed. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for RCTs in adults on the effect of BBR supplementation on CVD risk factors up to July 2022. The pooled results showed BBR significantly reduced triglyceride (WMD = -23.70 mg/dl; 95%CI -30.16, -17.25; P < 0.001), total cholesterol (WMD = -20.64 mg/dl; 95%CI -23.65, -17.63; P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein WMD = -9.63 mg/dl; 95%CI, -13.87, -5.39; P < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD = -7.74 mg/dl; 95%CI -10.79, -4.70; P < 0.001), insulin (WMD = -3.27 mg/dl; 95%CI -4.46,-2.07; P < 0.001), HbA1c (WMD = -0.45%; 95%CI -0.68, -0.23; P < 0.001), HOMA-IR (WMD = -1.04; 95%CI -1.55, -0.52; P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (WMD = -5.46 mmHg; 95%CI -8.17, -2.76; P < 0.001), weight (WMD = -0.84; 95%CI -1.34,-0.34; P < 0.001), body mass index (WMD = -0.25 kg/m2; 95%CI -0.46, -0.04; P = 0.020), while increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (WMD = 1.37 mg/dl; 95%CI 0.41,2.23; P = 0.005). The optimal dose of BBR was 1 g/day for TG, TC, and weight, 1.8 g/day for insulin and HOMA-IR, and 5 g/day for HDL. FBG's most efficient time frame was 40 weeks from the beginning of supplementation, whereas DBP and waist circumference was 50 weeks. In conclusion, the lipid profile, FBG balance, obesity parameters, and SBP were improved with BBR supplementation.

Systematic review registration

CRD42022347004.

High-Throughput Screening Assay Identifies Berberine and Mubritinib as Neuroprotection Drugs for Spinal Cord Injury via Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier Protection

Because the breakdown of the blood-brain spinal cord barrier (BBSCB) worsens many central nervous system (CNS) diseases, prevention of BBSCB breakdown has been a major therapeutic target, especially for spinal cord injury (SCI). However, effective drugs that protect BBSCB function have yet to be developed. The purpose of the current study was 1) to develop a high-throughput screening assay (HTSA) to identify candidate drugs to protect BBSCB function, 2) to identify candidate drugs from existing drugs with newly developed HTSA, and 3) to examine the therapeutic effects of candidate drugs on SCI. Our HTSA included a culture of immortalized human brain endothelial cells primed with candidate drugs, stress with H2O2, and evaluation of their viability. A combination of the resazurin-based assay with 0.45 mM H2O2 qualified as a reliable HTSA. Screening of 1,570 existing drugs identified 90 drugs as hit drugs. Through a combination of reproducibility tests, exclusion of drugs inappropriate for clinical translation, and dose dependency tests, berberine, mubritinib, and pioglitazone were identified as a candidate. An in vitro BBSCB functional test revealed that berberine and mubritinib, but not pioglitazone, protected BBSCB from oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation stress. Additionally, these two drugs minimized BBSCB breakdown 1 day after cervical SCI in mice. Furthermore, berberine and mubritinib reduced neuronal loss and improved gait performance 8 weeks after SCI. Collectively, the current study established a useful HTSA to identify potential neuroprotective drugs by maintaining BBSCB function and demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of berberine and mubritinib after SCI.

The mechanism of berberine alleviating metabolic disorder based on gut microbiome

With socioeconomic advances and improved living standards, metabolic syndrome has increasingly come into the attention. In recent decades, a growing number of studies have shown that the gut microbiome and its metabolites are closely related to the occurrence and development of many metabolic diseases, and play an important role that cannot be ignored, for instance, obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease and others. The correlation between gut microbiota and metabolic disorder has been widely recognized. Metabolic disorder could cause imbalance in gut microbiota, and disturbance of gut microbiota could aggravate metabolic disorder as well. Berberine (BBR), as a natural ingredient, plays an important role in the treatment of metabolic disorder. Studies have shown that BBR can alleviate the pathological conditions of metabolic disorders, and the mechanism is related to the regulation of gut microbiota: gut microbiota could regulate the absorption and utilization of berberine in the body; meanwhile, the structure and function of gut microbiota also changed after intervention by berberine. Therefore, we summarize relevant mechanism research, including the expressions of nitroreductases-producing bacteria to promote the absorption and utilization of berberine, strengthening intestinal barrier function, ameliorating inflammation regulating bile acid signal pathway and axis of bacteria-gut-brain. The aim of our study is to clarify the therapeutic characteristics of berberine further and provide the theoretical basis for the regulation of metabolic disorder from the perspective of gut microbiota.

