Current knowledge and pharmacological profile of berberine: An update

Berberine, a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, occurs as an active constituent in numerous medicinal plants and has an array of pharmacological properties. It has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antidiarrheal and antitrachoma activity. Moreover, several c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of pharmacology 2015-08, Vol.761, p.288-297
Main Authors: Kumar, Anil, Ekavali, Chopra, Kanwaljit, Mukherjee, Madhurima, Pottabathini, Raghavender, Dhull, Dinesh K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Antioxidants - pharmacology
Berberine
Berberine - adverse effects
Berberine - pharmacokinetics
Berberine - pharmacology
Drug Interactions
Enzyme Inhibitors - pharmacology
Humans
Immunologic Factors - pharmacology
Immunomodulation
Molecular Targeted Therapy
Neurotransmitter Agents - pharmacology
Oxidative stress
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacokinetics
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Summary:Berberine, a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, occurs as an active constituent in numerous medicinal plants and has an array of pharmacological properties. It has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antidiarrheal and antitrachoma activity. Moreover, several clinical and preclinical studies demonstrate ameliorative effect of berberine against several disorders including metabolic, neurological and cardiological problems. This review provides a summary regarding the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic features of berberine, with a focus on the different mechanisms underlying its multispectrum activity. Studies regarding the safety profile, drug interactions and important clinical trials of berberine have also been included. Clinical trials with respect to neurological disorders need to be undertaken to exploit the beneficiary effects of berberine against serious disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Also, clinical studies to detect rare adverse effects of berberine need to be initiated to draw a complete safety profile of berberine and strengthen its applicability.
ISSN:0014-2999
1879-0712
DOI:10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.05.068