Berberine is a natural substance that has been found to have anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. Some studies suggest that it may also aid weight loss by modulating gut microbiota. This study explores the use of inexpensive green solvents such as carboxylic acid and polyalcohol aqueous solutions, and ionic liquids based on choline chloride to extract berberine from Coscinium fenestratum. Cytotoxicity tests were performed to confirm the safety of the chosen solvents.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Berberine is a plant alkaloid that naturally occurs in the rhizome, stems, roots and bark of several plants. It is used as a traditional medicine for various conditions such as inflammation and high cholesterol. It also has antioxidant, antiviral and cardioprotective properties. It also promotes fertility and improves metabolic health in women with PCOS.
Studies have shown that Berberine can improve the ovulation rate and endometrial receptivity in women with PCOS. It does this by increasing the production of nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide acts as a vasodilator and reduces the endometrial contraction that can cause hyperplasia.
Berberine can also improve insulin sensitivity. This is because it increases glucose uptake through up-regulation of GLUT4 expression. It also decreases oxidative stress by inhibiting the activity of Akt/GSK-3. Additionally, it favorably shifts the bacterial composition in the digestive system by elevating beneficial compounds such as short-chain fatty acids. It can be taken as a supplement or in its purified form Berberine Phytosome(r). The phytosome formulation enhances absorption and prevents inhibition by P-glycoprotein.
Cancer
Berberine is an isoquinoline quaternary alkaloid that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It has a wide range of health benefits, including anti-cancer, antibiotic, cholesterol-lowering, and memory-enhancing properties. Berberine has also been shown to activate the AMPK protein and inhibit cell proliferation in human cancer cells.
Studies have found that berberine negatively impacts metabolic reprogramming by interacting directly with PKM2. Its N-O-O triangular structure has a hydrophobic interaction with the I119 amino acid residue and a p-p interaction with the F244 amino acid residue of the PKM2 protein, which causes an increase in ubiquitination and degradation of the protein.
Moreover, the p-p interaction of berberine with the c-myc G-quadruplex has been reported to inhibit transcription and promote apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. Biotinylated berberine was able to improve its selective binding with the c-myc G-quadruplex and increased the ability to block gene expression. Its effects were even more pronounced when paired with metal cations.
Heart health
Berberine may help regulate blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. It works in a similar way to the antidiabetic medication metformin, decreasing glucose production by the liver and intestines and increasing glucose uptake by muscle cells by activating AMPK. In a 2021 study, berberine was found to be as effective as metformin at lowering blood sugar levels.
Berberine appears to reduce total and “bad” cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with high cholesterol. It also acts differently than standard cholesterol medications, reducing inflammation and supporting healthy blood vessels.
Berberine has a long history of use in traditional medicine, including Chinese and Ayurvedic treatments. It has been used for intestinal problems, bacterial infections, parasite infections, lowering body temperature and fever, respiratory issues, cancer inhibition and promoting heart health. However, berberine supplements may interfere with certain medications, including cyclosporine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM), blood pressure drugs and anticoagulants. It may also cause a dangerous build-up of bilirubin in newborn infants and lead to kernicterus, a potentially fatal brain disorder.
Weight loss
Berberine is a plant-based compound that has been found to have glucose-lowering effects in in vitro and in vivo tests. It can also be used to treat high cholesterol and insulin resistance. However, it is not currently available as a prescription medication. It can be derived from several plants, including barberry, goldenseal, tree turmeric, Oregon grape, and Chinese goldthread. Berberine can also promote liver health and improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, it can interact with medications metabolized by the liver, such as metformin.
Studies in animals and humans indicate that berberine can lower LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein, or “good,” cholesterol. It can also reduce triglyceride levels, which are associated with heart disease. This natural remedy could be as powerful as some prescription drugs, but it’s important to speak with a doctor before taking berberine to make sure it’s safe for you.