Berberine inhibits the growth of human colorectal adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo

Berberine potentiates liver inflammation and fibrosis in the PI*Z hAAT transgenic murine model

BACKGROUND

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an inherited disease, the common variant caused by a Pi*Z mutation in the SERPINA1 gene. Pi*Z AAT increases the risk of pulmonary emphysema and liver disease. Berberine (BBR) is a nature dietary supplement and herbal remedy. Emerging evidence revealed that BBR has remarkable liver-protective properties against various liver diseases. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effects and toxicities of BBR in Pi*Z hepatocytes and Pi*Z transgenic mice.

METHODS

Huh7.5 and Huh7.5Z (which carries the Pi*Z mutation) cells were treated with different concentrations of BBR for 48 hours. MTT was performed for cell viability assay. Intracellular AAT levels were evaluated by western blot. In vivo studies were carried out in wild type, native phenotype AAT (Pi*M), and Pi*Z AAT transgenic mice. Mice were treated with 50 mg/kg/day of BBR or solvent only by oral administration for 30 days. Western blot and liver histopathological examinations were performed to evaluate therapeutic benefits and liver toxicity of BBR.

RESULTS

BBR reduced intracellular AAT levels in Huh7.5Z cells, meanwhile, no Pi*Z-specific toxicity was observed. However, BBR did not reduce liver AAT load but significantly potentiated liver inflammation and fibrosis accompanying the activation of unfolded protein response and mTOR in Pi*Z mice, but not in wild type and Pi*M mice.

CONCLUSIONS

BBR exacerbated liver inflammation and fibrosis specifically in Pi*Z mice. This adverse effect may be associated with the activation of unfolded protein response and mTOR. This study implicates that BBR should be avoided by AATD patients.

Berberine: Potential preventive and therapeutic strategies for human colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common digestive tract tumor, with incidences continuing to rise. Although modern medicine has extended the survival time of CRC patients, its adverse effects and the financial burden cannot be ignored. CRC is a multi-step process and can be caused by the disturbance of gut microbiome and chronic inflammation's stimulation. Additionally, the presence of precancerous lesions is also a risk factor for CRC. Consequently, scientists are increasingly interested in identifying multi-target, safe, and economical herbal medicine and natural products. This paper summarizes berberine's (BBR) regulatory mechanisms in the occurrence and development of CRC. The findings indicate that BBR regulates gut microbiome homeostasis and controls mucosal inflammation to prevent CRC. In the CRC stage, BBR inhibits cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, blocks the cell cycle, induces cell apoptosis, regulates cell metabolism, inhibits angiogenesis, and enhances chemosensitivity. BBR plays a role in the overall management of CRC. Therefore, using BBR as an adjunct to CRC prevention and treatment could become a future trend in oncology.

The therapeutic effects of berberine for gastrointestinal cancers

Cancer is one of the most serious human health issues. Drug therapy is the major common way to treat cancer. There is a growing interest in using natural compounds to overcome drug resistance, adverse reactions, and target specificity of certain types of drugs that may affect several targets with fewer side effects and be beneficial against various types of cancer. In this regard, the use of herbal medicines alone or in combination with the main anticancer drugs is commonly available. Berberine (BBR), a nature-driven phytochemical component, is a well-known nutraceutical due to its wide variety of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and hypolipidemic. In addition, BBR exerts anticancer activities. In present article, we summarized the information available on the therapeutic effects of BBR and its mechanisms on five types of the most prevalent gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, gastric, colorectal, hepatocarcinoma, and pancreatic cancers.

Research Progress on the Synergistic Anti-Tumor Effect of Natural Anti-Tumor Components of Chinese Herbal Medicine Combined with Chemotherapy Drugs

The application of chemotherapy drugs in tumor treatment has a long history, but the lack of selectivity of drugs often leads to serious side effects during chemotherapy. The natural anti-tumor ingredients derived from Chinese herbal medicine are attracting increased attention due to their diverse anti-tumor effects, abundant resources, and minimal side effects. An effective anti-tumor strategy may lie in the combination of these naturally derived anti-tumor ingredients with conventional chemotherapy drugs. This approach could potentially inhibit tumor growth and the development of drug resistance in tumor cells while reducing the adverse effects of chemotherapy drugs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the combined therapy strategies integrating natural anti-tumor components from Chinese herbal medicine with chemotherapy drugs in current research. We primarily summarize various compounds in Chinese herbal medicine exhibiting natural anti-tumor activities and the relevant mechanisms in synergistic anti-tumor combination therapy. The focus of this paper is on underlining that this integrative approach, combining natural anti-tumor components of Chinese herbal medicine with chemotherapy drugs, presents a novel cancer treatment methodology, thereby providing new insights for future oncological research.

Current understanding and future prospects on Berberine for anticancer therapy

Berberine (BBR) is a potential plant metabolite and has remarkable anticancer properties. Many kinds of research are being focused on the cytotoxic activity of berberine in in vitro and in vivo studies. A variety of molecular targets which lead to the anticancer effect of berberine ranges from p-53 activation, Cyclin B expression for arresting cell cycles; protein kinase B (AKT), MAP kinase and IKB kinase for antiproliferative activity; effect on beclin-1 involved in autophagy; reduced expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 for the inhibition of invasion and metastasis etc. Berberine also interferes with transcription factor-1 (AP-1) activity responsible for the expression of oncogenes and neoplastic transformation of the cell. It also leads to the inhibition of various enzymes which are directly or indirectly involved in carcinogenesis like N acetyl transferase, Cyclo-oxygenase-2, Telomerase and Topoisomerase. In addition to these actions, Berberine plays a role in, the regulation of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines in preventing cancer formation. Berberine anticancer properties are demonstrated due to the interaction of berberine with micro-RNA. The summarized information presented in this review article may help and lead the researchers, scientists/industry persons to use berberine as a promising candidate against cancer.

Role of the inflammasome in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus

The inflammasome is a protein complex composed of a variety of proteins in cells and which participates in the innate immune response of the body. It can be activated by upstream signal regulation and plays an important role in pyroptosis, apoptosis, inflammation, tumor regulation, etc. In recent years, the number of metabolic syndrome patients with insulin resistance (IR) has increased year by year, and the inflammasome is closely related to the occurrence and development of metabolic diseases. The inflammasome can directly or indirectly affect conduction of the insulin signaling pathway, involvement the occurrence of IR and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Moreover, various therapeutic agents also work through the inflammasome to treat with diabetes. This review focuses on the role of inflammasome on IR and T2DM, pointing out the association and utility value. Briefly, we have discussed the main inflammasomes, including NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, NLRP6 and AIM2, as well as their structure, activation and regulation in IR were described in detail. Finally, we discussed the current therapeutic options-associated with inflammasome for the treatment of T2DM. Specially, the NLRP3-related therapeutic agents and options are widely developed. In summary, this article reviews the role of and research progress on the inflammasome in IR and T2DM.

