Anxiolytic effect of berberine on exploratory activity of the mouse in two experimental anxiety models: interaction with drugs acting at 5-HT receptors

Berberine ameliorates glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia: an in vitro and in vivo study

Berberine (BBR), a bioactive compound isolated from Coptidis Rhizoma, possesses diverse pharmacological activities including anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, hypolipidemic, and anti-diabetic. However, its role as an anti-diabetic agent in animal models of dexamethasone (Dex)-induced diabetes remains unknown. Studies have shown that natural compounds including aloe, caper, cinnamon, cocoa, green and black tea, and turmeric can be used for treating Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Compared to conventional drugs, natural compounds have less side effects and are easily available. Herein, we studied the anti-diabetic effects of BBR in a mice model of Dex-induced diabetes. HepG2 cell line was used for glucose release and glycogen synthesis studies. Cell proliferation was measured by methylthiotetrazole (MTT) assay. For animal studies, mice were treated with Dex (2 mg/kg, i.m.) for 30 days and effect of BBR at the doses 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg (p.o.) was analyzed. Glucose, insulin, and pyruvate tests were performed for evaluating the development of the diabetic model. Echo MRI was performed to assess the fat mass. Further, to elucidate the mechanism of action of BBR, mRNA expression of genes regulating gluconeogenesis, glucose uptake, and glycolysis was analyzed. In vitro BBR had no impact on cell viability up to a concentration of 50 μM. Moreover, BBR suppressed the hepatic glucose release and improved glucose tolerance in HepG2 cells. In vivo, BBR improved glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice as evidenced by enhanced glucose clearance, increased glycolysis, elevated glucose uptake, and decreased gluconeogenesis. Further, Dex treatment increased the total fat mass in mice, which was ameliorated by BBR treatment. BBR improves glucose tolerance by increasing glucose clearance, inhibiting hepatic glucose release, and decreasing obesity. Thus, BBR may become a potential therapeutic agent for treating glucocorticoid-induced diabetes and obesity in the future.

Molecular Docking and GC/MS-Based Approach for Identification of Anxiolytic Alkaloids from Griffinia (Amaryllidaceae) Species in a Zebrafish Model

Griffinia gardneriana Ravenna, Griffinia liboniana Morren and Griffinia nocturna Ravenna (Amarillydaceae) are bulbous plants found in tropical regions of Brazil. Our work aimed to determine the alkaloid profiles of Griffinia spp. and evaluate their anxiolytic potential through in vivo and in silico assays. The plants grown in greenhouses were dried and their ground bulbs were subjected to liquid-liquid partitions, resulting in alkaloid fractions that were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Anxiolytic activity was evaluated in zebrafish (Danio rerio) through intraperitoneal injection at doses of 40, 100 and 200 mg/kg in light-dark box test. GC-MS analyses revealed 23 alkaloids belonging to different skeleton types: lycorine, homolychorine, galanthamine, crinine, haemanthamine, montanine and narcisclasine. The chemical profiles were relatively similar, presenting 8 alkaloids common to the three species. The major component for G. gardneriana and G. liboniana was lycorine, while G. nocturna consisted mainly of anhydrolycorine. All three alkaloid fractions demonstrated anxiolytic effect. Furthermore, pre-treatment with diazepam and pizotifen drugs was able to reverse the anxiolytic action, indicating involving the GABAergic and serotonergic receptors. Molecular docking showed that the compounds vittatine, lycorine and 11,12-dehydro-2-methoxyassoanine had high affinity with both receptors, suggesting them to be responsible for the anxiolytic effect.

The composition, pharmacological effects, related mechanisms and drug delivery of alkaloids from Corydalis yanhusuo

Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang, also known as yanhusuo, yuanhu, yanhu and xuanhu, is one of the herb components of many Chinese Traditional Medicine prescriptions such as Jin Ling Zi San and Yuanhu-Zhitong priscription. C. yanhusuo was traditionally used to relieve pain and motivate blood and Qi circulation. Now there has been growing interest in pharmacological effects of alkaloids, the main bioactive components of C. yanhusuo. Eighty-four alkaloids isolated from C. yanhusuo are its important bioactive components and can be characterized into protoberberine alkaloids, aporphine alkaloids, opiate alkaloids and others and proper extraction or co-administration methods modulate their contents and efficacy. Alkaloids from C. yanhusuo have various pharmacological effects on the nervous system, cardiovascular system, cancer and others through multiple molecular mechanisms such as modulating neurotransmitters, ion channels, gut microbiota, HPA axis and signaling pathways and are potential treatments for many diseases. Plenty of novel drug delivery methods such as autologous red blood cells, self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems, nanoparticles and others have also been investigated to better exert the effects of alkaloids from C. yanhusuo. This review summarized the alkaloid components of C. yanhusuo, their pharmacological effects and mechanisms, and methods of drug delivery to lay a foundation for future investigations.

Neuroprotective Agents with Therapeutic Potential for COVID-19

COVID-19 patients can exhibit a wide range of clinical manifestations affecting various organs and systems. Neurological symptoms have been reported in COVID-19 patients, both during the acute phase of the illness and in cases of long-term COVID. Moderate symptoms include ageusia, anosmia, altered mental status, and cognitive impairment, and in more severe cases can manifest as ischemic cerebrovascular disease and encephalitis. In this narrative review, we delve into the reported neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19, as well as the underlying mechanisms contributing to them. These mechanisms include direct damage to neurons, inflammation, oxidative stress, and protein misfolding. We further investigate the potential of small molecules from natural products to offer neuroprotection in models of neurodegenerative diseases. Through our analysis, we discovered that flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and other natural compounds exhibit neuroprotective effects by modulating signaling pathways known to be impacted by COVID-19. Some of these compounds also directly target SARS-CoV-2 viral replication. Therefore, molecules of natural origin show promise as potential agents to prevent or mitigate nervous system damage in COVID-19 patients. Further research and the evaluation of different stages of the disease are warranted to explore their potential benefits.

Network pharmacology reveals that Berberine may function against Alzheimer's disease via the AKT signaling pathway

Objective

To investigate the mechanism underlying the effects of berberine (BBR) in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

3 × Tg AD mice were treated with BBR for 3 months, then the open field test (OFT), the novel object recognition test (NOR) and the Morris water maze (MWM) test were performed to assess behavioral performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Nissl staining were used to examine histopathological changes. The pharmacological and molecular properties of BBR were obtained from the TCMSP database. BBR-associated AD targets were identified using the PharmMapper (PM), the comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD), DisGeNet and the human gene database (GeneCards). Core networks and BBR targets for the treatment of AD were identified using PPI network and functional enrichment analyses. AutoDock software was used to model the interaction between BBR and potential targets. Finally, RT-qPCR, western blotting were used to validate the expression of core targets.