Activation of the GABA-alpha receptor by berberine rescues retinal ganglion cells to attenuate experimental diabetic retinopathy

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of berberine (BBR) in the protection of injured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods

Experimental diabetic retinopathy rat model was successfully induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg) in male SD rats with sufficient food and water for 8 weeks. Animals were randomly divided into four groups: (1) non-diabetic, (2) diabetic, (3) diabetic + BBR + PBS, and (4) diabetic + BBR + SR95531. BBR (100 mg/kg) was given daily by gavage to rats in the group (3) and group (4) for 8 weeks, and weekly intravitreal injections were conducted to rats in the group (3) with 5 μL of 1×PBS and rats in the group (4) with 5 μL of GABA-alpha receptor antagonist SR95531 to investigate the underlying mechanisms. The survival and apoptosis of RGCs were observed by fluorescence gold labeling technology and TUNEL staining. Visual function was evaluated by visual electrophysiological examination. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze the expression of GABA-alpha receptors in RGCs.

Results

In an animal model, BBR can increase the survival of RGCs, reduce RGCs apoptosis, and significantly improve the visual function. The reduction of GABA, PKC-α, and Bcl-2 protein expression caused by DR can be considerably increased by BBR. SR95531 inhibits BBR's protective effect on RGC and visual function, as well as its upregulation of PKC-α and Bcl-2.

Conclusion

BBR is a promising preventive or adjuvant treatment for DR complications, and its key protective effect may involve the regulation of RGC apoptosis through the GABA-alpha receptor/protein kinase C-alpha (GABAAR/PKC-α) pathway.

The Ameliorative Effect of Berberine on Vascular Calcification by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

ABSTRACT

Vascular calcification (VC), which currently cannot be prevented or treated, is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. We aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of berberine on VC via the activation of Akt signaling and inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). The VC model was induced by high-dose Vitamin D 3 in rats and beta-glycerophosphate in primary vascular smooth muscle cells of rat aortas, which were evaluated by Alizarin red staining to determine the calcium content and alkaline phosphatase activity. ERS was determined by the levels of GRP78 and CHOP, whereas that of the Akt signaling pathway was determined by the levels of phosphorylated Akt and GSK3β. VC was significantly ameliorated by berberine treatment in vivo and in vitro, and the inhibition of ERS and the activation of the Akt/GSK3 signaling pathway. In the vascular smooth muscle cells of primary rats, tunicamycin, an ERS activator, blocked the ameliorative effect of berberine on VC and ERS, but not the activation of Akt/GSK3. The ameliorative effects of berberine on VC, ERS, and the Akt signaling pathway were all prevented by inhibitor IV. Four-phenylbutyric acid, an ERS inhibitor, can restore the ameliorative effect of berberine on VC and ERS that was blocked by inhibitor IV. Our results are the first to demonstrate the ameliorative effect of VC that was mediated by the activation of the Akt signaling pathway and inhibition of ERS. These results may provide a new pharmaceutical candidate for the prevention and treatment of VC.

Berberine: A Review of its Pharmacokinetics Properties and Therapeutic Potentials in Diverse Vascular Diseases

Traditional Chinese medicine plays a significant role in the treatment of various diseases and has attracted increasing attention for clinical applications. Vascular diseases affecting vasculature in the heart, cerebrovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and diabetic complications have compromised quality of life for affected individuals and increase the burden on health care services. Berberine, a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid form Rhizoma coptidis, is widely used in China as a folk medicine for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Promisingly, an increasing number of studies have identified several cellular and molecular targets for berberine, indicating its potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy for vascular diseases, as well as providing novel evidence that supports the therapeutic potential of berberine to combat vascular diseases. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively and systematically describe the evidence for berberine as a therapeutic agent in vascular diseases, including its pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms, and pharmacokinetics. According to data published so far, berberine shows remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antiautophagic activity via the regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase silent information regulator 1 (SIRT-1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), janus kinase 2 (JAK-2), Ca²⁺ channels, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Moreover, we discuss the existing limitations of berberine in the treatment of vascular diseases, and give corresponding measures. In addition, we propose some research perspectives and challenges, and provide a solid evidence base from which further studies can excavate novel effective drugs from Chinese medicine monomers.