Zinc Acts Synergistically with Berberine for Enhancing Its Efficacy as an Anti-cancer Agent by Inducing Clusterin-Dependent Apoptosis in HT-29 Colorectal Cancer Cells

It is now widely accepted that anti-cancer medications are most effective when administered in combination. Zinc is an essential micronutrient whilst berberine is a well-known natural phytochemical, both having multiple molecular mechanisms of action. The present study aimed to determine the combinatorial effect of zinc and berberine on the human adenocarcinoma HT-29 cancer cell line. The anti-proliferative activity of berberine and zinc was determined by cell viability and colony-forming assays. The combination index and drug reduction index values of zinc and berberine co-treatments were estimated by suitable software. Flow cytometry was used to analyse cell cycle distribution and Annexin V/PI staining. The expression of apoptosis and zinc signalling markers were analysed by RT-qPCR and immunoblot analysis. Berberine decreased the viability of colon cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner whilst zinc alone had no significant influence on it. However, zinc and berberine co-treatment resulted in a synergistic anti-cancer action which was demonstrated by G₂/M phase arrest of cell growth at a lower dose of berberine. Annexin V assay demonstrated that the synergistic impact of zinc and berberine boosted the number of apoptotic cells. Gene expression analysis at both transcriptional and translational levels showed the upregulation of apoptotic (caspase-3 and caspase-8) and a zinc-sensing receptor (GPR39) gene with concomitant downregulation of anti-apoptotic genes like proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and clusterin. Our findings showed that the combination of zinc and berberine has synergistic anti-cancer efficacy and thus could be used as a potential chemopreventive option for colon cancer.

Berberine: An Important Emphasis on Its Anticancer Effects through Modulation of Various Cell Signaling Pathways

Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of disease and a major cause of death worldwide. Despite advancement in various treatment modules, there has been little improvement in survival rates and side effects associated with this disease. Medicinal plants or their bioactive compounds have been extensively studied for their anticancer potential. Novel drugs based on natural products are urgently needed to manage cancer through attenuation of different cell signaling pathways. In this regard, berberine is a bioactive alkaloid that is found in variety of plants, and an inverse association has been revealed between its consumption and cancer. Berberine exhibits an anticancer role through scavenging free radicals, induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of angiogenesis, inflammation, PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, and the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. In addition, synergistic effects of berberine with anticancer drugs or natural compounds have been proven in several cancers. This review outlines the anticancer effects and mechanisms of action of berberine in different cancers through modulation of various cell signaling pathways. Moreover, the recent developments in the drug delivery systems and synergistic effect of berberine are explained.

Effects of Berberine on Liver Cancer

Liver cancer, otherwise known as hepatocellular carcinoma, is a chronic disease condition with an excessive deposition and growth of malignant cells in the body. The high incidence and prevalence rates of liver cancer continue to be problems, as well as its poor prognosis and therapeutic limitations involving severe drug adverse reactions linked to the use of synthetic chemotherapeutic compounds. Continuous experimental studies, as well as utilization of pure herbal-based compounds, are essential towards finding more potent cures for liver cancer. Natural bioactive compounds, particularly alkaloids (eg, berberine), have been shown to be highly beneficial in the treatment of various diseases. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid, is obtained from stem, bark, roots, rhizomes, and leaves of several medicinal plants, including Berberis species. It is commonly synthesized from the benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline system with the incorporation of an additional carbon atom as a bridge. The multiple attributes of BBR involving effective inhibitory and cytotoxic actions against the proliferation of cancer cells have been demonstrated. The use of BBR in experimental studies (in vivo and in vitro) for over a decade for liver cancer treatment has proven to be highly effective, safe, and potent. Until now, the poor solubility of BBR remains one of the contributing factors leading to its minimal clinical bioavailability. Therefore, BBR could serve as a prospective drug candidate in the future towards drug formulation for liver cancer treatment. The relevant information regarding this review was obtained electronically through the use of databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, Hindawi, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All the aforementioned databases were searched from 1981 to 2020. This literature represents an update of previous review papers discussing the various positive pharmacological and mechanistic effects (oxidative stress regulation, inflammation reduction, apoptosis activation, overcoming drug resistance, and metastasis inhibition) of BBR for liver cancer treatment, which would be of great significance to drug development and clinical research.

Evidence for Anticancer Effects of Chinese Medicine Monomers on Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers worldwide. Although clinical reports have indicated the anticancer effects of Chinese herbal medicine, the multiple underlying molecular and biochemical mechanisms of action remain to be fully characterized. Chinese medicine (CM) monomers, which are the active components of CM, serve as the material basis of the functional mechanisms of CM. The aim of this review is to summarize the current experimental evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies for the effects of CM monomers in colorectal cancer prevention and treatment, providing some useful references for future research.

Antitumor efficiency of the natural alkaloid berberine complexed with C60 fullerene in Lewis lung carcinoma in vitro and in vivo

Background

Berberine (Ber) is a herbal alkaloid with pharmacological activity in general and a high anticancer potency in particular. However, due to its low bioavailability, the difficulty in reaching a target and choosing the right dose, there is a need to improve approaches of Ber use in anticancer therapy. In this study, Ber, noncovalently bound to a carbon nanostructure C60 fullerene (C60) at various molar ratios of the components, was explored against Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC).

Methods

C60–Ber noncovalent nanocomplexes were synthesized in 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1 molar ratios. Ber release from the nanocomplexes was studied after prolonged incubation at different pH with the liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of free Ber content. Biological effects of the free and C60-complaxated Ber were studied in vitro towards LLC cells with phase-contrast and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, MTT reduction, caspase activity and wound closure assays. The treatment with C60–Ber nanocomplex was evaluated in vivo with the LLC-tumored C57Bl mice. The mice body weight, tumor size, tumor weight and tumor weight index were assessed for four groups, treated with saline, 15 mg C60/kg, 7.5 mg Ber/kg or 2:1 C60-Ber nanocomplex (15 mg C60/kg, 7.5 mg Ber/kg).

