Effect of berberine on arachidonic acid metabolism in rabbit platelets and endothelial cells

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Berberis vulgaris and its constituent berberine, experimental and clinical, a review

Berberis vulgaris (B. vulgaris or barberry) is a medicinal plant that has been used for various purposes in traditional medicine. Berberine is one of the main alkaloids isolated from B. vulgaris and other plants. Both B. vulgaris and berberine have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects in different experimental models and clinical trials. This review aims to summarize the current evidence on the mechanisms and applications of B. vulgaris and berberine in modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune responses. The literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases until August 2023. The results indicated that B. vulgaris and berberine could inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin-17 (IL-17), and enhance the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), in various cell types and tissues. B. vulgaris and berberine can also scavenge free radicals, increase antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduce lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. B. vulgaris and berberine have been reported to exert beneficial effects in several inflammatory, oxidative, and immune-related diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, allergic diseases, and infections. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the optimal doses, safety profiles, and potential interactions of B. vulgaris and berberine with other drugs or natural compounds.

Mechanism of platelet activation and potential therapeutic effects of natural drugs

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease is one of the most concerning chronic diseases in the world. Many studies have shown that platelet overactivation is a very important factor in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. At present, the widely used antiplatelet drugs have some defects, such as drug resistance and adverse reactions.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to summarize the main mechanisms and pathways of platelet activation, the main targets of antiplatelet aggregation, and the antiplatelet aggregation components of natural drugs and their mechanisms of action to provide new research ideas for the development and application of antiplatelet drugs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this review, we systematically searched the PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and CNKI databases and selected studies based on predefined eligibility criteria. We then assessed their quality and extracted data.

RESULTS

ADP, AA, THR, AF, collagen, SDF-1α, and Ca²⁺ can induce platelet aggregation and trigger thrombosis. Natural drugs have a good inhibitory effect on platelet activation. More than 50 kinds of natural drugs and over 120 kinds of chemical compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, coumarins, and organic acids, have significantly inhibited platelet activation activity. The MAPK pathway, cGMP-PKG pathway, cAMP-PKA pathway, PI3K-AKT pathway, PTK pathway, PLC pathway, and AA pathway are the main mechanisms and pathways of platelet activation.

CONCLUSION

Natural drugs and their active ingredients have shown good activity and application prospects in anti-platelet aggregation. We hope that this review provides new research ideas for the development and application of antiplatelet drugs.

The role of berberine in Covid-19: potential adjunct therapy

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is a global diastrophic disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Covid-19 leads to inflammatory, immunological, and oxidative changes, by which SARS-CoV-2 leads to endothelial dysfunction (ED), acute lung injury (ALI), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multi-organ failure (MOF). Despite evidence illustrating that some drugs and vaccines effectively manage and prevent Covid-19, complementary herbal medicines are urgently needed to control this pandemic disease. One of the most used herbal medicines is berberine (BBR), which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and immune-regulatory effects; thus, BBR may be a prospective candidate against SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review found that BBR has anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects with mitigation of associated inflammatory changes. BBR also reduces the risk of ALI/ARDS in Covid-19 patients by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory signaling pathways. In conclusion, BBR has potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral effects. Therefore, it can be utilized as a possible anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent. BBR inhibits the proliferation of SARS-CoV-2 and attenuates the associated inflammatory disorders linked by the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways. Indeed, BBR can alleviate ALI/ARDS in patients with severe Covid-19. In this sense, clinical trials and prospective studies are suggested to illustrate the potential role of BBR in treating Covid-19.

Can Isoquinoline Alkaloids Affect Platelet Aggregation in Whole Human Blood?

Isoquinoline alkaloids have multiple biological activities, which might be associated with positive pharmacological effects as well as negative adverse reactions. As bleeding was suggested to be a side effect of the isoquinoline alkaloid berberine, we decided to ascertain if different isoquinoline alkaloids could influence hemocoagulation through the inhibition of either platelet aggregation or blood coagulation. Initially, a total of 14 compounds were screened for antiplatelet activity in whole human blood by impedance aggregometry. Eight of them demonstrated an antiplatelet effect against arachidonic acid-induced aggregation. Papaverine and bulbocapnine were the most potent compounds with biologically relevant IC₅₀ values of 26.9 ± 12.2 μM and 30.7 ± 5.4 μM, respectively. Further testing with the same approach confirmed their antiplatelet effects by employing the most physiologically relevant inducer of platelet aggregation, collagen, and demonstrated that bulbocapnine acted at the level of thromboxane receptors. None of the alkaloids tested had an effect on blood coagulation measured by a mechanical coagulometer. In conclusion, the observed antiplatelet effects of isoquinoline alkaloids were found mostly at quite high concentrations, which means that their clinical impact is most likely low. Bulbocapnine was an exception. It proved to be a promising antiplatelet molecule, which may have biologically relevant effects.