Berberine on the Prevention and Management of Cardiometabolic Disease: Clinical Applications and Mechanisms of Action

Berberine is an alkaloid from several medicinal plants originally used to treat diarrhea and dysentery as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In recent years, berberine has been discovered to exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activities in the treatment of diverse diseases ranging from cancer and neurological dysfunctions to metabolic disorders and heart diseases. This review article summarizes the clinical practice and laboratory exploration of berberine for the treatment of cardiometabolic and heart diseases, with a focus on the novel insights and recent advances of the underlying mechanisms recognized in the past decade. Berberine was found to display pleiotropic therapeutic effects against dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, arrhythmia, and heart failure. The mechanisms of berberine for the treatment of cardiometabolic disease involve combating inflammation and oxidative stress such as inhibiting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) activation, regulating electrical signals and ionic channels such as targeting human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) currents, promoting energy metabolism such as activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, modifying gut microbiota to promote transforming of berberine into its intestine-absorbable form, and interacting with non-coding RNAs via targeting multiple signaling pathways such as AMPK, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), etc. Collectively, berberine appears to be safe and well-tolerated in clinical practice, especially for those who are intolerant to statins. Knowledge from this field may pave the way for future development of more effective pharmaceutical approaches for managing cardiometabolic risk factors and preventing heart diseases.

Natural Products as Potential Lead Compounds for Drug Discovery Against SARS-CoV-2

For the past 2 years, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 infection has become a world pandemic, ruining the lives and economies of several nations in the world. This has scaled up research on the virus and the resulting infection with the goal of developing new vaccines and therapies. Natural products are known to be a rich source of lead compounds for drug discovery, including against infectious diseases caused by microbes (viruses, bacteria and fungi). In this review article, we conducted a literature survey aimed at identifying natural products with inhibitory concentrations against the coronaviruses or their target proteins, which lie below 10 µM. This led to the identification of 42 compounds belonging to the alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid, phenolic, xanthone and saponin classes. The cut off concentration of 10 µM was to limit the study to the most potent chemical entities, which could be developed into therapies against the viral infection to make a contribution towards limiting the spread of the disease.

Bioactive Foods and Medicinal Plants for Cardiovascular Complications of Type II Diabetes: Current Clinical Evidence and Future Perspectives

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main cause of mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, not all patients are fully satisfied with the current available treatments. Medicinal plants have been globally investigated regarding their effect in CVD, yet the field is far from getting exhausted. The current paper aims to provide an evidence-based review on the clinically evaluated medicinal plants and their main therapeutic targets for the management of CVD in T2DM. Electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from 2000 until November 2019, and related clinical studies were included. Lipid metabolism, glycemic status, systemic inflammation, blood pressure, endothelial function, oxidative stress, and anthropometric parameters are the key points regulated by medicinal plants in T2DM. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are the two most important mechanisms since inflammation and oxidative stress are the first steps triggering a domino of molecular pathological pathways leading to T2DM and, subsequently, CVD. Polyphenols with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, essential oil-derived compounds with vasorelaxant properties, and fibers with demonstrated effects on obesity are the main categories of phytochemicals beneficial for CVD of T2DM. Some medicinal plants such as garlic (Allium sativum) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum) have strong evidences regarding their beneficial effects; however, others have low level of evidence which reveals the need for further clinical studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to confirm the safety and efficacy of medicinal plants for the management of CVD in T2DM.

Berberine inhibits proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells induced by mechanical stretch via the PDI/ERS and MAPK pathways

AIMS

We recently demonstrated that mechanical stretch increases the proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) by activating the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) redox system, thus accelerating atherosclerotic lesion formation in the transplanted vein. At present, there are no efficient intervention measures to prevent this phenomenon. Berberine inhibits pathological vascular remodeling caused by hypertension, but the underlying mechanism is controversial. Herein, we investigate the role of berberine and the underlying mechanism of its effects on mechanical stretch-induced VSMC proliferation and apoptosis.

MAIN METHODS

Mouse VSMCs cultivated on flexible membranes were pretreated for 1 h with one of the following substances: berberine, PDI inhibitor bacitracin, MAPK inhibitors, or ERS inhibitor 4-PBA. VSMCs were then subjected to mechanical stretch. Immunofluorescence and western blot were used to detect proliferation and apoptosis, as well as to analyze signaling pathways in VSMCs.