Results

Behavioral experiments, HE staining and Nissl staining have shown that BBR can improve memory task performance and neuronal damage in the hippocampus of AD mice. 117 BBR-associated targets for the treatment of AD were identified, and 43 genes were used for downstream functional enrichment analysis in combination with the results of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. 2,230 biological processes (BP) terms, 67 cell components (CC) terms, 243 molecular function (MF) terms and 118 KEGG terms were identified. ALB, EGFR, CASP3 and five targets in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway including AKT1, HSP90AA1, SRC, HRAS, IGF1 were selected by PPI network analysis, validated by molecular docking analysis and RT-q PCR as core targets for further analysis. Akt1 mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased in AD mice and significantly increased after BBR treatment (p < 0.05). Besides, AKT and ERK phosphorylation decreased in the model group, and BBR significantly increased their phosphorylation levels.

Conclusion

AKT1, HSP90AA1, SRC, HRAS, IGF1 and ALB, EGFR, CASP3 were core targets of BBR in the treatment of AD. BBR may exert a neuroprotective effect by modulating the ERK and AKT signaling pathways.

Expatiating the Pharmacological and Nanotechnological Aspects of the Alkaloidal Drug Berberine: Current and Future Trends

Traditionally, herbal compounds have been the focus of scientific interest for the last several centuries, and continuous research into their medicinal potential is underway. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from plants that possess a broad array of medicinal properties, including anti-diarrheal, anti-fibrotic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antihyperlipidemic, antihypertensive, antiarrhythmic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic effects, and is frequently utilized as a traditional Chinese medicine. BBR promotes metabolisms of glucose and lipids by activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, stimulating glycolysis and inhibiting functions of mitochondria; all of these ameliorate type 2 diabetes mellitus. BBR has also been shown to have benefits in congestive heart failure, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome. BBR has been investigated as an interesting pharmacophore with the potential to contribute significantly to the research and development of novel therapeutic medicines for a variety of disorders. Despite its enormous therapeutic promise, the clinical application of this alkaloid was severely limited because of its unpleasant pharmacokinetic characteristics. Poor bioavailability, limited absorption, and poor water solubility are some of the obstacles that restricted its use. Nanotechnology has been suggested as a possible solution to these problems. The present review aims at recent updates on important therapeutic activities of BBR and different types of nanocarriers used for the delivery of BBR in different diseases.

A review on the neuroprotective effect of berberine against chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment

Chemobrain is one of the major side effects of chemotherapy, despite increased research, the mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced cognitive changes remain unknown. Though, several possibly important candidate mechanisms have been identified and will be studied further in the future. Chemobrain is characterized by memory loss, cognitive impairment, difficulty in language, concentration, acceleration, and learning. The major characteristic of chemobrain is oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, immune dysregulation, hormonal alteration, white matter abnormalities, and DNA damage. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from various berberine species. BBR is a small chemical that easily passes the blood-brain barrier (BBB), making it useful for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Many studies on the pharmacology of BBR have been reported in the past. Furthermore, several clinical and experimental research indicates that BBR has a variety of pharmacological effects. So, in this review, we explore the pathogenesis of chemobrain and the neuroprotective potential of BBR against chemobrain. We also introduced the therapeutic role of BBR in various neurodegenerative and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, mental depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and also some stroke.

Adjunctive berberine reduces antipsychotic-associated weight gain and metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of berberine as an adjuvant in treating antipsychotic-associated weight gain and metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

One hundred thirteen participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who had developed metabolic syndrome were recruited. They were randomly assigned to berberine (600 mg/d, n = 58) or placebo (n = 55) groups for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change from baseline to week 12 in net weight. Secondary outcomes included body mass index, waist circumference, serum glucose and lipid profiles, and the severity of psychotic symptoms.

RESULTS

Compared with the placebo group, the berberine group showed a significantly greater reduction in weight gain at 9 weeks (mean difference [MD], -0.75; 95% CI, -1.42 to -0.07 [P = 0.031, d = 0.41]) and 12 weeks (MD, -1.08; 95% CI, -1.76 to -0.40 [P = 0.002, d = 0.59]). Patients who received berberine also showed statistically significant improvements in end point in body mass index (MD, -0.41; 95% CI, -0.65 to -0.17 [P = 0.001, d = 0.64]), total cholesterol (MD, -0.58; 95% CI, -0.74 to -0.41 [P < 0.001, d = 1.31]), low-density lipoprotein (MD, -0.52; 95% CI, -0.68 to -0.35 [P < 0.001, d = 1.19]), and glycated hemoglobin (MD, -0.09; 95% CI, -0.18 to 0 [P = 0.05, d = 0.37]). Berberine was well tolerated without serious adverse events and aggravation of psychotic symptoms compared with placebo.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that berberine is effective in attenuating antipsychotic-associated weight gain and metabolic syndrome.

Berberine, a Herbal Metabolite in the Metabolic Syndrome: The Risk Factors, Course, and Consequences of the Disease

In recent years, the health of patients exposed to the consequences of the metabolic syndrome still requires the search for new solutions, and plant nutraceuticals are currently being intensively investigated. Berberine is a plant alkaloid possessing scientifically determined mechanisms of the prevention of the development of atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, as well as cardiovascular complications and cancer. It positively contributes to elevated levels of fasting, postprandial blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin, while decreasing insulin resistance. It stimulates glycolysis, improving insulin secretion, and inhibits gluconeogenesis and adipogenesis in the liver; by reducing insulin resistance, berberine also improves ovulation. The anti-obesity action of berberine has been also well-documented. Berberine acts as an anti-sclerotic, lowering the LDL and testosterone levels. The alkaloid exhibits an anti-inflammatory property by stalling the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2. Berberine is neuroprotective and acts as an antidepressive. However, the outcomes in psychiatric patients are nonspecific, as it has been shown that berberine improves metabolic parameters in schizophrenic patients, acting as an adjuvant during antipsychotic treatment. Berberine acts as an anticancer option by inducing apoptosis, the cell cycle arrest, influencing MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), and influencing transcription regulation. The inhibition of carcinogenesis is also combined with lipid metabolism.

Apoptosis Induction, a Sharp Edge of Berberine to Exert Anti-Cancer Effects, Focus on Breast, Lung, and Liver Cancer

Cancer is the leading cause of death and one of the greatest barriers to increased life expectancy worldwide. Currently, chemotherapy with synthetic drugs remains one of the predominant ways for cancer treatment, which may lead to drug resistance and normal organ damage. Increasing researches have suggested that apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, is a promising way for cancer therapy. Furthermore, natural products are important sources for finding new drugs with high availability, low cost and low toxicity. As a well-known isoquinoline alkaloid, accumulating evidence has revealed that berberine (BBR) exerts potential pro-apoptotic effects on multiple cancers, including breast, lung, liver, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers. The related potential signal pathways are AMP-activated protein kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and protein kinase B pathways. In this review, we provide a timely and comprehensive summary of the detailed molecular mechanisms of BBR in treating three types of cancer (breast, lung and liver cancer) by inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, we also discuss the existing challenges and strategies to improve BBR’s bioavailability. Hopefully, this review provides valuable information for the comprehension of BBR in treating three types of cancer and highlight the pro-apoptotic effects of BBR, which would be beneficial for the further development of this natural compound as an effective clinical drug for treating cancers.