Results

Ber release from C60–Ber nanocomplexes was promoted with medium acidification. LLC cells treatment with C60–Ber nanocomplexes was followed by enhanced Ber intracellular uptake as compared to free Ber. The cytotoxicity of the studied agents followed the order: free Ber < 1:2 < 1:1 < 2:1 C60–Ber nanocomplex. The potency of cytotoxic effect of 2:1 C60–Ber nanocomplex was confirmed by 21.3-fold decrease of IC50 value (0.8 ± 0.3 µM) compared to IC50 for free Ber (17 ± 2 µM). C60–Ber nanocomplexes induced caspase 3/7 activation and suppressed the migration activity of LLC cells. The therapeutic potency of 2:1 C60–Ber nanocomplex was confirmed in a mouse model of LLC. The tumor growth in the group treated with 2:1 C60–Ber nanocomplex is suppressed by approximately 50% at the end of experiment, while in the tumor-bearing group treated with free Ber no therapeutic effect was detected.

Conclusions

This study indicates that complexation of natural alkaloid Ber with C60 may be a novel therapeutic strategy against lung carcinoma.

Graphical abstract

An updated review on therapeutic potential and recent advances in drug delivery of Berberine: Current status and future prospect

Natural products are well known for their high potency with minimum side effects. Plant extracts are the most commonly used natural products because of their ease of availability and relatively low production cost. Berberine (BBR), a phytochemical component of some Chinese medicinal herbs (most commonlyBerberis vulgaris), is an isoquinoline alkaloid with several biological and pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumour, antimicrobial, antidepressant,hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic actions. Interestingly, multiple studies have shown that BBR is a potential drug candidate with a multi-spectrum therapeutic application. However, the oral delivery of BBR is challenged owing to its poor bioavailability. Therefore, its oral bioavailability needs to be enhanced before it can be used in many clinical applications. This review provides an overview of the various studies that support the broad range of pharmacological activities of BBR. Also, it includes a section to address the issues and challenges related with the drug and methods to improve the properties of BBR such as solubility, stability and bioavailability that may be explored to help patients reap the maximum benefit from this potentially useful drug.

The Anticancer Effect of Natural Plant Alkaloid Isoquinolines

Isoquinoline alkaloids-enriched herbal plants have been used as traditional folk medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic effects. They induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy, leading to cell death. While the molecular mechanisms of these effects are not fully understood, it has been suggested that binding to nucleic acids or proteins, enzyme inhibition, and epigenetic modulation by isoquinoline alkaloids may play a role in the effects. This review discusses recent evidence on the molecular mechanisms by which the isoquinoline alkaloids can be a therapeutic target of cancer treatment.

Berberine inhibits proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells by downregulation of GRP78

Human colorectal cancer (CRC), a highly malignant and metastatic carcinoma, is resistant to many present anticancer therapies. The inhibition of tumor survival and growth through receptor suppression is a promising way to treat CRC. The study aimed to investigate the effect of a natural plant triterpenoid, berberine (BBR), on SW480 cells and whether its role is mediated by Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78). MTT assay, wound healing assay, and Annexin V-FITC assay were used to measure the effect of BBR on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of SW480 cells, respectively. Immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to evaluate both the downregulation of BBR on GRP78 and the role of GRP78 in the effect of BBR on SW480 cells. Our results revealed that BBR inhibited the proliferation and migration, as well as induced the apoptosis of SW480 cells, in a dose-dependent manner. BBR induced the dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation in HT-29 cells. BBR inhibited the expression of GRP78 and its localization on the cell surface. Moreover, BBR inhibited the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, c-Myc, and Vimentin and up-regulated the cytokeratin expression in SW480 cells. In addition, we found that the effects of BBR on cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in SW480 cells were reversed by the overexpression of GRP78. Our findings demonstrated that BBR inhibited the proliferation and migration and induced the apoptosis of SW480 cells by downregulating the expression of GRP78, and targeting GRP78 might be a potential way to develop the effective anticancer therapy.

Beta-Blockers and Berberine: A Possible Dual Approach to Contrast Neuroblastoma Growth and Progression

The use of nutraceuticals during cancer treatment is a long-lasting debate. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline quaternary alkaloid extracted from a variety of medicinal plants. BBR has been shown to have therapeutic effects in different pathologies, particularly in cancer, where it affects pathways involved in tumor progression. In neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial childhood solid tumor, BBR, reduces tumor growth by regulating both stemness and differentiation features and by inducing apoptosis. At the same time, the inhibition of β-adrenergic signaling leads to a reduction in growth and increase of differentiation of neuroblastoma. In this review, we summarize the possible beneficial effects of BBR in counteracting tumor growth and progression in various types of cancer and, in particular, in neuroblastoma. However, BBR administration, besides its numerous beneficial effects, presents a few side effects due to inhibition of MAO A enzyme in neuroblastoma cells. Therefore, herein, we proposed a novel therapeutic strategy to overcome side effects of BBR administration consisting of concomitant administration of BBR together with β-blockers in neuroblastoma.

Berberine: A novel therapeutic strategy for cancer

Cancer, even currently, is one of the main reasons for mortality and morbidity, worldwide. In recent years, a great deal of effort has been made to find efficient therapeutic strategies for cancer, however, particularly with regards to side effects and the possibility of complete remission. Berberine (BBR) is a nature-driven phytochemical component originated from different plant groups such as Berberis vulgaris, Berberis aquifolium, and Berberis aristata. BBR is a well-known nutraceutical because of its wide range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antidiarrheal, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and fungicide. In addition, it exhibits inhibitory effects on multiple types of cancers. In this review, we have elaborated on the anticancer effects of BBR through the regulation of different molecular pathways such as: inducing apoptosis, autophagy, arresting cell cycle, and inhibiting metastasis and invasion.

Berberine derivatives with a long alkyl chain branched by hydroxyl group and methoxycarbonyl group at 9-position show improved anti-proliferation activity and membrane permeability in A549 cells

Berberine (BBR) exhibits diverse bioactivities, including anticancer activity; but its poor druggability limits its applications. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of 9-O position modified BBR derivatives aiming to improve its cell permeability and anticancer activity, utilizing a long alkyl chain branched by hydroxyl group and methoxycarbonyl group. Among these compounds, B10 showed 3.6-fold higher intracellular concentration than BBR, as well as 60-fold increased anti-proliferation activity against human lung cancer A549 cells compared with BBR. Treatment with B10 (1, 2 μM) induced apoptosis of A549 cells. Further investigations showed that B10 treatment dose-dependently affected mitochondrial functions, including oxygen consumption rate (OCR), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the morphology of mitochondria in A549 cells. Therefore, this work offers a new way for BBR structural modification through improving cell membrane permeability to affect mitochondrial functions and potential anti-tumor therapy in the future.