Palmatine Derivatives as Potential Antiplatelet Aggregation Agents via Protein Kinase G/Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein and Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Phosphorylation

Sixty palmatine (PMT) derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for antiplatelet aggregation taking berberine as the lead, and the structure-activity relationship was first systematically described. Among them, compound 2v showed the best potency in reducing adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. It greatly suppressed ADP-induced platelet aggregation, activation, and Akt phosphorylation in vitro and ex vivo after oral administration to mice. It also effectively inhibited carrageenan-induced thrombus formation in the mouse tail and lung, as well as reduced the serum P-selectin level. Compound 2v might simultaneously bind to protein kinase G to improve vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation and bind to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase to inhibit Akt phosphorylation, which synergically reduced platelet aggregation, thereby achieving antithrombotic efficacy. Therefore, PMT derivatives constituted a novel family of antiplatelet aggregation agents with the advantage of a good safety profile, worthy of further investigation.

Therapeutic Effects of Berberine on Liver Fibrosis are associated With Lipid Metabolism and Intestinal Flora

Liver cirrhosis is a form of liver fibrosis resulting from chronic hepatitis caused by various liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver damage, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, and by parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis. Liver fibrosis is the common pathological base and precursors of cirrhosis. Inflammation and disorders of lipid metabolism are key drivers in liver fibrosis. Studies have determined that parts of the arachidonic acid pathway, such as its metabolic enzymes and biologically active products, are hallmarks of inflammation, and that aberrant peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)-mediated regulation causes disorders of lipid metabolism. However, despite the ongoing research focus on delineating the mechanisms of liver fibrosis that underpin various chronic liver diseases, effective clinical treatments have yet to be developed. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid with multiple biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-hyperlipidemic activities. Many studies have also found that BBR acts via multiple pathways to alleviate liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the absorption of BBR is increased by nitroreductase-containing intestinal flora, and is strengthened via crosstalk with bile acid metabolism. This improves the oral bioavailability of BBR, thereby enhancing its clinical utility. The production of butyrate by intestinal anaerobic bacteria is dramatically increased by BBR, thereby amplifying butyrate-mediated alleviation of liver fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the effects of BBR on liver fibrosis and lipid metabolism, particularly the metabolism of arachidonic acid, and highlight the potential mechanisms by which BBR relieves liver fibrosis through lipid metabolism related and intestinal flora related pathways. We hope that this review will provide insights on the BBR-based treatment of liver cirrhosis and related research in this area, and we encourage further studies that increase the ability of BBR to enhance liver health.

Atheroprotective Effects and Molecular Mechanism of Berberine

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases and it is closely associated with hyperlipidemia, endothelial injury, macrophage-derived foam cells formation, proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), platelet aggregation, and altered gut microbiota. Various symptomatic treatments, that are currently used to inhibit atherosclerosis, need to be administered in long term and their adverse effects cannot be ignored. Berberine (BBR) has beneficial effects on atherosclerosis through regulating multiple aspects of its progression. This review highlights the recent advances in understanding the anti-atherosclerosis mechanism of BBR. BBR alleviated atherosclerosis by attenuation of dyslipidemia, correction of endothelial dysfunction, inhibition of macrophage inflammation and foam cell formation, activation of macrophage autophagy, regulation of the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, attenuation of platelet aggregation, and modulation of gut microbiota. This review would provide a modern scientific perspective to further understanding the molecular mechanism of BBR attenuating atherosclerosis and supply new ideas for atherosclerosis management.

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

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

The status of and trends in the pharmacology of berberine: a bibliometric review [1985-2018]

Berberine has significant antibacterial and antipyretic effects and is a commonly used drug for treating infectious diarrhoea. The current research data show that the pharmacological effects of berberine are numerous and complex, and researchers have been enthusiastic about this field. To allow researchers to quickly understand the field and to provide references for the direction of research, using bibliometrics, we analysed 1426 articles, dating from 1985 to 2018, in the field of berberine pharmacology. The research articles we found came from 69 countries/regions, 1381 institutions, 5675 authors, and 325 journals; they contained 3794 key words; they were written in 7 languages; and they were of 2 article types. This study summarizes and discusses the evolution of the historical themes of berberine pharmacology as well as the status quo and the future development directions from a holistic perspective.