Natural Products: Ray of Hope for Anxiety Disorders

Background:

Anxiety, a familiar form of psychiatric disorder, influences numerous persons throughout the world. These psychological disorders frequently need an enduring regime of recommended medicines and impose huge costs on human societies. For the last few decenniums, discovery in the field of natural neurophysiology garnered a lot of recognition because of its least side effects.

Objective:

Many people find it helpful to discover an effective herbal remedy for anxiety with fewer detrimental repercussions. The purpose of the present article is to report medicinal plant species used as anti-anxiety agents, which in turn, are helpful to develop new anti-anxiety herbal formulations.

Method:

An unlimited, semantic electronic and manual exploration of PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, ISI, Google Scholar, Elsevier's abstract and citation database, and the database libraries was carried using keywords such as medicinal plants, herbal drugs, traditional medicine, and anxiety for recognizing natural medications in the management of anxiety disorders.

Results:

Literary review collected the information of potential anti-anxiety plants. Data support the effectiveness of some popular herbal remedies by indicating high-quality scientific studies and support several clinically efficacious natural plants as anxiolytics.

Conclusion:

Evidence-based studies indicate that natural plant treatment is an efficient way to manage anxiety disorders; the benefits outweigh the risks.

Anxiolytic effect of an extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), a traditional Chinese medicine, has demonstrated in modern studies for its pharmacological activities in treatments of CNS disorders like insomnia, dysphoria. However, its application on anxiolytic effect from the ethanol extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM_EtOH) has not yet been reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study investigated the anxiolytic effect of the SM_EtOH using the elevated plus-maze test (EPM) and the hole-board test (HBT) with diazepam and buspirone as positive controls. Also, the spontaneous locomotor activity of mice had been investigated in the open field. Further, we have illustrated the anxiolytic mechanisms of SM_EtOH with its influencing upon GABAergic and/or serotonergic nervous systems via a method that SM_EtOH was co-administered with flumazenil, a benzodiazepine (BZD) antagonist, or a drug (WAY-100635), a selective 5HT_1A receptor antagonist.

RESULTS

In hole-board test, results presented that SM_EtOH increased head-dip counts and duration time. On the other hand, a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity was observed. In the EPM test, SM_EtOH increased the percentage of open-arm entries and the percentage of time spent in open arms. However, when SM_EtOH co-administered with flumazenil or WAY-100635, the anxiolytic effect of SM_EtOH was significantly counteracted.

CONCLUSION

From these results, we can conclude that the anxiolytic mechanism of SM_EtOH is exerted through an activation of the BZD and 5HT_1A receptors.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Berberis vulgaris (barberry) against bacteria associated with caries

Objectives

The aim of this in‐vitro study was to determine the antimicrobial capacity of a Berberis vulgaris plant extract on the bacteria being associated with caries including, Streptococcus mutans, S. sobrinus, S. sanguinis, S. salivaris and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

Material and methods

Chlorhexidine 2% (CHX) mouthwash and ampicillin (10 μg/disk) were applied as positive control groups. Inhibition zone, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) related to stem, leaf and fruit of B. vulgaris plant were recorded for every five bacteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 22, one‐way ANOVA repeated measure and post hoc Tukey statistical test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results

There were no significant differences between the antimicrobial capacity of the positive controls and the extract from the stem and fruit of B. vulgaris (p > 0.05). The MIC values of the extract from the stem were significantly lower against S. sobrinus (64 μg/ml) and L. rhamnosus (128 μg/ml). The MIC value of the extract against S. mutans was significantly lower in the fruit group (64 μg/mL). The MBC value of the extract against S. sobrinus and L. rhamnosus was significantly lower in the stem group (128 μg/ml). The MBC value against S. mutans was significantly lower in the fruit group (128 μg/ml).

Conclusions

The results showed that CHX and B. vulgaris plant extract have similar antimicrobial activity against bacteria being associated with caries. Therefore, B. vulgaris, which shows antibacterial capacity, could be considered for further investigation as a safe, phytotherapeutic mouthwash to prevent dental caries.

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Treatment of mental disorders in COVID-19 survivors

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to explore the possible benefits of traditional Chinese medicine on the pathogenesis of psychological and mental health of COVID-19 survivors.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted to confirm the effects of COVID-19 on psychological and mental health of survivors. In addition to this, on the basis of signs and symptoms, TCM were used on treat mental disorder as per suggested clinical and animal experimental data plus relevant records in classical Chinese medicine books written by Zhang Zhongiing during Han Dynasty. A series of treatment plans were prescribed for COVID-19 survivors with psychological and mental disorders.

RESULTS

According to previous extensive studies focusing on effects on mental health of survivors, high incidence was observed in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) survivors. During investigations of mental health of COVID-19 patients and survivors, it is observed that they also had symptoms of mental disorders and immune dysfunction. Furthermore, it was also proposed that depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were most common mental disorders requiring special attention after the recovery from COVID-19. The symptoms of COVID-19 were analyzed, and the TCM syndrome of the depression, anxiety and PTSD after recovered from COVID19 was interpreted as internal heat and Yin deficiency. These three mental disorders pertains the category of "Lily disease", "hysteria" and "deficient dysphoria" in TCM.

CONCLUSION

Lily Bulb, Rhizoma Anemarrhena Decoction and Ganmai Dazao Decoction were used to treat depression. Suanzaoren Decoction, Huanglian Ejiao Decoction and Zhizi Chi Decoction were suggested for anxiety. Moreover, Lily Bulb, Rehmannia Decoction and Guilu Erxian Decoction were the formula for PTSD.

Effects of berberine hydrochloride on methamphetamine-induced anxiety behaviors and relapse in rats

Objective(s):

This research aimed at evaluating the effect of berberine hydrochloride on anxiety-related behaviors induced by methamphetamine (METH) in rats, assessing relapse and neuroprotective effects.

Materials and Methods:

27 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into groups of Control, METH-withdrawal (METH addiction and subsequent withdrawal), and METH addiction with berberine hydrochloride oral treatment (100 mg/kg/per day) during the three weeks of withdrawal. Two groups received inhaled METH self-administration for two weeks (up to 10 mg/kg). The elevated plus maze (EPM) test and open field test (OFT) were carried out one day after the last berberine treatment and relapse was assessed by conditional place preference (CPP) test. TUNEL assay and immunofluorescence staining for NF-κB, TLR4, Sirt1, and α-actin expression in the hippocampus were tested.