Berberine promotes XIAP-mediated cells apoptosis by upregulation of miR-24-3p in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND

Berberine (BBR) has gained considerable attention because of its anti-tumor activity. BBR can induce apoptosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells through the MDM2/p53 pathway. However, the effects of BBR on those ALL patients with p53 deficiency remain unclear.

RESULTS

We found that BBR reduced ALL cell viability and induced apoptosis in p53-null EU-4 and p53-mutant EU-6 cells by downregulating X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), which is increased in ALL tissues and cells. BBR-induced cell apoptosis was attenuated by inhibition of XIAP that was controlled by PIM-2. Mechanistic studies showed that BBR treatment induced an enhancement of miR-24-3p. PIM-2 is a direct target of miR-24-3p. Blockade of PIM-2 or miR-24-3p reversed BBR-induced cell apoptosis. In vivo studies, BBR remarkably alleviated leukemia conditions in a EU4 xenograft mouse model, whereas inhibition of miR-24-3p significantly reversed the effects of BBR in the leukemia condition.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-24-3p/PIM-2/XIAP signaling contributes to BBR-mediated leukemia mitigation in p53-defect ALL, which should be further developed as a treatment strategy in ALL patients with p53 deficiency.

METHODS

Cell viability and apoptosis were determined using CCK-8 and TUNEL assays, respectively. The dual-luciferase reporter gene system was used to determine the interaction between miR-24-3p and 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs) of PIM-2.

Effects of Berberine and Its Derivatives on Cancer: A Systems Pharmacology Review

Numerous studies have shown that berberine and its derivatives demonstrate important anti-tumor effects. However, the specific underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, based on systems pharmacology, this review summarizes the information available on the anti-tumor effects and mechanism of berberine and its derivatives. The action and potential mechanism of action of berberine and its derivatives when used in the treatment of complex cancers are systematically examined at the molecular, cellular, and organismic levels. It is concluded that, with further in-depth investigations on their toxicity and efficacy, berberine and its derivatives have the potential for use as drugs in cancer therapy, offering improved clinical efficacy and safety.

Preventive and Therapeutic Roles of Berberine in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from various types of plants, including those from the Berberidaceae, Ranunculaceae, and Papaveraceae families. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders. The medicinal properties of BBR include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, lipid-regulatory, and antidiabetic actions. Importantly, the efficacy of BBR against cancers has been assessed in several experimental studies and clinical trials. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a group of the most prevalent cancers worldwide that are associated with high morbidity and mortality, and their associated mortality has been increasing over the years. Thus, GI cancers have become a burden to the patients and health care systems. This review summarizes the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of BBR and explores its potential preventive and therapeutic applications against GI cancers.

Repurposing of plant alkaloids for cancer therapy: Pharmacology and toxicology

Drug repurposing (or repositioning) is an emerging concept to use old drugs for new treatment indications. Phytochemicals isolated from medicinal plants have been largely neglected in this context, although their pharmacological activities have been well investigated in the past, and they may have considerable potentials for repositioning. A grand number of plant alkaloids inhibit syngeneic or xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Molecular modes of action in cancer cells include induction of cell cycle arrest, intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, autophagy, inhibition of angiogenesis and glycolysis, stress and anti-inflammatory responses, regulation of immune functions, cellular differentiation, and inhibition of invasion and metastasis. Numerous underlying signaling processes are affected by plant alkaloids. Furthermore, plant alkaloids suppress carcinogenesis, indicating chemopreventive properties. Some plant alkaloids reveal toxicities such as hepato-, nephro- or genotoxicity, which disqualifies them for repositioning purposes. Others even protect from hepatotoxicity or cardiotoxicity of xenobiotics and established anticancer drugs. The present survey of the published literature clearly demonstrates that plant alkaloids have the potential for repositioning in cancer therapy. Exploitation of the chemical diversity of natural alkaloids may enrich the candidate pool of compounds for cancer chemotherapy and -prevention. Their further preclinical and clinical development should follow the same stringent rules as for any other synthetic drug as well. Prospective randomized, placebo-controlled clinical phase I and II trials should be initiated to unravel the full potential of plant alkaloids for drug repositioning.

Coptidis Rhizoma: a comprehensive review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

CONTEXT

Coptidis rhizome (CR), also known as Huanglian in Chinese, is the rhizome of Coptis chinensis Franch., C. deltoidea C.Y. Cheng et Hsiao, or C. teeta Wall (Ranunculaceae). It has been widely used to treat bacillary dysentery, diabetes, pertussis, sore throat, aphtha, and eczema in China.

OBJECTIVES

The present paper reviews the latest advances of CR, focusing on the botany, phytochemistry, traditional usages, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology and toxicology of CR and its future perspectives.

METHODS

Studies from 1985 to 2018 were reviewed from books; PhD. and MSc. dissertations; the state and local drug standards; PubMed; CNKI; Scopus; the Web of Science; and Google Scholar using the keywords Coptis, Coptidis Rhizoma, Huanglian, and goldthread.

RESULTS

Currently, 128 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from CR. Alkaloids are the characteristic components, together with organic acids, coumarins, phenylpropanoids and quinones. The extracts/compounds isolated from CR cover a wide pharmacological spectrum, including antibacterial, antivirus, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticancer and cardioprotective effects. Berberine is the most important active constituent and the primary toxic component of CR.

CONCLUSIONS

As an important herbal medicine in Chinese medicine, CR has the potential to treat various diseases. However, further research should be undertaken to investigate the clinical effects, toxic constituents, target organs and pharmacokinetics, and to establish criteria for quality control, for CR and its related medications. In addition, the active constituents, other than alkaloids, in both raw and processed products of CR should be investigated.