Berberine in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases: From Mechanisms to Therapeutics

Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CVMD) are the leading causes of death worldwide, underscoring the urgent necessity to develop new pharmacotherapies. Berberine (BBR) is an eminent component of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2000 years. Recently, BBR has attracted much interest for its pharmacological actions in treating and/or managing CVMD. Recent discoveries of basic, translational and clinical studies have identified many novel molecular targets of BBR (such as AMPK, SIRT1, LDLR, PCSK9, and PTP1B) and provided novel evidences supporting the promising therapeutic potential of BBR to combat CVMD. Thus, this review provides a timely overview of the pharmacological properties and therapeutic application of BBR in CVMD, and underlines recent pharmacological advances which validate BBR as a promising lead drug against CVMD.

In Vitro Antiatherothrombotic Effects of Extracts from Berberis Vulgaris L., Teucrium Polium L., and Orthosiphon Stamineus Benth

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The pathogenesis is mainly due to atherosclerosis, plaque rupture, and platelet thrombus formation. The main risk factors for coronary artery disease include obesity, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure. As a part of disease management, treatment options using anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs can be applied with addition to lipid-lowering medication. However, medicinal plants comprising antiatherothrombotic effects can be used as options to combat the disease rather than drug therapies with lesser adverse effects. Therefore, the haematological effect of Berberis vulgaris L., Teucrium polium L., and Orthosiphon stamineus Benth extracts was studied using in vitro model to prevent and to treat coronary atherothrombotic disease. The aqueous, methanol, and polysaccharide extracts of B. vulgaris, T. polium, and O. stamineus, respectively, were studied for their anticoagulant and antiplatelet effect on human whole blood. Extracts were subjected to the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test for anticoagulant activity. The antiplatelet activity was investigated using an electrical impedance method. B. vulgaris aqueous extract (BVAE), B. vulgaris polysaccharide extract (BVPE), T. polium aqueous extract (TPAE), and T. polium polysaccharide extract (TPPE) significantly prolonged the coagulation time in a concentration-dependent manner (p<0.05). The administration of BVAE demonstrated the most effective antiplatelet activity against platelet aggregation caused by arachidonic acid (AA) and collagen. These antiplatelet activities may correspond to the presence of higher total phenolic compound, which thus inhibit the platelet aggregation activity. In conclusion, these findings provide strong evidence on the antiatherothrombotic effect of BVAE and TPAE.

Antiplatelet and Antithrombotic Activity of a Traditional Medicine, Hwangryunhaedok-Tang

Platelet activation and accumulation at the site of vascular injury are central to thrombus formation resulted in thrombotic disorders. Medicinal herbs could be one of the most important pharmaceutical agents that ameliorate thrombotic disorders, such as unstable angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular diseases. Hwangryunhaedok-tang (HRT) is a traditional herbal medicine that displays multiple biological properties including anti-inflammatory abilities. However, its role in platelet activation has not been fully studied. Hence, we examined whether HRT has a potent inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. We demonstrated that HRT (30, 50, and 100 μg/ml) significantly impaired thrombin- and collagen-related peptide-induced platelet aggregation, granule secretion, thromboxane B₂ generation, and intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization. Biochemical studies revealed that HRT is involved in inhibiting the phosphorylation of phospholipase C and protein kinase B. The oral administration of HRT (30, 50, and 100 mg/kg once daily for 1 and/or 7 days) efficiently ameliorates ferric chloride induced arterial thrombus formation in vivo. Tail bleeding time was not significantly increased. The qualitative phytochemical constituents of the HRT extract were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results demonstrated that HRT shows potential antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects without affecting hemostasis. Hence, HRT could be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of thrombotic diseases.

Severe postoperative hemorrhage in a patient on dietary and herbal supplements

We report a case of a patient with severe postoperative bleeding complication, secondary to dietary and herbal supplements induced platelet dysfunction. This case demonstrates the importance of preoperative assessment which includes questioning the patient with regards to their dietary and herbal supplements and of stressing the importance of discontinuing them prior to surgery.