KEY FINDINGS

Our results showed that berberine inhibits the PDI-endoplasmic reticulum stress system, thereby attenuating the simultaneous increase of VSMC proliferation and apoptosis in response to mechanical stretch. Interestingly, MAPK inhibitors PD98059, SP600125, and SB202190 significantly reduced the activation of ERS signaling cascades, and their combination with berberine had additive effects. The ERS inhibitor 4-PBA reduced PDI activation and ERS signaling, but not MAPK phosphorylation. Moreover, caspase-3 and caspase-12 were downregulated by berberine.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results illustrate a novel mechanism of action of berberine that has practical implications. Our data provide important insights for the prevention and treatment of vascular remodeling and diseases caused by mechanical stretching during hypertension.

Simultaneous Determination of Multiple Active Components from Bushen Pills and Application in a Pharmacokinetic Study in Rats

Bushen Pills (BSPs), as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is widely used in clinic to enrich Yang, nourish Yin, stem essence, and strengthen kidneys. Two chromatographic methods, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), were applied to analyze the multiple active components of BSPs in dosage form for quality evaluation and in rat plasma for pharmacokinetics study, respectively. Three active constituents of BSPs, including paeoniflorin (PF), berberine hydrochloride (BBR), and schizandrin (SCH), were simultaneously determined by the established LC-MS method with electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode at m/z 503.1, 336.0, and 455.2. The contents of PF, BBR, and SCH were (6.112 ± 0.166) mg/g, (335.1 ± 14.95) μg/g, and (5.867 ± 0.136) μg/g in BSPs. On this basis, PF and BBR were selected as targeted analytes for the pharmacokinetic study of BSPs in rats. Memantine hydrochloride was used as an internal standard (IS), and the plasma samples were processed by liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. All the analytes were separated on a C₁₈ reversed phase column, eluted with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-formic acid (0.01%) (25 : 75, v/v), and detected by ESI in the selected ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The target fragment ions were m/z 525.3 ⟶ 449.5 for PF, 336.2 ⟶ 320.2 for BBR, and 180.1 ⟶ 163.1 for IS. The linear ranges of PF and BBR were 5-500 ng/mL and 0.1-20 ng/mL with good linearity (r ² > 0.99). No obvious matrix effect was observed, and acceptable accuracy, precision, recovery, and stability were obtained. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of BSPs in rats after a single dose.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and its active constituents: A critical review of their efficacy and toxicological issues

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) is a medicinal plant widely used in various traditional systems of medicine and as a food supplement. It has been traditionally used by Native Americans as a coloring agent and as medicinal remedy for common diseases and conditions like wounds, digestive disorders, ulcers, skin and eye ailments, and cancer. Over the years, goldenseal has become a popular food supplement in the USA and other regions. The rhizome of this plant has been used for the treatment of a variety of diseases including, gastrointestinal disorders, ulcers, muscular debility, nervous prostration, constipation, skin and eye infections, cancer, among others. Berberine is one of the most bioactive alkaloid that has been identified in different parts of goldenseal. The goldenseal extract containing berberine showed numerous therapeutic effects such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, neuroprotective (anti-Alzheimer's disease), cardioprotective, and gastrointestinal protective. Various research finding suggest the health promoting effects of goldenseal components and their extracts. However, few studies have also suggested the possible neurotoxic, hepatotoxic and phototoxic activities of goldenseal extract and its alkaloids. Thus, large randomized, double-blind clinical studies need to be conducted on goldenseal supplements and their main alkaloids to provide more evidence on the mechanisms responsible for the pharmaceutical activity, clinical efficacy and safety of these products. Thus, it is very important to review the scientific information about goldenseal to understand about the current scenario.