C60 Fullerene as an Effective Nanoplatform of Alkaloid Berberine Delivery into Leukemic Cells

A herbal alkaloid Berberine (Ber), used for centuries in Ayurvedic, Chinese, Middle-Eastern, and native American folk medicines, is nowadays proved to function as a safe anticancer agent. Yet, its poor water solubility, stability, and bioavailability hinder clinical application. In this study, we have explored a nanosized carbon nanoparticle-C₆₀ fullerene (C₆₀)-for optimized Ber delivery into leukemic cells. Water dispersions of noncovalent C₆₀-Ber nanocomplexes in the 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1 molar ratios were prepared. UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) evidenced a complexation of the Ber cation with the negatively charged C₆₀ molecule. The computer simulation showed that π-stacking dominates in Ber and C₆₀ binding in an aqueous solution. Complexation with C₆₀ was found to promote Ber intracellular uptake. By increasing C₆₀ concentration, the C₆₀-Ber nanocomplexes exhibited higher antiproliferative potential towards CCRF-CEM cells, in accordance with the following order: free Ber < 1:2 < 1:1 < 2:1 (the most toxic). The activation of caspase 3/7 and accumulation in the sub-G1 phase of CCRF-CEM cells treated with C₆₀-Ber nanocomplexes evidenced apoptosis induction. Thus, this study indicates that the fast and easy noncovalent complexation of alkaloid Ber with C₆₀ improved its in vitro efficiency against cancer cells.

Potential proapoptotic phytochemical agents for the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of mortality among men and women. Chemo-resistance, adverse effects and disease recurrence are major challenges in the development of effective cancer therapeutics. Substantial literature on this subject highlights that populations consuming diets rich in fibers, fruits and vegetables have a significantly reduced incidence rate of CRC. This chemo-preventive effect is primarily associated with the presence of phytochemicals in the dietary components. Plant-derived chemical agents act as a prominent source of novel compounds for drug discovery. Phytochemicals have been the focus of an increasing number of studies due to their ability to modulate carcinogenic processes through the alteration of multiple cancer cell survival pathways. Despite promising results from experimental studies, only a limited number of phytochemicals have entered into clinical trials. The purpose of the current review is to compile previously published pre-clinical and clinical evidence of phytochemicals in cases of CRC. A PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct search was performed for relevant articles published between 2008-2018 using the following key terms: 'Phytochemicals with colorectal cancers', 'apoptosis', 'cell cycle', 'reactive oxygen species' and 'clinical anticancer activities'. The present review may aid in identifying the most investigated phytochemicals in CRC cells, and due to the limited number of studies that make it from the laboratory bench to clinical trial stage, may provide a novel foundation for future research.

Anticancer effect of berberine based on experimental animal models of various cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have explored the anti-tumor effect of berberine (BBR), but little clinical evidence guides the use of BBR in cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to investigate the impact of BBR on various cancers in healthy animals to promote the transformation from bench to bed.

SEARCH METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Springer, and Cochrane databases were searched from January 2000 to October 2018 for relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only published studies focusing on the relationship between BBR and various cancers in vivo were qualified. Two review authors independently assessed the risk of bias for each study, and any disagreement was resolved by discussion or by involving a third assessor.

RESULTS

A total of 26 studies from 2000 to 2018, focusing on various cancer types, including breast cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, lung cancer, gastric cancer, neuroepithelial cancer, endometrial carcinoma, esophageal cancer, tongue cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and sarcoma were included. Overall, BBR reduced tumor volume (SMD =3.72, 95% CI: 2.89, 4.56, Z = 8.73, p < 0.00001) and tumor weight (SMD =2.35, 95% CI: 1.51, 3.19, Z = 5.50, p < 0.00001) in a linear The dose-response relationship (Pearson r = - 0.6717, p < 0.0001 in tumor volume analysis; Pearson r = - 0.7704, p < 0.0005 in tumor weight analysis). BBR inhibited angiogenesis in tumor tissues (SMD = 4.29, 95% CI: 2.14, 6.44, Z = 3.92, p < 0.00001), but it had no significant effect on the body weight of experimental animals (SMD = 0.11, 95% CI: - 0.70, 0.92, Z = 0.27, p = 0.78). Publication bias was not detected.

CONCLUSION

BBR exerted anti-tumor effects in a variety of tumors in vivo, especially breast cancer and lung cancer, and the evidence was still insufficient in colorectal cancer and gastric cancer.

Berberine Promotes Apoptosis of Colorectal Cancer via Regulation of the Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA) Cancer Susceptibility Candidate 2 (CASC2)/AU-Binding Factor 1 (AUF1)/B-Cell CLL/Lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) Axis

Background

Berberine, a natural isoquinoline alkaloid derived from Berberis genus plants, has been reported to have anti-cancer effects. While cell behavior can be modulated by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), the contributions of lncRNAs in progression and berberine effects on colorectal cancer are largely unknown. Therefore, the present study investigated the involvement and regulatory function of lncRNA cancer susceptibility candidate 2 (CASC2) during the treatment of human colorectal cancer using berberine.

Material/Methods

Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect the expression levels of lncRNA CASC2 and Bcl-2 mRNA in colorectal cancer cells. MTT assay was performed to evaluate cell viability. Flow cytometry and TUNEL assay were used to analyze the apoptosis of cancer cells. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay was done to verify the interaction between lncRNA CASC2 and (AU-binding factor 1) AUF1, or AUF1 and B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2).

Results

Treatment with berberine suppressed cell viability of colorectal cancer by promoting apoptosis level. LncRNA CASC2 was upregulated in cells treated with berberine, and knockdown of lncRNA CASC2 reversed the berberine-induced apoptosis. In addition, anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 was suppressed by berberine treatment and lncRNA CASC2, inducing the pro-apoptotic effects. Moreover, lncRNA CASC2 binds to AUF1, which sequestered AUF1 from binding to Bcl-2 mRNA, thus inducing the inactivation of Bcl-2 translation.

Conclusions

Our study reveals that lncRNA CASC2 mediates the berberine-induced pro-apoptotic effect via inhibition of Bcl-2 expression at the post-transcriptional level.