Results:

After 3 weeks withdrawal, berberine hydrochloride decreased locomotor activity and reduced anxiety-related behaviors in comparison with the METH-withdrawal group (P<0.001). The obtained results from CPP showed that berberine significantly reduced relapse (P<0.01). Significantly decrease in activation of TLR4, Sirt1, and α-actin in METH-withdrawal group was found and the percentage of TLR4, Sirt1, and α-actin improved in berberine-treated group (P<0.001). A significant activity rise of NF-κB of cells in the METH-withdrawal group was detected compared to berberine-treated and control groups (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

Treatment with berberine hydrochloride via modulating neuroinflammation may be considered as a potential new medication for the treatment of METH addiction and relapse. The histological assays supported the neuroprotective effects of berberine in the hippocampus.

Dammarane sapogenins attenuates stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors by upregulating ERK/CREB/BDNF pathways

Dammarane sapogenins (DS), an extract derived from ginseng by alkaline hydrolysis of total ginsenosides, possesses high pharmacological activity and higher bioavailability than ginsenosides. The present study was designed to investigate the anxiolytic-like effects of DS in a mouse model of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). DS (40 and 80 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated social avoidance and anxiety-like behavior in four test models of CSDS, showing increased time in the interaction zone in the social interaction test and in the center of the field in the open field test, an increased percentage of entries and open arm time in the elevated plus maze, and reduced latency to eat in the novelty-suppressed feeding test. Biochemical analyses showed that DS significantly reduced serum corticosterone levels and increased brain concentration of neurotransmitter 5-HT and noradrenaline in CSDS mice. Treatment with DS significantly upregulated BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), p-CREB/CREB and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 protein expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of CSDS mice. Collectively, these results suggest that DS exerts anxiolytic-like effects in CSDS model mice and the action is mediated, at least in part, by modulating the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis and monoamine neurotransmitter levels, and via ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.

Berberine Alleviates Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathy

Objectives

Paclitaxel (PTX) as an anticancer drug used against solid cancers, possesses adverse reactions such as neuropathic pain which has confined its use. PTX-induced neuropathic pain is mediated via activation of oxidative stress. Berberine (BER), an isoquinoline phytochemical found in several plants, exerts strong antioxidant and painkilling properties. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate pain-relieving effect of BER in a mouse model of PTX-induced neuropathic pain.

Methods

This study was done using 42 male albino mice that were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 7) as follow: Sham-operated (not treated with PTX), negative control group (PTX-treated mice receiving normal saline), BER 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg (PTX-treated mice receiving BER) and positive control group (PTX-treated mice receiving imipramine 10 mg/kg). Neuropathic pain was induced by intraperitoneal administration of four doses of PTX (2 mg/kg/day) on days 1, 3, 5 and 7. Then, on day 7, hot plate test was done to assess latency to heat to measure possible anti-neuropathic pain effect of BER.

Results

Four doses of PTX 2 mg/kg/day induced neuropathy that was reduced by BER at all time-points (i.e. 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min) after injection (P < 0.001 in comparison to control). The statistical analysis of data showed significant differences between groups (P < 0.001 in comparison to negative control), at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after injection of BER 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg; in other words, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after BER administration, neuropathic pain was significantly reduced as compared to normal saline-treated mice.

Conclusion

Altogether, our results showed that PTX could induce neuropathic pain as reflected by hyperalgesia and BER could alleviate PTX-induced thermal hyperalgesia.

Herbal medicine for post-stroke anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of herbal medicine (HM) for post-stroke anxiety (PSA). Through comprehensive searches, twenty randomized controlled trials were included. Meta-analysis showed that compared to the HM group, the conventional pharmacotherapy group showed significantly lower Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA) score after 1 week of treatment, but not after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment, and higher HAMA score after 8 weeks and 3 months of treatment. Meanwhile, compared to the conventional pharmacotherapy alone group, the HM plus conventional pharmacotherapy group showed significantly better results in HAMA score after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment. HM group was associated with lower incidence of adverse events. Current evidence suggests that HM or HM plus conventional pharmacotherapy may be safe and effective in PSA patients within a certain time period. However, due to limited strength of evidence, definite conclusions are not possible.

Pharmacological effects of berberine on mood disorders

Berberine, a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, is used in herbal medicine and has recently been shown to have efficacy in the treatment of mood disorders. Furthermore, berberine modulates neurotransmitters and their receptor systems within the central nervous system. However, the detailed mechanisms of its action remain unclear. This review summarizes the pharmacological effects of berberine on mood disorders. Therefore, it may be helpful for potential application in the treatment of mood disorders.

The immunomodulatory tellurium compound ammonium trichloro (dioxoethylene-O,O') tellurate reduces anxiety-like behavior and corticosterone levels of submissive mice

Ammonium trichloro (dioxoethylene-O,O') tellurate (AS101) is a synthetic organotellurium compound with potent immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties shown to inhibit the function of integrin αvβ3, a presynaptic cell-surface-adhesion receptor. As partial deletion of αvβ3 downregulated reuptake of serotonin by the serotonin transporter, we hypothesized that AS101 may influence pathways regulating anxiety. AS101 was tested in the modulation of anxiety-like behavior using the selectively bred Submissive (Sub) mouse strain that develop anxiety-like behavior in response to an i.p. injection. Mice were treated daily with AS101 (i.p., 125 or 200 μg/kg) or vehicle for 3 weeks, after which their anxiety-like behavior was measured in the elevated plus maze. Animals were then culled for the measurement of serum corticosterone levels by ELISA and hippocampal expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by RT-PCR. Chronic administration of AS101 significantly reduced anxiety-like behavior of Sub mice in the elevated plus maze, according to both time spent and entries to open arms, relative to vehicle-treated controls. AS101 also markedly reduced serum corticosterone levels of the treated mice and increased their hippocampal BDNF expression. Anxiolytic-like effects of AS101 may be attributed to the modulation of the regulatory influence integrin of αvβ3 upon the serotonin transporter, suggesting a multifaceted mechanism by which AS101 buffers the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to injection stress, enabling recovery of hippocampal BDNF expression and anxiety-like behavior in Sub mice. Further studies should advance the potential of AS101 in the context of anxiety-related disorders.