Antiviral activity of berberine

Plants are a rich source of new antiviral, pharmacologically active agents. The naturally occurring plant alkaloid berberine (BBR) is one of the phytochemicals with a broad range of biological activity, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity. BBR targets different steps in the viral life cycle and is thus a good candidate for use in novel antiviral drugs and therapies. It has been shown that BBR reduces virus replication and targets specific interactions between the virus and its host. BBR intercalates into DNA and inhibits DNA synthesis and reverse transcriptase activity. It inhibits replication of herpes simplex virus (HSV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This isoquinoline alkaloid has the ability to regulate the MEK-ERK, AMPK/mTOR, and NF-κB signaling pathways, which are necessary for viral replication. Furthermore, it has been reported that BBR supports the host immune response, thus leading to viral clearance. In this short review, we focus on the most recent studies on the antiviral properties of berberine and its derivatives, which might be promising agents to be considered in future studies in the fight against the current pandemic SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Berberine for prevention of dementia associated with diabetes and its comorbidities: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

A growing number of epidemiological studies indicate that metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its associated features play a key role in the development of certain degenerative brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Produced by several different medicinal plants, berberine is a bioactive alkaloid with a wide range of pharmacological effects, including antidiabetic effects. However, it is not clear whether berberine could prevent the development of dementia in association with diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

To give an overview of the therapeutic potential of berberine as a treatment for dementia associated with diabetes.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Database searches A and B were conducted using PubMed and ScienceDirect. In search A, studies on berberine's antidementia activities were identified using "berberine" and "dementia" as search terms. In search B, recent studies on berberine's effects on diabetes were surveyed using "berberine" and "diabetes" as search terms.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Clinical and preclinical studies that investigated berberine's effects associated with MetS and cognitive dysfunction were included.

DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS

Data from studies were extracted by one author, and checked by a second; quality assessments were performed independently by two authors.

RESULTS

In search A, 61 articles were identified, and 22 original research articles were selected. In search B, 458 articles were identified, of which 101 were deemed relevant and selected. Three duplicates were removed, and a total of 120 articles were reviewed for this study. The results demonstrate that berberine exerts beneficial effects directly in the brain: enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission, improving cerebral blood flow, protecting neurons from inflammation, limiting hyperphosphorylation of tau and facilitating β-amyloid peptide clearance. In addition, evidence is growing that berberine is effective against diabetes and associated disorders, such as atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, hepatic steatosis, diabetic nephropathy, gut dysbiosis, retinopathy and neuropathy, suggesting indirect benefits for the prevention of dementia.

CONCLUSION

Berberine could impede the development of dementia via multiple mechanisms: preventing brain damages and enhancing cognition directly in the brain, and indirectly through alleviating risk factors such as metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular, kidney and liver diseases. This study provided evidence to support the value of berberine in the prevention of dementia associated with MetS.

Rhizoma coptidis as a Potential Treatment Agent for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Underlying Mechanisms: A Review

Diabetes mellitus, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has become a significant public health burden. Rhizoma coptidis (RC), known as Huang Lian, is widely used for treating diabetes in China. The bioactive compounds of RC, especially alkaloids, have the potential to suppress T2DM-induced lesions, including diabetic vascular dysfunction, diabetic heart disease, diabetic hyperlipidemia, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic encephalopathy, diabetic osteopathy, diabetic enteropathy, and diabetic retinopathy. This review summarizes the effects of RC and its bioactive compounds on T2DM and T2DM complications. Less research has been conducted on non-alkaloid fractions of RC, which may exert synergistic action with alkaloids. Moreover, we summarized the pharmacokinetic properties and structure-activity relationships of RC on T2DM with reference to extant literature and showed clearly that RC has potential therapeutic effect on T2DM.

Rhizoma Coptidis for Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) are major types of dementia, both of which cause heavy economic burdens for families and society. However, no currently available medicines can control dementia progression. Rhizoma coptidis, a Chinese herbal medicine, has been used for >2000 years and is now gaining attention as a potential treatment for AD and VaD.

METHODS

We reviewed the mechanisms of the active ingredients of Rhizoma coptidis and Rhizoma coptidis-containing Chinese herbal compounds in the treatment of AD and VaD. We focused on studies on ameliorating the risk factors and the pathological changes of these diseases.

RESULTS

The Rhizoma coptidis active ingredients include berberine, palmatine, coptisine, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine and protopine. The most widely studied ingredient is berberine, which has extensive therapeutic effects on the risk factors and pathogenesis of dementia. It can control blood glucose and lipid levels, regulate blood pressure, ameliorate atherosclerosis, inhibit cholinesterase activity, Aβ generation, and tau hyperphosphorylation, decrease neuroinflammation and oxidative stress and alleviate cognitive impairment. Other ingredients (such as jatrorrhizine, coptisine, epiberberine and palmatine) also regulate blood lipids and blood pressure; however, there are relatively few studies on them. Rhizoma coptidis-containing Chinese herbal compounds like Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang, Huanglian Wendan Decoction, Banxia Xiexin Decoction and Huannao Yicong Formula have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant stress activities, regulate insulin signaling, inhibit γ-secretase activity, neuronal apoptosis, tau hyperphosphorylation, and Aβ deposition, and promote neural stem cell differentiation, thereby improving cognitive function.