Anticancer Efficacy of the Combination of Berberine and PEGylated Liposomal Doxorubicin in Meth A Sarcoma-Bearing Mice

Berberine, the main isoquinoline alkaloid obtained from traditional plants, e.g., Berberis, Coptis, Coscinium spps., etc., is known to exhibit anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. In this study, the anticancer potential of berberine combined with PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (polyethylene glycol (PEG)-lip-DOX) was investigated. At first, the effect of berberine on endothelial cells was examined in vitro by use of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs): Berberine inhibited HUVEC growth with an IC₅₀ at 24 h of about 144 µg/mL and that at 72 h of about 29 µg/mL. In contrast, less than 50 µg/mL berberine inhibited the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression to some extent after a 24-h incubation, suggesting that berberine suppressed angiogenic action under the condition of little cytotoxicity. Next, the in vivo anticancer activity of the combination of berberine (intraperitoneally (i.p.)) and PEG-lip-DOX (intravenously (i.v.)) was examined in Meth A sarcoma-transplanted BALB/c mice. The results showed that either berberine or PEG-lip-DOX exhibited antiproliferative activity against Meth A cells. Moreover, treatment with the combination of berberine and PEG-lip-DOX suppressed the tumor growth more strongly than that with berberine or PEG-lip-DOX alone. Based on these findings, the combination cancer chemotherapy with berberine and PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin may be beneficial for the treatment of cancer.

Synergy of 2-deoxy-D-glucose combined with berberine in inducing the lysosome/autophagy and transglutaminase activation-facilitated apoptosis

Utilizing a variety of flow cytometric methods evidence was obtained indicating that a combination of the glucose analog 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-dG) and the plant alkaloid berberine (BRB) produces synergistic effect in the induction of apoptosis in human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells. The synergistic effect is seen at concentrations of the drugs at which each of them alone shows no cytotoxicity at all. The data suggest that the combination of these drugs, which are known in terms of their overall toxicity, side effects and pharmacokinetics may be considered for further studies as chemopreventive and cancer treatment modalities. Of interest are results indicating that rapamycin, which similarly to BRB, suppresses mTOR signaling, when combined with 2-dG shows no synergistic properties. Metformin, on other hand, requires much higher concentration to show the synergy with 2-dG. Also of interest are the findings pertaining to the methodology of the present study. Specifically, dynamic assessment of cellular viability was performed by using the DRAQ7 cell exclusion fluorochrome present in cultures from 0 to 72 h. Concurrent measurement of lysosomal proton pump using acridine orange as the probe shows activation of lysosomes in the cells treated with 2-dG or BRB alone as well as with the drugs combined. Apoptosis was assessed by measuring DNA fragmentation, cell cycle, activation of caspase-3 and tissue transglutaminase (Tgase). A novel cytometric method was developed based on analysis of lysosomal (acidic vesicles) proton pump in live cells followed by cell lysis with detergent and fluorochrome labeling of proteins and DNA to analyze Tgase activation concurrently with cell cycle, in same population of cells. The data show that the cell subpopulation undergoing apoptosis has increased side (right-angle) light scatter likely due to the presence of the crosslinked (solid state) proteins, the consequence Tgase activation.

Extraction in cholinium-based magnetic ionic liquid aqueous two-phase system for the determination of berberine hydrochloride in Rhizoma coptidis

A magnetic ionic liquids (MILs)-based aqueous two-phase system (MIL-ATPs) obtained by mixing with a series of inorganic salts, which involves five cholinium MILs with the piperidinyloxy radical anion is reported for the first time. Phase diagrams for the new ATPs were experimentally determined at different temperatures (298.15–318.15 K) and the liquid–liquid equilibrium data for two-phase systems were correlated according to the empirical nonlinear expression. The effects of the types of MILs, temperature and inorganic salts on the binodal curve are discussed in detail. The MIL-ATPs coupled with HPLC-UV analysis was developed in the quantitation of berberine hydrochloride in Rhizoma coptidis. Under optimal conditions, the partition coefficient of berberine hydrochloride was 127.68 with the precision values (RSD%) of 1.40% and 2.83% for intra-day (n = 6) and inter-day (n = 3), respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for berberine hydrochloride were 0.023 mg L⁻¹ and 0.077 mg L⁻¹, respectively. The recoveries were obtained in the acceptable range of 97.4–101.2%. Moreover, the content of berberine hydrochloride in the raw material of Rhizoma coptidis was measured as 123.95 mg g⁻¹ with this method. Finally, 99.8% MIL was recovered for cycle application after the removal of berberine hydrochloride by using D101 resin. This study provides a meaningful reference for the application of MIL-ATPs with great prospects.

Five cholinium type organic magnetic ionic liquids have been applied in ionic liquid-based aqueous two-phase systems by mixing with a series of inorganic salts, which is reported to extract berberine in quantitative analysis for the first time.

8-Cetylberberine inhibits growth of lung cancer in vitro and in vivo

AIMS

This study is aimed at detecting the anti-tumor efficacy of a new berberine (BBR) derivative 8-cetylberberine (HBBR), which has a significant improvement in hydrophobicity and pharmacological effects compared to BBR.

MAIN METHODS

The human non-small lung cancer cell line A549 and normal human lung epithelial cells (MRC-5) were cultured to observe inhibition in vitro. Cell viability was analyzed via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The effect of HBBR on cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry and western blotting. In animal studies, BALB/c nude mice were subcutaneously injected with A549 cells in the armpit and administrated with different dose of HBBR and BBR. The body weight, organ coefficient and tumor inhibitory rate were recorded to evaluate the effect of HBBR in vivo.

KEY FINDINGS

The data showed that HBBR induced G1-phase cycle arrest by interfering with the expression of Cyclins D1 and Cyclin E1, increased apoptosis by inducing caspase pathway, and probably inhibited the PI3K/Akt pathway in A549 cells. In addition, animal experiments proved that oral administration of HBBR at a dose of 10mg/kg could significantly inhibit tumor growth, which is stronger than the 120mg/kg dose of BBR treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results suggest that HBBR showed a significantly higher anti-tumor efficacy than BBR in vitro and in vivo and could be a potential therapy for lung cancers.

Advances in the study of berberine and its derivatives: a focus on anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects in the digestive system

It has been widely recognized that inflammation, particularly chronic inflammation, can increase the risk of cancer and that the simultaneous treatment of inflammation and cancer may produce excellent therapeutic effects. Berberine, an alkaloid isolated from Rhizoma coptidis, has broad applications, particularly as an antibacterial agent in the clinic with a long history. Over the past decade, many reports have demonstrated that this natural product and its derivatives have high activity against both cancer and inflammation. In this review, we summarize the advances in studing berberine and its derivatives as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agents in the digestive system; we also discuss their structure-activity relationship. These data should be useful for the development of this natural product as novel anticancer drugs with anti-inflammation activity.