Berberine alleviates symptoms of anxiety by enhancing dopamine expression in rats with post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma-induced psychiatric disorder characterized by impaired fear extermination, hyperarousal, anxiety, depression, and amnesic symptoms that may involve the release of monoamines in the fear circuit. The present study measured several anxiety-related behavioral responses to examine the effects of berberine (BER) on symptoms of anxiety in rats after single prolonged stress (SPS) exposure, and to determine if BER reversed the dopamine (DA) dysfunction. Rats received BER (10, 20, or 30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, once daily) for 14 days after SPS exposure. BER administration significantly increased the time spent in the open arms and reduced grooming behavior during the elevated plus maze test, and increased the time spent in the central zone and the number of central zone crossings in the open field test. BER restored neurochemical abnormalities and the SPS-induced decrease in DA tissue levels in the hippocampus and striatum. The increased DA concentration during BER treatment may partly be attributed to mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and the DA transporter in the hippocampus, while BER exerted no significant effects on vesicular monoamine transporter mRNA expression in the hippocampus of rats with PTSD. These results suggest that BER had anxiolytic-like effects on behavioral and biochemical measures associated with anxiety. These findings support a role for reduced anxiety altered DAergic transmission and reduced anxiety in rats with PTSD. Thus, BER may be a useful agent to treat or alleviate psychiatric disorders like those observed in patients with PTSD.

Inhibition of autophagy by berberine enhances the survival of H9C2 myocytes following hypoxia

Hypoxia may induce apoptosis and autophagy to promote cardiomyocyte injury. The present study investigated the effect of berberine, a natural extract of Rhizoma Coptidis, on hypoxia‑induced autophagy and apoptosis in the H9c2 rat myocardial cell line. Expression levels of apoptosis and autophagy markers were upregulated in H9c2 myocytes during hypoxia and cell viability was reduced. However, berberine significantly reduced hypoxia‑induced autophagy in H9c2 myocytes, as demonstrated by the ratio of microtubule‑associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3 I/II and the expression levels of B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2)/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein‑interacting protein 3, and promoted cell viability. In addition, expression levels of the Bcl‑2 anti‑apoptotic protein were significantly downregulated, and expression levels of pro‑apoptotic proteins Bcl‑2‑associated X protein and cleaved caspase‑3 were upregulated during hypoxia injury in cardiac myocytes. This was reversed by treatment with berberine or the autophagy inhibitor 3‑methyladenine, whereas the autophagy agonist rapamycin had the opposite effects, suggesting that berberine reduces myocyte cell death via inhibition of autophagy and apoptosis during hypoxia. In addition, Compound C, a 5' adenosine monophosphate‑activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor, reduced apoptosis and autophagy in hypoxic myocytes, suggesting that the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway may be involved in this process. These findings suggested that berberine protects cells from hypoxia‑induced apoptosis via inhibition of autophagy and suppression of AMPK activation. Therefore, berberine may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of patients with cardiac myocyte injury and ischemia.

Concordance and incongruence in preclinical anxiety models: Systematic review and meta-analyses

Rodent defense behavior assays have been widely used as preclinical models of anxiety to study possibly therapeutic anxiety-reducing interventions. However, some proposed anxiety-modulating factors - genes, drugs and stressors - have had discordant effects across different studies. To reconcile the effect sizes of purported anxiety factors, we conducted systematic review and meta-analyses of the literature on ten anxiety-linked interventions, as examined in the elevated plus maze, open field and light-dark box assays. Diazepam, 5-HT1A receptor gene knockout and overexpression, SERT gene knockout and overexpression, pain, restraint, social isolation, corticotropin-releasing hormone and Crhr1 were selected for review. Eight interventions had statistically significant effects on rodent anxiety, while Htr1a overexpression and Crh knockout did not. Evidence for publication bias was found in the diazepam, Htt knockout, and social isolation literatures. The Htr1a and Crhr1 results indicate a disconnect between preclinical science and clinical research. Furthermore, the meta-analytic data confirmed that genetic SERT anxiety effects were paradoxical in the context of the clinical use of SERT inhibitors to reduce anxiety.

Possible role of P-glycoprotein in the neuroprotective mechanism of berberine in intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-induced cognitive dysfunction

RATIONALE

The therapeutic potential of berberine has been well documented in various neurological problems. However, the neurological mechanism of berberine remains untapped in the light of its P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated gut efflux properties responsible for reduced bioavailability. Verapamil, a well known L-type calcium channel blocker, has additional inhibitory activity against P-gp efflux pump. Thus, there is a strong scientific rationale to explore the interaction of berberine with verapamil as a possible neuroprotective strategy.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of berberine, verapamil, and their combination on behavioral alterations, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and histopathological modifications in intracerebroventricular streptozocin (ICV-STZ)-induced sporadic dementia of Alzheimer's type in rats.

METHODS

Single bilateral ICV-STZ (3 mg/kg) administration was used as an experimental model of sporadic dementia of Alzheimer's type.

RESULTS

Berberine (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, oral gavage) or verapamil (2.5 and 5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) were used as treatment drugs, and memantine (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was used as a standard. Berberine and verapamil significantly attenuated behavioral, biochemical, cellular, and histological alterations, suggesting their neuroprotective potential. Further, treatment of berberine (25 and 50 mg/kg) with verapamil (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) combinations respectively significantly potentiated their neuroprotective effect which was significant as compared to their effect per se in ICV-STZ-treated animals.

CONCLUSION

The augmentative outcome of verapamil on the neuroprotective effect of berberine can be speculated due to the inhibition of P-gp efflux mechanism and the prevention of calcium homeostasis alteration. Additionally, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of both berberine and verapamil could also contribute in their protective effect.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Berberine Hydrochloride in Patients with Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome

We aimed to evaluate clinical symptoms in diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) receiving berberine hydrochloride in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Overall, 196 patients with IBS-D were recruited for this study; consequently, 132 patients randomized to receive daily 400 mg of berberine hydrochloride, delivered twice daily or placebo for 8 weeks followed by a 4-week washout period. After a 2-week run-in period, diarrhea, abdominal pain, urgent need for defecation frequency and any adverse events were recorded daily. Prior to administration of the medication and after completing the treatment, assessment of IBS symptom scores, depression and anxiety scale scores and the IBS scale for quality of life (QOL) was carried out. The effects of berberine hydrochloride on IBS-D, defined by a reduction of diarrhea frequency (P = 0.032), abdominal pain frequency (P < 0.01) and urgent need for defecation frequency (P < 0.01), were significantly more pronounced in the berberine group than the placebo group in the 8 weeks of treatment. A trend of improvement (P < 0.05) was observed with berberine hydrochloride for IBS symptom score, depression score and anxiety score and the IBSQOL, compared with placebo. At last, berberine hydrochloride was well tolerated. So we concluded that berberine hydrochloride is well tolerated and reduces IBS-D symptoms, which effectively improved patients QOL.