Regulatory effects of berberine on microRNome in Cancer and other conditions

Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in different plant families such as Berberidaceae, Ranunculaceae, and Papaveraceae. BBR is well-known for its anti-inflammatory, lipid-modifying, anticancer, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antiparasitic and fungicide activities. Multiple pharmacological actions of BBR stem from different molecular targets of this phytochemical. MicroRNAs (miRs) are single-stranded, evolutionary conserved, small non-coding RNA molecules with a length of 19-23 nucleotides that are involved in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression through binding to the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of target mRNA. MiRs emerged as important regulatory elements in almost all biological processes like cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and organogenesis, and numerous human diseases such as cancer and diabetes. BBR was shown to regulate the expression of miRs in several diseases. Here, we reviewed the target miRs of BBR and the relevance of their modulation for the potential treatment of serious human diseases like multiple myeloma, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, ovarian cancer and glioblastoma. The role of miR regulation in the putative anti-diabetic effects of BBR is discussed, as well.

Prolyl oligopeptidase and its role in the organism: attention to the most promising and clinically relevant inhibitors

Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP), also called prolyl endopeptidase, is a cytosolic enzyme investigated by several research groups. It has been proposed to play an important role in physiological processes such as modulation of the levels of several neuronal peptides and hormones containing a proline residue. Due to its proteolytic activity and physiological role in cell signaling pathways, inhibition of POP offers an emerging approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as other diseases related to cognitive impairment. Furthermore, it may also represent an interesting target for treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, and as an antiangiogenesis or antineoplastic agent. In this review paper, we summarized naturally occurring POP inhibitors together with peptide-like inhibitors and their biological effects. Some of them have shown promising results and interesting pharmacological profiles. However, to date, there is no POP inhibitor available on the market although several clinical trials have been undertaken.

Medicinal Herbals with Antiplatelet Properties Benefit in Coronary Atherothrombotic Diseases

Coronary atherothrombotic diseases such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and heart failure are the serious concerns of the thrombus formed in blood vessels. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs are the cornerstones of the management of these diseases. To prevent the recurrence of these diseases, double antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel has been the standard management in most hospitals. However, aspirin resistance and clopidogrel inefficient effects due to noncompliance with double drugs regimen can cause a sinister effect on patients. Medicinal plants serve as a greater resource for new medication and their potential currently became a topic of interest to the researchers all over the world. Traditionally, certain herbs have been used as a treatment for heart diseases but have been investigated for their antiplatelet properties. This current review explained few traditional antithrombotic herbals and their antiplatelet properties in vitro and in vivo and this is to be deeply discussed in further research.

Study progress of berberine for treating cardiovascular disease

Berberine (BBR) is a natural alkaloid isolated from the Coptis chinensis. While this plant has been used in Chinese medicine for more than 2500 years, interest in its effects in treating cardiovascular disease has been growing in the last decade. Recent researches showed that BBR had the effect of anti-heart failure, anti-hypertension, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-insulin resistance, anti-arrhythmias, and anti-platelet aggregation.

Natural Products for Antithrombosis

Thrombosis is considered to be closely related to several diseases such as atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease and stroke, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, hyperuricemia, and various inflammatory conditions. More and more studies have been focused on understanding the mechanism of molecular and cellular basis of thrombus formation as well as preventing thrombosis for the treatment of thrombotic diseases. In reality, there is considerable interest in the role of natural products and their bioactive components in the prevention and treatment of thrombosis related disorders. This paper briefly describes the mechanisms of thrombus formation on three aspects, including coagulation system, platelet activation, and aggregation, and change of blood flow conditions. Furthermore, the natural products for antithrombosis by anticoagulation, antiplatelet aggregation, and fibrinolysis were summarized, respectively.

Berberine on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors: an analysis from preclinical evidences to clinical trials

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia have proven to give an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Recent studies have suggested that the natural alkaloid berberine could have pharmacological activities potentially useful in diabetes and hypercholesterolemia management.

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this review is to evaluate the metabolic properties of the natural alkaloid berberine, and its potential application to the treatment of diabetes and CVD prevention.

EXPERT OPINION

Berberine proved to be effective in improving glycemic control and lipid profile. The modern investigation on berberine pharmacological activity is actually developing and numerous scientific evidences are actually in progress and reported in international congresses. The near future perspective is the isolation or neo-synthesis of berberine analogs with a higher bioavailability. The anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-diabetic effects of berberine have to be related to markers of improvement in organ damage in humans; longer trials are needed to better evaluate the safety profile of the molecule, when administered alone or in association with other anti-hyperlipidemic or anti-diabetic drugs, especially in the European population.