Berberine induces neuronal differentiation through inhibition of cancer stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in neuroblastoma cells

BACKGROUND

Berberine, a plant alkaloid, has been used since many years for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. It also shows promising medicinal use against metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative disorders and cancer; however its efficacy in neuroblastoma (NB) is poorly explored.

HYPOTHESIS

EMT is important in cancer stemness and metastasis resulting in failure to differentiate; thus targeting EMT and related pathways can have clinical benefits.

STUDY DESIGN

Potential of berberine was investigated for (i) neuronal differentiation and cancer stemness inhibition, (ii) underlying molecular mechanisms regulating cancer-stemness and (iii) EMT reversal.

METHODS

Using neuro2a (N2a) neuroblastoma cells (NB); we investigated effect of berberine on neuronal differentiation, cancer-stemness, EMT and underlying signalling by immunofluorescence, RT-PCR, Western blot. High glucose-induced TGF-β mediated EMT model was used to test EMT reversal potential by Western blot and RT-PCR. STRING analysis was done to determine and validate functional protein-interaction networks.

RESULTS

We demonstrate berberine induces neuronal differentiation accompanying increased neuronal differentiation markers like MAP2, β-III tubulin and NCAM; generated neurons were viable. Berberine attenuated cancer stemness markers CD133, β-catenin, n-myc, sox2, notch2 and nestin. Berberine potentiated G0/G1 cell cycle arrest by inhibiting proliferation, cyclin dependent kinases and cyclins resulting in apoptosis through increased bax/bcl-2 ratio. Restoration of tumor suppressor proteins, p27 and p53, indicate promising anti-cancer property. The induction of NCAM and reduction in its polysialylation indicates anti-migratory potential which is supported by down regulation of MMP-2/9. It increased epithelial marker laminin and smad and increased Hsp70 levels also suggest its protective role. Molecular insights revealed that berberine regulates EMT via downregulation of PI3/Akt and Ras-Raf-ERK signalling and subsequent upregulation of p38-MAPK. TGF-β secretion from N2a cells was potentiated by high glucose and negatively regulated by berberine through modulation of TGF-β receptors II and III. Berberine reverted mesenchymal markers, vimentin and fibronectin, with restoration of epithelial marker E-cadherin, highlighting the role of berberine in reversal of EMT.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, the study demonstrates prospective use of berberine against neuroblastoma as elucidated through inhibition of fundamental characteristics of cancer stem cells: tumorigenicity and failure to differentiation and instigates reversal in the EMT.

Antioxidant Effect of Berberine and its Phenolic Derivatives Against Human Fibrosarcoma Cells

Berberine (B1), isolated from stems of Coscinium fenestratum (Goetgh.) Colebr, was used as a principle structure to synthesize three phenolic derivatives: berberrubine (B2) with a single phenolic group, berberrubine chloride (B3) as a chloride counter ion derivative, and 2,3,9,10-tetra-hydroxyberberine chloride (B4) with four phenolic groups, to investigate their direct and indirect antioxidant activities. For DPPH assay, compounds B4, B3, and B2 showed good direct antioxidant activity (IC50 values=10.7±1.76, 55.2±2.24, and 87.4±6.65 μM, respectively) whereas the IC50 value of berberine was higher than 500 μM. Moreover, compound B4 exhibited a better DPPH scavenging activity than BHT as a standard antioxidant (IC50=72.7±7.22 μM) due to the ortho position of hydroxyl groups and its capacity to undergo intramolecular hydrogen bonding. For cytotoxicity assay against human fibrosarcoma cells (HT1080) using MTT reagent, the sequence of IC50 value at 7-day treatment stated that B1<B4<B2 (0.44±0.03, 2.88±0.23, and 6.05±0.64 μM, respectively). Berberine derivatives, B2 and B4, showed approximately the same level of CAT expression and significant up-regulation of SOD expression in a dose-dependent manner compared to berberine treatment for 7-day exposure using reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. Our findings show a better direct-antioxidant activity of the derivatives containing phenolic groups than berberine in a cell-free system. For cell-based system, berberine was able to exert better cytotoxic activity than its derivatives. Berberine derivatives containing a single and four phenolic groups showed improved up-regulation of SOD gene expression. Cytotoxic action might not be the main effect of berberine derivatives. Other pharmacological targets of these derivatives should be further investigated to confirm the medical benefit of phenolic groups introduced into the berberine molecule.

Induction of G₂/M Arrest by Berberine via Activation of PI3K/Akt and p38 in Human Chondrosarcoma Cell Line

Berberine is a clinically important natural isoquinoline alkaloid found in many medicinal herbs. Berberine has been shown to have many pharmacological effects including antimicrobial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effects and mechanism of action of berberine have not been studied in chondrosarcoma. Therefore, the effects of berberine on proliferation in a human chondrosarcoma cell line (HTB-94) were investigated. Berberine inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. We also determined that inhibition of cell proliferation by berberine occurred via G₂/M phase arrest in HTB-94 cells. Berberine induced cell cycle arrest at the G₂/M phase by upregulation of p53 and p21 expression and suppressed cyclin B1, cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (cdc2), cdc25c, and phosphorylated retinoblastoma tumor-suppressor protein (pRb) expression. In addition, berberine stimulated phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and p38 kinase. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt with LY294002 (LY) and p38 kinase with SB203580 (SB), respectively, decreased berberine-induced p53 and p21 expression and restored cell proliferation and expression of cyclin B1, cdc2, cdc25c, and pRb cell cycle progression proteins. These results suggest that berberine-induced inhibition of cell proliferation by cell cycle arrest at the G₂/M phases was regulated through PI3K/Akt and p38 kinase pathways in HTB-94 chondrosarcoma cells.

Study on the interaction of berberine with nucleic acids in the presence of silver nanoparticles, and the fluorometric determination of nucleic acids

The partial intercalation binding between BER and ctDNA, and the anti-photobleaching ability of BER were both strengthened by AgNPs. A metal enhanced fluorescence-based sensitive method for the determination of nucleic acids was obtained.

Berberine and Coptidis Rhizoma as potential anticancer agents: Recent updates and future perspectives

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The antineoplastic property of Coptidis Rhizoma and berberine was correlated with its traditional use of clearing internal fire, removing damp-heat and counteracting toxic pathogens.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The anti-tumor effect of Coptidis Rhizoma and berberine was extensively studied since our last comprehensive review in 2009. This study aims to summarize the recent updates and give rise to perspectives of Coptidis Rhizoma and berberine as potential novel antineoplastic agents.