Berberine regulates neurite outgrowth through AMPK-dependent pathways by lowering energy status

As a widely used anti-bacterial agent and a metabolic inhibitor as well as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, berberine (BBR) has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier. Its efficacy has been investigated in various disease models of the central nervous system. Neurite outgrowth is critical for nervous system development and is a highly energy-dependent process regulated by AMPK-related pathways. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of BBR on AMPK activation and neurite outgrowth in neurons. The neurite outgrowth of primary rat cortical neurons at different stages of polarization was monitored after exposure of BBR. Intracellular energy level, AMPK activation and polarity-related pathways were also inspected. The results showed that BBR suppressed neurite outgrowth and affected cytoskeleton stability in the early stages of neuronal polarization, which was mediated by lowered energy status and AMPK activation. Liver kinase B1 and PI3K-Akt-GSK3β signaling pathways were also involved. In addition, mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress contributed to the lowered energy status induced by BBR. This study highlighted the knowledge of the complex activities of BBR in neurons and corroborated the significance of energy status during the neuronal polarization.

Therapeutic potential of berberine against neurodegenerative diseases

Berberine (BBR) is an organic small molecule isolated from various plants that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Isolation of this compound was its induction into modern medicine, and its usefulness became quickly apparent as seen in its ability to combat bacterial diarrhea, type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, inflammation, heart diseases, and more. However, BBR’s effects on neurodegenerative diseases remained relatively unexplored until its ability to stunt Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression was characterized. In this review, we will delve into the multi-faceted defensive capabilities and bio-molecular pathways of BBR against AD, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and trauma-induced neurodegeneration. The multiple effects of BBR, some of which enhance neuro-protective factors/pathways and others counteract targets that induce neurodegeneration, suggest that there are many more branches to the diverse capabilities of BBR that have yet to be uncovered. The promising results seen provide a convincing and substantial basis to support further scientific exploration and development of the therapeutic potential of BBR against neurodegenerative diseases.

The therapeutic potential of Berberine chloride hydrate against harmaline-induced motor impairments in a rat model of tremor

Essential tremor (ET) is a progressive neurological disorder with motor and non-motor symptoms. It has conclusively been shown that modulation of glutamate receptors could ameliorate ET. Recent studies have suggested that Berberine (BBR) has an inhibitory effect on glutamate receptors. Therefore, BBR may have therapeutic effects on ET. In this study, male Wistar rats (n=10 in each group) weighing 40-60 g were divided into control, harmaline (30 mg/kg, i.p.) and berberine (10, 20 or 50mg/kg, i.p, 15 min before harmaline injection) groups. Open field, rotarod, wire grip and foot print tests were used to evaluate motor performance. The results indicated that the administration of BBR (10 and 20mg/kg) attenuated harmaline-induced tremor in rats, but the beneficial effects of BBR could not be identified at dose 50mg/kg. In addition, BBR ameliorated gait disturbance in doses of 10 and 20mg/kg. The high dose of BBR not only failed to recover step width but also showed an adverse effect on left and right step length. The results indicate that BBR only in dose of 20mg/kg recovers mobility duration. The current study found a dose-dependent manner for the therapeutic effects of BBR in ET. Our study provides the initial evidence for the effects of BBR on motor function. Since BBR exerts its effects mainly through regulation of neurotransmitter release or blocke of NMDA receptors, thus, it is predicted that BBR ameliorate harmaline effect through blockade of NMDA receptors or glutamate release. This is an important issue for future research to evaluate the possible mechanisms involved.

Effect of berberine on visceral hypersensitivity in a rat model of irritable bowel syndrome

AIM: To evaluate the effect of berberine (BBR) on visceral hypersensitivity in a rat model of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and explore the underlying mechanism.

METHODS: IBS was induced in rats by maternal separation. After berberine intervention, visceral sensitivity was evaluated using the score of abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR). Defecation parameters were evaluated by restraint stress procedure. The levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the colon and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in plasma were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS: Compared with normal control rats, the score of AWR, defecation parameters, and levels of 5-HT and IL-6 were significantly increased in rats treated with normal saline, pinaverium or BBR (P < 0.05); however, these indexes were significantly lower in the pinaverium and BBR groups than in the normal saline group (P < 0.05), and in the BBR group than in the pinaverium group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: BBR has a protective effect on visceral hypersensitivity in rats with IBS via mechanisms possibly related to IL-6 and 5-HT.

The antidepressant-like effect of 7-fluoro-1,3-diphenylisoquinoline-1-amine in the mouse forced swimming test is mediated by serotonergic and dopaminergic systems

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of monoaminergic system in the antidepressant-like action of 7-fluoro-1,3-diphenylisoquinoline-1-amine (FDPI), a derivative of isoquinoline class, in Swiss mice. The antidepressant-like effect of FDPI was characterized in the modified forced swimming test (FST) and the possible mechanism of action was investigated by using serotonergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic antagonists. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and [(3)H]serotonin (5-HT) uptake were determined in prefrontal cortices of mice. The results showed that FDPI (1, 10 and 20mg/kg, i.g.) reduced the immobility time and increased the swimming time but did not alter climbing time in the modified FST. These effects were similar to those of paroxetine (8mg/kg, i.p.), a positive control. Pretreatments with p-chlorophenylalanine (100mg/kg, i.p., an inhibitor of 5-HT synthesis), WAY100635 (0.1mg/kg, s.c., 5-HT1A antagonist), ondansetron (1mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist), haloperidol (0.2mg/kg, i.p., a non-selective D2 receptor antagonist) and SCH23390 (0.05mg/kg, s.c., a D1 receptor antagonist) were effective to block the antidepressant-like effect of FDPI at a dose of 1mg/kg in the FST. Ritanserin (1mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist), sulpiride (50mg/kg, i.p., a D2 and D3 receptor antagonist), prazosin (1mg/kg, i.p., an α1 receptor antagonist), yohimbine (1mg/kg, i.p., an α2 receptor antagonist) and propranolol (2mg/kg, i.p., a β receptor antagonist) did not modify the effect of FDPI in the FST. FDPI did not change synaptosomal [(3)H]5-HT uptake. At doses of 10 and 20mg/kg FDPI inhibited MAO-A and MAO-B activities. These results suggest that antidepressant-like effect of FDPI is mediated mostly by serotonergic and dopaminergic systems.

Comparison of Two Old Phytochemicals versus Two Newly Researched Plant-Derived Compounds: Potential for Brain and Other Relevant Ailments

Among hundreds of formulae of Chinese herbal prescriptions and recently extracted active components from the herbs, some of which had demonstrated their functions on nervous system. For the last decade or more, Gingko biloba and Polygala tenuifolia were widely studied for their beneficial effects against damage to the brain. Two compounds extracted from Apium graveolens and Rhizoma coptidis, butylphthalide and berberine, respectively, received much attention recently as potential neuroprotective agents. In this review, the two traditionally used herbs and the two relatively new compounds will be discussed with regard to their potential advantages in alleviating brain and other relevant ailments.