Decrease in the production of β-amyloid by berberine inhibition of the expression of β-secretase in HEK293 cells

BACKGROUND

Berberine (BER), the major alkaloidal component of Rhizoma coptidis, has multiple pharmacological effects including inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, reduction of cholesterol and glucose levels, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects. It has also been demonstrated that BER can reduce the production of beta-amyloid40/42, which plays a critical and primary role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. However, the mechanism by which it accomplishes this remains unclear.

RESULTS

Here, we report that BER could not only significantly decrease the production of beta-amyloid40/42 and the expression of beta-secretase (BACE), but was also able to activate the extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway in a dose- and time-dependent manner in HEK293 cells stably transfected with APP695 containing the Swedish mutation. We also find that U0126, an antagonist of the ERK1/2 pathway, could abolish (1) the activation activity of BER on the ERK1/2 pathway and (2) the inhibition activity of BER on the production of beta-amyloid40/42 and the expression of BACE.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that BER decreases the production of beta-amyloid40/42 by inhibiting the expression of BACE via activation of the ERK1/2 pathway.

Effects of berberine on human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes

Activated rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RAFLSs) play an important role in the initiation and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Rapid proliferation and defective apoptosis of RAFLSs are two main mechanisms contributing to synovial hyperplasia. Berberine, the major constituent of Coptidis Rhizoma, has been widely used as an antitumor and anti-inflammation agent. Here we show that berberine significantly inhibited cell proliferation of serum-starved human RAFLSs in a dose-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis of berberine-treated RAFLSs indicated a cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. The inhibitory effects of berberine correlated with an induction of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors Cip1/p21 and Kip1/p27 and a reduction of CDK2, CDK4 and CDK6, and cyclins D1, D2 and E. Furthermore, an apoptosis assay showed that berberine treatment increased apoptotic death of RAFLSs, which was associated with an increased expression of proapoptotic protein Bax and decreased expression of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, and activation of caspase-3, caspase-9 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Taken together, these results demonstrate that berberine exerts antiproliferative effects against RAFLSs, likely through deregulation of numerous cell cycle and apoptosis regulators, thus having potential therapeutic implications in the treatment of RA.

Amelioration effects of berberine on diabetic microendothelial injury model by the combination of high glucose and advanced glycation end products in vitro

Microvascular complications are much earlier and common in diabetes. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), together with high glucose, play a key role in the endothelial dysfunction of diabetic vascular complications. So it is of more significance to expedite the therapies to block the formation and/or the effects of AGEs. Berberine has been showed to have anti-diabetic effects, however the effects on diabetic complications were less explored, especially the effects on the microvascular complications and the formation and pathways of AGEs which have not been reported. Therefore, the present study established an in vitro model of diabetic microendothelial (microEC) injury by the combination of high glucose and AGEs to mimic the clinical situations and examine the effects and mechanisms of berberine on high glucose-AGEs-induced microEC injuries and on the formation of AGEs. We prepared AGEs, established the high glucose-AGEs injured microEC models by MTT assay, which was further supported by significantly decreased nitric oxide (NO) release, NO synthase (NOS) and thrombomodulin production with ELISA, western blot and RT-PCR analysis. Berberine treatments showed significant improvements as indicated by significantly increased NO release, NOS and thrombomodulin production. Moreover, we also observed significant inhibition effects of berberine on AGEs formation. We concluded that the in vitro model of diabetic microEC injury could be established by the combination treatments of high glucose and AGEs, while berberine could improve the diabetic microvascular injury in vitro and inhibit the formation of AGEs, suggesting the potential clinical therapies with berberine for diabetes and its vascular complications.