METHODS

Quality studies in recent 5 years were retrieved from PubMed, Medline and CNKI with keywords including Coptis, Coptidis Rhizoma, huanglian, berberine, tumor and cancer. Studies were focused on the pharmacological actions of Coptidis Rhizoma and berberine in cancer progression.

RESULTS

It was shown that Coptidis Rhizoma extract and berberine may repress tumor progression by regressing abnormal cell proliferation, arresting cell cycle and inducing cell death. Studies also highlighted the actions of Coptidis Rhizoma extract and berberine in inhibiting tumor cell invasion and angiogenesis, which in turn abolish cancer metastasis. Some studies have also been conducted to reveal the potential effect of Coptidis Rhizoma extract and berberine in regulating tumor stromal microenvironment, as well as in preventing carcinogenesis. Most of the results have been demonstrated with in vivo models, but results of high-quality clinical trials are not yet available. Unspecified cancer type and staging, fluctuated dose information and variants of targets across studies of berberine/ Coptidis Rhizoma impede their clinical use for cancer treatment.

CONCLUSION

Recent advances highlighted by this review may shed light on future direction of studies featuring Coptidis Rhizoma and berberine as novel antineoplastic agents, which should be repeatedly proven in future animal and clinical studies. Although more evidences on its specificity and clinical efficacy are necessary to support its clinical use, Coptidis Rhizoma and berberine are highly expected to be effective, safe and affordable treatments for cancer patients.

Berberine reduces Toll-like receptor-mediated macrophage migration by suppression of Src enhancement

Berberine is an isoquinoline with anti-inflammatory activity. We previously demonstrated that there was a loop of signal amplification between nuclear factor kappa B and Src for macrophage mobility triggered by the engagement of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). The simultaneous suppression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase 2, and cell mobility in berberine-treated macrophages suggested Src might be a target of berberine. Indeed, th reduced migration, greatly suppressed Src induction in both protein and RNA transcript by berberine were observed in macrophages exposed to LPS, peptidoglycan, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, and CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides. In addition to Src induction, berberine also inhibited LPS-mediated Src activation in Src overexpressing macrophages and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (a nitric oxide donor) could partly restore it. Moreover, berberine suppressed Src activity in fibronectin-stimulated macrophages and in v-Src transformed cells. These results implied that by effectively reducing Src expression and activity, berberine inhibited TLR-mediated cell motility in macrophages.

The antibacterial mechanism of berberine against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae

This study demonstrated berberine to be a potential natural compound against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Liquid doubling dilution, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), SDS-PAGE and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining were employed to elucidate the antibacterial activity and mechanism of berberine. The minimal inhibitory concentration of berberine was 0.3125 mg/mL, and time-kill curves showed concentration and time dependence. The TEM micrographs displayed damaged cell wall, concentrated cytoplasm, cytoplasmic content leakage and cell death. SDS-PAGE and DAPI assays revealed that berberine can restrain DNA and protein syntheses. Berberine inhibited the synthesis of proteins associated with the growth and cleavage of bacteria and then blocked the division and development of bacteria. The compound ultimately induced cytoplasm pyknosis and bacterial death.

Targets and mechanisms of berberine, a natural drug with potential to treat cancer with special focus on breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and novel therapeutic agents are needed to treat this disease. The plant-based alkaloid berberine has potential therapeutic applications for breast cancer, although a better understanding of the genes and cellular pathways regulated by this compound is needed to define the mechanism of its action in cancer treatment. In this review, the molecular targets of berberine in various cancers, particularly breast cancer, are discussed. Berberine was shown to be effective in inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis in various cancerous cells. Some signaling pathways affected by berberine, including the MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, are critical for reducing cellular migration and sensitivity to various growth factors. This review will discuss recent studies and consider the application of new prospective approaches based on microRNAs and other crucial regulators for use in future studies to define the action of berberine in cancer. The effects of berberine on cancer cell survival and proliferation are also outlined.

Multiple effects of berberine derivatives on colon cancer cells

The pharmacological use of the plant alkaloid berberine is based on its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; recently, anticancer activity has been attributed to this compound. To exploit this interesting feature, we synthesized three berberine derivatives, namely, NAX012, NAX014, and NAX018, and we tested their effects on two human colon carcinoma cell lines, that is, HCT116 and SW613-B3, which are characterized by wt and mutated p53, respectively. We observed that cell proliferation is more affected by cell treatment with the derivatives than with the lead compound; moreover, the derivatives proved to induce cell cycle arrest and cell death through apoptosis, thus suggesting that they could be promising anticancer drugs. Finally, we detected typical signs of autophagy in cells treated with berberine derivatives.

Berberine suppresses gero-conversion from cell cycle arrest to senescence

Berberine (BRB), a natural alkaloid, has a long history of medicinal use in both Ayurvedic and old Chinese medicine. Recently, available as a dietary supplement, Berberine is reported to have application in treatment of variety diseases. Previously we observed that BRB inhibited mTOR/S6 signaling concurrently with reduction of the level of endogenous oxidants and constitutive DNA damage response. We currently tested whether Berberine can affect premature, stress-induced cellular senescence caused by mitoxantrone. The depth of senescence was quantitatively measured by morphometric parameters, senescence-associated β-galactosidase, induction of p21WAF1, replication stress (γH2AX expression), and mTOR signaling; the latter revealed by ribosomal S6 protein (rpS6) phosphorylation. All these markers of senescence were distinctly diminished, in a concentration-dependent manner, by Berberine. In view of the evidence that BRB localizes in mitochondria, inhibits respiratory electron chain and activates AMPK, the observed attenuation of the replication stress-induced cellular senescence most likely is mediated by AMPK that leads to inhibition of mTOR signaling. In support of this mechanism is the observation that rhodamine123, the cationic probe targeting mitochondrial electron chain, also suppressed rpS6 phosphorylation. The present findings reveal that: (a) in cells induced to senescence BRB exhibits gero-suppressive properties by means of mTOR/S6 inhibition; (b) in parallel, BRB reduces the level of constitutive DNA damage response, previously shown to report oxidative DNA damage by endogenous ROS; (c) there appears to a causal linkage between the (a) and (b) activities; (d) the in vitro model of premature stress-induced senescence can be used to assess effectiveness of potential gero-suppressive agents targeting mTOR/S6 and ROS signaling; (e) since most of the reported beneficial effects of BRB are in age-relate diseases, it is likely that gero-suppression is the primary activity of this traditional medicine.