Berberis Fruit Extract and Biochemical Parameters in Patients With Type II Diabetes

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is a common medical problem. There is in fact a growing body of literature on plants used for the treatment of diabetes. Plant materials attracted considerable interest of scientists. In this respect, in the past few years, attempts were made to use natural plant products for the treatment of patients with diabetes.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Berberis fruit extract to achieve glycemic control in patients with Type II diabetes.

Materials and Methods:

This study was performed between July 2010 and April 2013. Thirty patients of type II diabetes admitted to Ayatollah Rohhani hospital were recruited. Patients’ sera were collected for the assessment of glucose and HbA1c values. Biochemical analyses were performed before and after treatment by Berberis fruit extract. Biochemical parameters were measured by spectrophotometric method (Jenway uv/vis, 6505 model, Dunmow, UK). Glucose level was measured by glucose oxidase method kit (Pars Azmoon, Tehran, IR Iran). Serum total cholesterol and triglycerides were measured using standard biochemical kits (Pars Azmoon, Tehran, Iran). Blood glycated hemoglobin level was measured by using Elisa kit (Bioassay technology laboratory, Elisa kit). Experiments were performed in triplicate in at least three separate experiments.

Results:

Our findings demonstrated that patients with type 2 diabetes who received barberry fruit had significant reduction in serum glucose to 136.15 ± 32.8 mg/dL and decreased HbA1c levels to 7.07 ± 1.21 mg/dL, during the 8 weeks of study.

Conclusions:

This investigation revealed that Berberis fruit extract has beneficial metabolic effects in patients with type II diabetes. Barberry may improve glucose catabolism via glycolysis pathway, stimulate insulin secretion or improve insulin function and finally decrease glucose uptake. Our results indicated that Berberis fruit regulates glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Inhibition of organic cation transporter 2 and 3 may be involved in the mechanism of the antidepressant-like action of berberine

Organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) and 3 (OCT3) are low-affinity, high-capacity transporters (uptake-2) expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and other major organs. Proven to be essential components in the CNS functions, OCT2 and OCT3 are suggested as potential targets of antidepressant therapeutics recently. Berberine, an active constituent derived from many medicinal plants, such as Coptis chinensis, has been reported to possess antidepressant-like action in the tail suspension test and forced swim test with elevated serotonin/norepinephrine/dopamine (5-HT/NE/DA) level in mouse brain; however the mechanism has not been elucidated. In consideration of the relation between OCT2/3 and antidepressant action, and the characteristic of berberine as an organic cation, we investigated the potential involvement of OCT2 and OCT3 in the antidepressant-like action of berberine in the present study. The results in mouse brain synaptosomes demonstrated that uptake-2 inhibition might play a notable role in enhanced serotonergic and noradrenergic effects induced by berberine. The inhibitory study in transfected MDCK cells displayed that berberine is a potent inhibitor of human OCT2 and OCT3, and its IC50 values for inhibition of transporter-mediated 5-HT/NE uptake are between 0.1 and 1μM. In addition, berberine was identified as a substrate of hOCT2 and hOCT3. In conclusion, berberine is a substrate and an inhibitor of hOCT2 and hOCT3, and its inhibition on OCT2- and OCT3-mediated 5-HT and NE uptake may contribute to the enhanced monoamine neurotransmission in mouse brain. It was deduced that the inhibition of OCT2 and OCT3 probably be implicated in the mechanism of antidepressant-like action.

A possible mechanism for the anxiolytic-like effect of gallic acid in the rat elevated plus maze

This work was performed to characterize the possible mechanisms involved in the anxiolytic-like activity of gallic acid (GA) in the rat elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Male Wistar rats were acutely treated with a single dose of GA (10-500 mg/kg, i.p.) or diazepam and buspirone, 30 min prior to behavioral assessment in the EPM, open-field and rotarod tests. Treatment with GA markedly produced an increase in the time spent and entries in the open arms of EPM at doses of 30 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. These effects were comparable to those of the diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and buspirone (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Pretreatment with benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil (3 mg/kg, i.p.) partially blocked the anxiolytic-like effect of GA. However, an increase in the time spent and entries in the open arms of EPM observed with GA treatment were significantly inhibited by the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.). In the open-field test, only GA at a dose of 500 mg/kg decreased locomotor activity in rats. Moreover, GA (10-300 mg/kg, i.p.) or diazepam and buspirone did not alter motor coordination in the rotarod test. These results indicate that GA is an effective anxiolytic agent at low doses, while at the highest dose it has sedative effect. Also this study suggests that the anxiolytic-like activity of GA is primarily mediated by the 5-HT1A but not benzodiazepine receptors.

Anxiolytic-Like Effects of Chrysanthemum indicum Aqueous Extract in Mice: Possible Involvement of GABAA Receptors and 5-HT1A Receptors

Chrysanthemum indicum Linne is an ancient herbal medicine used to treat bone and muscle deterioration, ocular infl ammation, headache, and anxiety in Korea, China, and Japan. Furthermore, tea derived from Chrysanthemum indicum Linne has been used to treat anxiety by facilitating relaxation and curing insomnia. However, no reports exist on the anxiolytic-like effects of Chrysanthemum indicum Linne water extract (CWE) in mice. In the present study, we investigated the anxiolytic-like effects of CWE using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test in mice. CWE, at a dose of 500 mg/kg (p.o.), signifi cantly increased the time spent in the open arms of the EPM compared to a vehicle-injected control group. Moreover, the effect of CWE (500 mg/kg) was blocked by bicuculline (a selective GABA_A receptor antagonist) and WAY 100635 (a selective 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist). Taken together, these fi ndings suggest that the anxiolytic-like effects of CWE might be mediated by the GABA_A receptor and the 5-HT_1A receptor.

Effect of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense (Relora®) on cortisol and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects

Background

Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) and Phellodendron (Phellodendron amurense) barks are medicinal plants commonly used as traditional remedies for reducing stress and anxiety. Modern dietary supplements are intended to induce relaxation and reduce stress as well as stress-related eating. Previous studies have shown the combination of Magnolia/Phellodendron (MP) to reduce both cortisol exposure and the perception of stress/anxiety, while improving weight loss in subjects with stress-related eating. Competitive athletes are “stressed” by their intense exercise regimens in addition to their normal activities of daily living and thus may benefit from a natural therapy intended to modulate baseline perceptions of stress and stress hormone exposure.

Methods

We assessed salivary cortisol exposure and psychological mood state in 56 subjects (35 men and 21 women) screened for moderate stress and supplemented with a standardized/patented MP combination (Relora®, Next Pharmaceuticals) or Placebo for 4 weeks.