Advance of studies on anti-atherosclerosis mechanism of berberine

Coptis Chinensis is a traditional Chinese medicine herb that has the effect of clearing heat and drying dampness, purging fire to eliminate toxin. Berberine is the main alkaloid of Coptis Chinensis, and, recent researches showed that berberine had the effect of anti-atherosclerosis. This paper reviewed the anti-atherosclerosis mechanism of berberine, which may be related to regulating lipids, anti-inflammation, decompression, reducing blood sugar, and inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Berberis vulgaris and its active constituent, berberine

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L. family Berberidaceae) is well known in Iran and various parts of this plant including its root, bark, leaf and fruit have been used as folk medicine. The two decades of research has demonstrated different pharmacological and therapeutic effects of B. vulgaris and its isoquinoline alkaloids (particularly berberine). Studies carried out on the chemical composition of the plant show that the most important constituents of this plant are isoquinoline alkaloids such as berberine, berbamine and palmatine. Berberine represents one of the most studied among the naturally occurring protoberberine alkaloids. In addition to B. vulgaris (barberry), berberine is present in many other plants and is used for the treatment of different diseases. This article reviews the traditional uses and pharmacological effects of total extract and the most active ingredient of B. vulgaris (berberine).

Strategies for antiplatelet targets and agents

Platelets play a key role in thrombosis and haemostasis, which can be either beneficial or deleterious depending on the circumstance. Antiplatelet therapy is the 'cornerstone' in the prevention and treatment of thrombotic diseases. Platelet activation is a complex process known as transmembrane signaling which then serves to activate the platelet via a cascade of biochemical interactions. Currently available strategies of antiplatelet therapy are generally based on the signaling pathway of platelet activation, which possess the characters that mono-agent, mono-target, and mainly irreversible inhibition. Therefore, both established and novel antiplatelet agents have their own pros and cons and such problems as resistance, drug-drug interaction, discontinuation and monitoring, etc. have been appeared. Due to the problems existing in current antiplatelet agents, future new strategies for antiplatelet targets, agent-developing and treatment might probably include three aspects: targeting the factors associated with platelet hyperactivity, developing novel antiplatelet agents with multiple targets, mild and reversible properties from natural products, and keeping healthy lifestyle and emphasizing prevention.

Berberine inhibits cytosolic phospholipase A2 and protects against LPS-induced lung injury and lethality independent of the alpha2-adrenergic receptor in mice

Acute lung injury is still a significant clinical problem having a high mortality rate despite significant advances in antimicrobial therapy and supportive care made in the past few years. Our previous study demonstrated that berberine (Ber) remarkably decreased mortality and attenuated the lung injury in mice challenged with LPS, but the mechanism behind this remains unclear. Here, we report that pretreatment with Ber significantly reduced pulmonary edema, neutrophil infiltration, and histopathological alterations; inhibited protein expression and phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2; and decreased thromboxane A2 release induced by LPS. Yohimbine, an alpha2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, did not antagonize these actions of Ber. Furthermore, pretreatment with Ber decreased TNF-alpha production and mortality in mice challenged with LPS, which were enhanced by yohimbine, and Ber combined with yohimbine also improved survival rate in mice subjected to cecal ligation and puncture. Taken together, these observations indicate that Ber attenuates LPS-induced lung injury by inhibiting TNF-alpha production and cytosolic phospholipase A2 expression and activation in an alpha2-adrenoceptor-independent manner. Berberine combined with yohimbine might provide an effective therapeutic approach to acute lung injury during sepsis.

Berberine chloride can ameliorate the spatial memory impairment and increase the expression of interleukin-1beta and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the rat model of Alzheimer's disease

Background

Berberine is the major alkaloidal component of Rhizoma coptidis, and has multiple pharmacological effects including inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, reducing cholesterol and glucose, lowering mortality in patients with chronic congestive heart failure and anti-inflammation etc. Thus berberine is a promising drug for diabetes, hyperlipemia, coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke etc. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of berberine chloride on the spatial memory, inflammation factors interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in the rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) which was established by injecting Abeta (1–40) (5 microgram) into the rats hippocampuses bilaterally.

Results

The rats were given berberine chloride (50 mg/kg) by intragastric administration once daily for 14 days. The spatial memory was assayed by Morris water maze test, IL-1beta and iNOS in the hippocampus were assayed by immunohistochemistry and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Intragastric administration of berberine significantly ameliorated the spatial memory impairment and increased the expression of IL-1beta, iNOS in the rat model of AD.

Conclusion

Berberine might be beneficial to AD by intragastric administration though it might exaggerate the inflammation reaction.

Antiplatelet Effects of a Kampo Medicine, Orengedokuto

INTRODUCTION

Orengedokuto, a Kampo medicine, is used to treat patients with hypertension and cerebrovascular disease in Japan. One of its effects is thought to be antiplatelet action, but the mechanisms involved are unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of Orengedokuto on platelet aggregation and activation.