CONCLUSION

The "One-Molecule, One-Target" paradigm has suffered heavy setbacks, but a "multitarget- directed ligands" strategy may be viable. Rhizoma coptidis active ingredients and Rhizoma coptidiscontaining Chinese herbal compounds have multi-aspect therapeutic effects on AD and VaD.

Berberine-Promoted CXCR4 Expression Accelerates Endothelial Repair Capacity of Early Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Persons with Prehypertension

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the berberine treatment can improve endothelial repair capacity of early endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from prehypertensive subjects through increasing CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) signaling.

METHODS

EPCs were isolated from prehypertensive and healthy subjects and cultured. In vivo reendothelialization capacity of EPCs from prehypertensive patients with or without in vitro berberine treatment was examined in a nude mouse model of carotid artery injury. The protein expressions of CXCR4/Janus kinase-2 (JAK-2) signaling of in vitro EPCs were detected by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

CXCR4 signaling and alteration in migration and adhesion functions of EPCs were evaluated. Basal CXCR4 expression was significantly reduced in EPCs from prehypertensive patients compared with normal subjects (P<0.01). Also, the phosphorylation of JAK-2 of EPCs, a CXCR4 downstream signaling, was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Berberine promoted CXCR4/JAK-2 signaling expression of in vitro EPCs (P<0.01). Transplantation of EPCs pretreated with berberine markedly accelerated in vivo reendothelialization (P<0.01). The increased in vitro function and in vivo reendothelialization capacity of EPCs were inhibited by CXCR4 neutralizing antibody or pretreatment with JAK-2 inhibitor AG490, respectively (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Berberinemodified EPCs via up-regulation of CXCR4 signaling contributes to enhanced endothelial repair capacity in prehypertension, indicating that berberine may be used as a novel potential primary prevention means against prehypertension-related atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Berberine derivative, Q8, stimulates osteogenic differentiation

Berberine has been implicated to be involved in maintaining bone health due to its anti-oxidative and osteogenic properties. However, low potency and low bioavailability limit the clinical development of the drug. To overcome these obstacles, we previously synthesized a compound, Q8, which is a structural homolog of berberine. The present study examined the pharmacological functions of Q8 to evaluate its potential use in bone regeneration with respect to osteoblast differentiation. Here, we report that Q8 enhanced BMP4-induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and transcription from the ALP promoter. In addition, Q8 suppressed the expression and activity of PPARγ (a known negative regulator of osteogenesis due to its stimulatory effects on adipogenesis and its role as an adipogenic transcription factor), which in turn increases β-catenin expression in the nucleus, and ultimately promotes osteoblast differentiation. Meanwhile, Q8 reversed the inhibitory effects of the PPARγ agonist, rosiglitazone, on osteoblast differentiation. This study demonstrated that Q8 promotes osteoblast differentiation via inhibition of PPARγ and the enhancement of osteoblast function by Q8 may contribute to the prevention for osteoporosis.

Cholesterol-Lowering Nutraceuticals Affecting Vascular Function and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to provide an update on the effects of the dietary supplementation with cholesterol-lowering nutraceuticals and nutraceutical combinations affecting vascular function and CV risk in clinical interventional studies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current evidence supports the mild-to-moderate cholesterol-lowering efficacy of red yeast rice, berberine, plant sterols, fibers, and some nutraceutical combinations whereas data on the individual cholesterol-lowering action of other nutraceuticals are either less striking or even inconclusive. There is also promising evidence on the vascular protective effects of some of the aforementioned nutraceuticals. However, except for red yeast rice, clinical interventional studies have not investigated their impact on CV outcomes. Evidence of both cholesterol-lowering and vascular protection is a prerogative of few single nutraceuticals and nutraceutical combinations, which may support their clinical use; however, caution on their uncontrolled adoption is necessary as they are freely available on the market and, therefore, subject to potential misuse.