Results

After 4 weeks of supplementation, salivary cortisol exposure was significantly (p<0.05) lower (−18%) in the Relora group compared to Placebo. Compared to Placebo, the Relora group had significantly better (p<0.05) mood state parameters, including lower indices of Overall Stress (−11%), Tension (−13%), Depression (−20%), Anger (−42%), Fatigue (−31%), and Confusion (−27%), and higher indices of Global Mood State (+11%) and Vigor (+18%).

Conclusion

These results indicate that daily supplementation with a combination of Magnolia bark extract and Phellodendron bark extract (Relora®) reduces cortisol exposure and perceived daily stress, while improving a variety of mood state parameters, including lower fatigue and higher vigor. These results suggest an effective natural approach to modulating the detrimental health effects of chronic stress in moderately stressed adults. Future studies should examine the possible performance and recovery benefits of Relora supplementation in athletes overstressed by the physical and psychological demands of training and competition.

Neurotoxic effects of berberine on long-term L-DOPA administration in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease

The effects of berberine on long-term administration of L-DOPA in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD) were investigated. Rat models of PD were prepared by 6-OHDA lesions in the ipsilateral sides, and then were treated with berberine (5 and 15 mg/kg) and/or L-DOPA (10 mg/kg) once daily for 21 days. Treatments with either concentration of berberine (5 and 15 mg/kg) in 6-OHDA-lesioned groups decreased the numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunopositive neurons in the substantia nigra and the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in the striatum as compared to 6-OHDA-lesioned groups. In addition, dopaminergic neuronal cell death of the ipsilateral sides in 6-OHDA-lesioned groups was attenuated by L-DOPA administration. However, both concentrations of berberine in 6-OHDA-lesioned groups treated with L-DOPA aggravated the numbers of TH-immunopositive neurons in the substantia nigra and the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, DOPAC and HVA in the striatum as compared to rats not treated with berberine. These results suggest that berberine leads to the degeneration of dopaminergic neuronal cells in the substantia nigra in the rat model of PD with chronic L-DOPA administration. Long-term L-DOPA therapy that may involve possibly neurotoxic isoquinoline agents including berberine should involve monitoring for adverse symptoms.

Effect of berberine on depression- and anxiety-like behaviors and activation of the noradrenergic system induced by development of morphine dependence in rats

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether berberine (BER) administration could attenuate depression- and anxiety-like behaviors and increase corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression following chronic morphine withdrawal in rats. Male rats were exposed to chronic, intermittent, escalating morphine (10~50 mg/kg) for 10 days. After the last morphine injection, depression- and anxiety-like beahvior associated with morphine discontinuation persisted for at least three days during withdrawal without any change in ambulatory activity. Daily BER administration significantly decreased immobility in the forced swimming test and increased open-arm exploration in the elevated plus maze test. BER administration also significantly blocked the increase in hypothalamic CRF expression and TH expression in the locus coeruleus (LC) and the decrease in hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that BER administration significantly reduced morphine withdrawal-associated behaviors following discontinuation of repeated morphine administration in rats, possibly through modulation of hypothalamic CRF and the central noradrenergic system. BER may be a useful agent for treating or alleviating complex withdrawal symptoms and preventing morphine use relapses.

Interaction mechanism between berberine and the enzyme lysozyme

In the present paper, the interaction between model protein lysozyme (Lys) and antitumorigenic berberine (BBR) was investigated by spectroscopic methods, for finding an efficient and safe photosensitizer with highly active transient products using in photodynamic therapy study. The fluorescence data shows that the binding of BBR could change the environment of the tryptophan (Trp) residues of Lys, and form a new complex. Static quenching is the main fluorescence quenching mechanism between Lys and BBR, and there is one binding site in Lys for BBR and the type of binding force between them was determined to be hydrophobic interaction. Furthermore, the possible interaction mechanism between BBR and Lys under the photoexcitation was studied by laser flash photolysis method, the results demonstrated that BBR neutral radicals (BBR(-H)) react with Trp (K=3.4×10(9)M(-1)s(-1)) via electron transfer to give the radical cation (Trp/NH(+)) and neutral radical of Trp (TrpN). Additionally BBR selectively oxidize the Trp residues of Lys was also observed by comparing the transient absorption spectra of their reaction products. Through thermodynamic calculation, the reaction mechanisms between (3)BBR and Trp or Lys were determined to be electron transfer process.

PI3K p55γ promoter activity enhancement is involved in the anti-apoptotic effect of berberine against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

Berberine is a candidate clinical neuroprotective agent against ischemic stroke. In the present study, we examined the influence of the PI3K/Akt pathway in mediating the anti-apoptotic effects of berberine. Oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation of nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12 cells and primary neurons, and bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in mice were used as in vitro and in vivo ischemia models. We found that the anti-apoptotic effects of berberine against ischemia were indeed mediated by the increased phosphor-activation of Akt (higher p-Akt to total Akt), leading to the intensified phosphorylation of Bad and the decreased cleavage of the pro-apoptotic protease caspase-3. Berberine action is specific for PI3K, rather than the upstream receptor tyrosine kinase. The anti-apoptotic effect is maintained in the presence of tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein and the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor PD153035, but is suppressed by the PI3K inhibitor Ly294002 and the Akt inhibitor Akti-1/2.The unique PI3K regulatory subunit p55γ was upregulated by berberine during ischemia-reperfusion and was not blocked by these inhibitors. We constructed a reporter plasmid to detect PI3K p55γ promoter activity and found that berberine enhanced PI3K p55γ promoter activity during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion.

Inhibitory effect of berberine on the motivational effects of ethanol in mice

It is believed that drug-induced rewarding effects play an important role in the development of substance dependence. Recently, berberine was reported to inhibit the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse such as cocaine, morphine, and nicotine. Berberine is also demonstrated to modulate the activity of several neurotransmitter systems like, dopamine, nitric oxide, serotonin, and NMDA, which are implicated in rewarding effects of ethanol. Hence, we hypothesized that berberine may modulate the ethanol-induced rewarding effects. Therefore, we studied the effect of berberine on locomotor sensitization, conditioned place preference (CPP), and ethanol drinking preference in mice. The results revealed that acute administration of berberine (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) dose dependently reduced locomotor stimulant effect of acute ethanol and expression of sensitization to locomotor stimulant effect of ethanol. Further, pretreatment with berberine (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) prior to each dose of ethanol, blocked the development as well as expression of sensitization to locomotor stimulant effect of ethanol. In another set of experiment, treatment with berberine (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the induction and expression of ethanol-induced CPP in mice. In addition, berberine in these doses also reduced preference to ethanol drinking over water, but did not alter the general reward. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that berberine attenuates ethanol-induced rewarding effects in mice and that could be attributed to its neuro-modulatory action.