METHODS

Platelet aggregation was determined by measuring light transmission (optical density [OD]) and light scattering intensity. Platelet activation was assessed by flow-cytometric determination of PAC-1+ and CD62P+ platelets. For the in vitro study, blood samples were obtained from 45 patients with cerebral infarction (chronic stage) and 27 magnetic resonance imaging-proven control subjects. Furthermore, Orengedokuto was administered to 10 patients with cerebral infarction for up to 12 months, and its effects on platelet aggregation and activation were evaluated.

RESULTS

Orengedokuto dose-dependently inhibited agonist-induced platelet aggregation. In vitro, the OD% (mean +/- SD) after stimulation with 2 mumol/L adenosine diphosphate was decreased from 54.4 +/- 21.0 to 16.0 +/- 14.2 (P < .01) in patients, and from 56.8 +/- 26.9 to 19.8 +/- 18.9 (P < .01) in control subjects (1000 mug/mL Orengedokuto). Similarly, the OD% after 0.5 mug/mL collagen stimulation was decreased from 98.3 +/- 37.0 to 24.8 +/- 27.9 (P < .01) in patients, and from 79.2 +/- 13.8 to 21.5 +/- 21.9 (P < .01) in the control subjects. In the clinical study, platelet aggregation was also significantly decreased (P < .05). Agonist-induced platelet activation was not significantly inhibited by Orengedokuto in vitro, but spontaneous platelet activation in patients after oral administration was reduced from 31.0 +/- 18.3 to 14.2 +/- 8.7 (PAC-1+) and from 11.3 +/- 7.8 to 5.1 +/- 3.9 (CD62+) (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated inhibitory activity of Orengedokuto on both platelet aggregation and activation at a clinically relevant dose.

Berberry Extract Reduces Neuronal Damage and N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor 1 Immunoreactivity in the Gerbil Hippocampus after Transient Forebrain Ischemia

In the present study, we studied the neuroprotective effects of berberry extract (BE) against ischemic damage and the temporal and spatial alterations of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor type 1 (NR1) and NR2A/2B immunoreactivities in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 region after transient ischemia to examine anti-ischemic effects and its role in transient forebrain ischemia. In the vehicle-treated group, the percentage of cresyl violet positive pyramidal cells in the CA1 region was about 11.4% compared to the sham-operated group 4 d after ischemic insult. BE showed neuroprotective effects against ischemic damage after ischemia-reperfusion. In the BE-treated groups, about 60-75% of CA1 pyramidal cells were stained with cresyl violet 4 d after ischemic insult. We observed the percentage of berberine (7.45+0.85 mg/g in BE) by HPLC, which is active ingredient of BE. NR1 immunoreactivity in the stratum pyramidale of the CA1 region in the vehicle-treated group was significantly increased at 30 min after transient forebrain ischemia, while at this time the NR1 immunoreactivity in the BE-treated groups was significantly low compared to the vehicle-treated group. The pattern of NR2A/B immunoreactivity in the stratum pyramidale of the BE-treated group and its protein levels were similar to that in the vehicle-treated group after ischemic insult. These results suggest that BE has potent neuroprotective effects against ischemic damage via the reduction of NR1 activity.

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

The aim of this study was to assess the anxiolytic effect of berberine (abbrev. BER) using two experimental anxiety models in the mouse. In the black and white test of anxiety, berberine (100, 500 mg/kg) produced an increase in the first time entry, time spent in the white section, and total changes between two compartments. On the other hand, in the elevated plus-maze test, berberine (100, 500 mg/kg) produced an increase in the time spent and arm entries in the open arms, and a decrease in the time spent and arm entries in the closed arms. Berberine (500 mg/kg) decreased locomotor activity in mice. Furthermore, BER at 100, 500 mg/kg decreased concentrations of NE, DA and 5-HT, and increased the concentrations of VMA, HVA and 5-HIAA in the brain stem. BER also attenuated the anxiogenic effect of WAY-100635, 8-OH DPAT and DOI and enhanced the anxiolytic effect of BUS, p-MPPI and RIT in the elevated plus-maze. These results suggested that berberine at 100 mg/kg had a significant anxiolytic-like effect, which was similar to that observed with 1 mg/kg diazepam and 2 mg/kg buspirone. The anxiolytic mechanism of BER might be related to the increase in turnover rates of monoamines in the brain stem and decreased serotonergic system activity. Moreover, BER decreased serotonergic system activity via activation of somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptors and inhibition of postsynaptic 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptors.