Antimicrobial activity of aqueous extracts and of berberine isolated from Berberis heterophylla

Current trends in natural products for the treatment and management of dementia: Computational to clinical studies

The number of preclinical and clinical studies evaluating natural products-based management of dementia has gradually increased, with an exponential rise in 2020 and 2021. Keeping this in mind, we examined current trends from 2016 to 2021 in order to assess the growth potential of natural products in the treatment of dementia. Publicly available literature was collected from various databases like PubMed and Google Scholar. Oxidative stress-related targets, NF-κB pathway, anti-tau aggregation, anti-AChE, and A-β aggregation were found to be common targets and pathways. A retrospective analysis of 33 antidementia natural compounds identified 125 sustainable resources distributed among 65 families, 39 orders, and 7 classes. We found that families such as Berberidaceae, Zingiberaceae, and Fabaceae, as well as orders such as Lamiales, Sapindales, and Myrtales, appear to be important and should be researched further for antidementia compounds. Moreover, some natural products, such as quercetin, curcumin, icariside II, berberine, and resveratrol, have a wide range of applications. Clinical studies and patents support the importance of dietary supplements and natural products, which we will also discuss. Finally, we conclude with the broad scope, future challenges, and opportunities for field researchers.

Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Activities of the Ethanolic Extract Obtained from Berberis vulgaris Roots and Leaves

This work assessed the phenolic and flavonoid components and their antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial effects in the ethanolic extract of barberry leaf and roots. The antibactericidal activity of root and leaf extracts against pathogenic bacteria was tested using agar diffusion and microdilution broth production for the lowest inhibitory concentration (MIC). Berberis vulgaris root and leaf extracts inhibited Staphylococcus aureus ATCC9973, Escherichia coli HB101, Staphylococcus enteritis, and Escherichia coli Cip812. The disc assay technique was used to assess the bactericidal activity of the extracts versus both pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Hydro alcoholic extract was more effective against bacterial than fungal strains. The results showed that Berberis vulgaris leaf and roots extract had similar antifungal activities. Berberis vulgaris root extract inhibited the mycelial growth of Penicillium verrucosum, Fusarium proliferatum, Aspergillus ochraceous, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. Berberis vulgaris root extract has excellent antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. Berberis vulgaris exhibited antimicrobial activity in vitro, and MIC showed that Berberis vulgaris parts efficiently affected pathogens in vitro. In conclusion, both Berberis vulgaris roots and leaves have considerable antibacterial activity and can be used as a source of antibacterial, antioxidant, and bioactive compounds to benefit human health.

Natural Products for the Prevention and Control of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Sustainable Bioresources

Background: The world has been unprecedentedly hit by a global pandemic which broke the record of deadly pandemics that faced humanity ever since its existence. Even kids are well-versed in the terminologies and basics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 now. The vaccination program has been successfully launched in various countries, given that the huge global population of concern is still far behind to be vaccinated. Furthermore, the scarcity of any potential drug against the COVID-19-causing virus forces scientists and clinicians to search for alternative and complementary medicines on a war-footing basis. Aims and Objectives: The present review aims to cover and analyze the etiology and epidemiology of COVID-19, the role of intestinal microbiota and pro-inflammatory markers, and most importantly, the natural products to combat this deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus. Methods: A primary literature search was conducted through PubMed and Google Scholar using relevant keywords. Natural products were searched from January 2020 to November 2020. No timeline limit has been imposed on the search for the biological sources of those phytochemicals. Interactive mapping has been done to analyze the multi-modal and multi-target sources. Results and Discussion: The intestinal microbiota and the pro-inflammatory markers that can serve the prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19 were discussed. The literature search resulted in yielding 70 phytochemicals and ten polyherbal formulations which were scientifically analyzed against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its targets and found significant. Retrospective analyses led to provide information about 165 biological sources that can also be screened if not done earlier. Conclusion: The interactive analysis mapping of biological sources with phytochemicals and targets as well as that of phytochemical class with phytochemicals and COVID-19 targets yielded insights into the multitarget and multimodal evidence-based complementary medicines.

Oral hygiene in Namibia: A case of chewing sticks

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chewing sticks have served as the primary form of dental care for rural communities in resource-poor settings for millennia. They are one of the most important under-researched, non-timber forest products in Namibia. This review provides an overview of plants that are used as chewing sticks in Namibia and highlights pharmacological as well as phytochemical studies conducted on them.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to present a summary of studies that have been done on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, biological activity as well as evidence on the scientific validation and geographical distribution of chewing sticks in Namibia. It also highlights research gaps and provides an impetus for the scientific investigations of these plant species.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Literature searches using keywords including oral hygiene, chewing sticks, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, antimicrobial, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory activities and toxicity studies, chewing sticks, and distribution in Namibia on various electronic search engines was conducted.

RESULTS

Of the 41 plant species identified, Cordia sinensis Lam., Faidherbia albida (Delile) A.Chev. and Harpagophytum zeyheri Decne. are used for both gargling and as mouthwash. The plant families Fabacae, Ebenaceae, and Burseraceae account for 22.0%, 12.2%, and 7.30% of plant species recorded as chewing sticks in Namibia respectively. This study revealed a significant relationship between plant family and scientific validation. Species belonging to Burseraceae, Apocynaceae, Montiniaceae, and Cucurbitaceae families have only been partially validated. The Kunene region, home to the Ovahimba ethnic group, had the highest proportion (87.8%) of chewing sticks species compared to other regions.

CONCLUSION

This review revealed that most of the plants used as chewing sticks in Namibia require an in-depth pharmacological and phytochemical investigation as deduced from the paucity of literature on the therapeutic methods, mechanisms of action, efficacy, toxicity, and clinical relevance of these species.

Combinatorial liposomes of berberine and curcumin inhibit biofilm formation and intracellular methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections and associated inflammation

The increase in drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, especially methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), has led to an increased rate of infection-related mortality. The emergence of drug resistance has rendered many antibiotics ineffective. The poor penetration and retention of antibiotics in mammalian cells lead to recurrent latent infections. Thus, there is an increasing need for biodegradable, non-toxic anti-infectives that are effective in treating MRSA infections. Phytochemicals such as berberine (BBR) and curcumin (CCR) have long been explored for their antibacterial activities, but their efficacy is often limited due to low bioavailability, water solubility, and poor cell penetration. When used in combination these antimicrobials did not show any synergistic effect against MRSA. Here, both of them were co-encapsulated in liposomes (BCL) and evaluated for biocompatibility, synergistic antimicrobial activity, intracellular infections, associated inflammation, and on biofilms formed by MRSA. Co-encapsulation of BBR and CCR in liposomes decreased their MICs by 87% and 96%, respectively, as compared to their free forms with a FICI of 0.13, indicating synergy between them. BCL inhibited the growth of MRSA and prevented biofilm formation better than free drugs. Co-culture studies showed that intracellular infection was reduced to 77% post BCL treatment. It also reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by macrophages following infection. The liposomes were found to be five times more efficient than clindamycin and can be used as a potential antimicrobial carrier against intracellular infections.

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.

Ethnomedicinal uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Aspects of the Genus Berberis Linn: A Comprehensive Review

BACKGROUND

Genus Berberis (family Berberidaceae), which contains about 650 species and 17 genera worldwide, has been used in folklore and various traditional medicine systems. Berberis Linn. is the most established group among genera with around 450-500 species across the world. This comprehensive review will not only help researchers for further evaluation but also provide substantial information for future exploitation of species to develop novel herbal formulations.

OBJECTIVE

The present review is focussed to summarize and collect the updated review of information of Berberis species reported to date regarding their ethnomedicinal information, chemical constituents, traditional/folklore use, and reported pharmacological activities on more than 40 species of Berberis.

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive survey of the literature reveals that various species of the genus possess various phytoconstituents mainly alkaloids, flavonoid based compounds isolated from different parts of a plant with a wide range of pharmacological activities. So far, many pharmacological activities like anti-cancer, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antiinflammatory both in vitro and in vivo and clinical study of different extracts/isolated compounds of different species of Berberis have been reported, proving their importance as a medicinal plant and claiming their traditional use.

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.

Progress and prospects in the management of bacterial infections and developments in Phytotherapeutic modalities

The advent of antibiotics revolutionized medical care resulting in significantly reduced mortality and morbidity caused by infectious diseases. However, excessive use of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic resistance and indeed, the incidence of multidrug-resistant pathogens is considered as a major disadvantage in medication strategy, which has led the scholar's attention towards innovative antibiotic sources in recent years. Medicinal plants contain a variety of secondary metabolites with a wide range of therapeutic potential against the resistant microbes. Therefore, the aim of this review is to explore the antibacterial potential of traditional herbal medicine against bacterial infections. More than 200 published research articles reporting the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants against drug-resistant microbial infections were searched using different databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), etc., with various keywords like medicinal plants having antibacterial activities, antimicrobial potentials, phytotherapy of bacterial infection, etc. Articles were selected related to the efficacious herbs easily available to local populations addressing common pathogens. Various plants such as Artocarpus communis, Rheum emodi, Gentiana lutea L., Cassia fistula L., Rosemarinus officinalis, Argemone maxicana L, Hydrastis canadensis, Citrus aurantifolia, Cymbopogon citrates, Carica papaya, Euphorbia hirta, etc, were found to have significant antibacterial activities. Although herbal preparations have promising potential in the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infection, still more research is required to isolate phytoconstituents, their mechanism of action as well as to find their impacts on the human body.

Effects of Cortex Phellodendri extract on post-weaning piglets diarrhoea

The diarrhoea incidence rate is often high among weaning piglets. In light of the fact that Cortex phellodendri has long been used to treat diarrhoea in China, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cortex Phellodendri Extract (CPE) on diarrhoea in weaning piglets and the mechanism behind such effects. In the first trial, 36 diarrhoeal weaning piglets were randomly divided into three groups. The control group was injected with 20 mg oxytetracycline/kg BW, while the two treatment groups were orally administered with 10 mg and 20 mg CPE/kg BW respectively. In the second trial, 96 weaning piglets were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was fed basal diet, while 300 mg CPE/kg BW was added to the diet of the treatment group. The pathogenic bacteria were then isolated and identified from the diarrhoeal faecal samples. Cell adhesion and RT‐PCR tests were used to investigate the effect of CPE on the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to IPEC‐J2 cells. 16S rDNA‐based high‐throughput sequencing was used to analyse faecal microflora. The results showed that CPE reduced the diarrhoea incidence rate (p < 0.05) and diarrhoea index (p < 0.05) compared to control group, and increased the richness and evenness of weaning piglets’ gut microbiota. Escherichia coli (E. coil) was identified as the causative organism. Cell adhesion and RT‐PCR tests suggested that CPE reduced the adhesion of E. coli to IPEC‐J2 cells (p < 0.05) and the expression of fae and faeG gene (p < 0.05) responsible for encoding E. coli fimbriae protein.

Syntheses and Structure-Activity Relationships in Growth Inhibition Activity against Human Cancer Cell Lines of 12 Substituted Berberine Derivatives

In this study, quaternary berberine chloride is used as a lead compound to design and synthesize a series of berberine-12-amine derivatives to evaluate the growth inhibition activity against human cancer cell lines. Forty-two compounds of several series were obtained. The quaternary berberine-12-N,N-di-n-alkylamine chlorides showed the targeted activities with the IC₅₀ values of most active compounds being dozens of times those of the positive control. A significant structure–activity relationship (SAR) was observed. The activities of quaternary berberine-12-N,N-di-n-alkylamine chlorides are significantly stronger than those of the reduced counterparts. In the range of about 6-8 carbon atoms, the activities increase with the elongation of n-alkyl carbon chain of 12-N,N-di-n-alkylamino, and when the carbon atom numbers are more than 6-8, the activities decrease with the elongation of n-alkyl carbon chain. The activities of the tertiary amine structure are significantly higher than that of the secondary amine structure.

Berberine pharmacology and the gut microbiota: A hidden therapeutic link

Berberine is a natural pentacyclic isoquinoline alkaloid that has been isolated as the principal component of many popular medicinal plants such as the genus Berberis, Coptis and Hydrastis. The multifunctional nature of berberine as a therapeutic agent is an attribute of its diverse effects on enzymes, receptors and cell signalling pathways. Through specific and general antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, its polypharmacology has been established. Intriguingly, this is despite the poor bioavailability of berberine in animal models and hence begging the question how it induces its reputed effects in vivo. A growing evidence now suggest the role of the gut microbiota, the so-called the hidden organ, as targets for the multifunctional role of berberine. Evidences are herein scrutinised to show that the structural and numerical changes in the gut microbiota under pathological conditions are reversed by berberine. Examples in the pharmacokinetics field, obesity, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, cancer, inflammatory disease conditions, etc. are used to show the link between the gut microbiota and the polypharmacology of berberine.

Berberis Plants-Drifting from Farm to Food Applications, Phytotherapy, and Phytopharmacology

The genus Berberis includes about 500 different species and commonly grown in Europe, the United States, South Asia, and some northern areas of Iran and Pakistan. Leaves and fruits can be prepared as food flavorings, juices, and teas. Phytochemical analysis of these species has reported alkaloids, tannins, phenolic compounds and oleanolic acid, among others. Moreover, p-cymene, limonene and ocimene as major compounds in essential oils were found by gas chromatography. Berberis is an important group of the plants having enormous potential in the food and pharmaceutical industry, since they possess several properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer activities. Here we would like to review the biological properties of the phytoconstituents of this genus. We emphasize the cultivation control in order to obtain the main bioactive compounds, the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in order to apply them for food preservation and for treating several diseases, such as cancer, diabetes or Alzheimer. However, further study is needed to confirm the biological efficacy as well as, the toxicity.

Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Novel 9-O-Substituted Berberine Derivatives

Berberine is a bioactive isoquinoline alkaloid derived from many plants. Although berberine has been shown to inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of several tumor cell lines, its poor absorption and moderate activity hamper its full therapeutic potential. Here, we describe the synthesis of a series of 9-O-substituted berberine derivatives with improved antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing activities. An analysis of novel berberine derivatives by EPR spectroscopy confirmed their similar photosensitivity and analogous behavior upon UVA irradiation as berberine, supporting their potential to generate ROS. Improved antitumor activity of novel berberine derivatives was revealed by MTT assay, by flow cytometry and by detection of apoptotic DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activation, respectively. We showed that novel berberine derivatives are potent inhibitors of growth of HeLa and HL-60 tumor cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.7 to 16.7 µM for HL-60 cells and 36 to >200 µM for HeLa cells after 48 h treatment. Further cell cycle analysis showed that the observed inhibition of growth of HL-60 cells treated with berberine derivatives was due to arresting these cells in the G₂/M and S phases. Most strikingly, we found that berberine derivative 3 (9-(3-bromopropoxy)-10-methoxy-5,6-dihydro-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquino[3,2-a] isoquinolin-7-ylium bromide) possesses 30-fold superior antiproliferative activity with an IC₅₀ value of 0.7 µM and 6-fold higher apoptosis-inducing activity in HL-60 leukemia cells compared to berberine. Therefore, further studies are merited of the antitumor activity in leukemia cells of this berberine derivative.

Modified n-HA/PA66 scaffolds with chitosan coating for bone tissue engineering: cell stimulation and drug release

The dipping-drying procedure and cross-linking method were used to make drug-loaded chitosan (CS) coating on nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide66 (nHA/PA66) composite porous scaffold, endowing the scaffold controlled drug release functionality. The prefabricated scaffold was immersed into an aqueous drug/CS solution in a vacuum condition and then crosslinked by vanillin. The structure, porosity, composition, compressive strength, swelling ratio, drug release and cytocompatibility of the pristine and coating scaffolds were investigated. After coating, the scaffold porosity and pore interconnection were slightly decreased. Cytocompatibility performance was observed through an in vitro experiment based on cell attachment and the MTT assay by MG63 cells which revealed positive cell viability and increasing proliferation over the 11-day period in vitro. The drug could effectively release from the coated scaffold in a controlled fashion and the release rate was sustained for a long period and highly dependent on coating swelling, suggesting the possibility of a controlled drug release. Our results demonstrate that the scaffold with drug-loaded crosslinked CS coating can be used as a simple technique to render the surfaces of synthetic scaffolds active, thus enabling them to be a promising high performance biomaterial in bone tissue engineering.

Berberis vulgaris extract/β-cyclodextrin complex increases protection of hepatic cells via suppression of apoptosis and lipogenesis pathways

Berberis vulgaris (Bv) is well known worldwide for its healing properties. However, limited information is available concerning its mechanism of action and the increased hepatoprotective activity of formulated extracts. This study evaluated the protective effect of Bv bark extract against CCl₄-induced cytotoxicity in Huh7 cells, as well whether β-cyclodextrin complexation of the extract resulted in increased hepatoprotective effects. Huh7 cells were incubated for 48 h with 5, 7.5 and 10 µg/ml of unformulated or formulated Bv extract alone and in co-treatment with CCl₄. The effects on Huh7 cell growth and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT assay, caspase-3/7 activity and caspase-3 expression, whereas fatty acid changes were investigated by Oil red O staining and the detection of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) expression using immunofluorescence. Ultrastructural alterations were observed by electron microscopy. The MTT assay showed that co-exposure to CCl₄ and 7.5 µg/ml formulated extract led to a 1.25-fold increase in cell viability compared with the non-formulated extract. Caspase-3/7 activity decreased by 50% and 70% following co-treatment with unformulated or formulated extract, compared with that in cells treated with CCl₄ alone. Furthermore, hepatocyte ultrastructure was protected from CCl₄-induced injury in the two co-treated groups, intracytoplasmic lipid accumulation decreased significantly and PPARγ expression was restored, in comparison with CCl₄-treated cells alone. Formulated and unformulated extracts were efficient against the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic actions of CCl₄ through suppression of CCl₄-induced caspase-3 activation and lipid accumulation. The protective effect of the formulated extract was more pronounced than that of the unformulated one, which may be due to its increased solubility.

Protective effect of Berberis aristata against peritonitis induced by carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli in a mammalian model

OBJECTIVES

Berberis aristata is known to contain a variety of phenolic compounds contributing to its holistic capability of mitigating bacterial multidrug resistance.

METHODS

B. aristata stem bark extract was prepared and was characterised using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The antimicrobial efficacy of the extract against carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli was assessed in vivo in an animal model using Sprague Dawley rats. Microbial counts in blood and urine, physical health status, haematological and biochemical analysis of blood, and histopathology of the kidney were assessed as the study endpoints.

RESULTS

An aquo-alcoholic extract of B. aristata (PTRC-2111-A) was found to effectively manage peritonitis induced by carbapenem-resistant E. coli in a rat model at a single post-exposure prophylactic dose of 0.5mg/kg body weight (BW). The extract was also found to show a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) up to a dose of 2000mg/kg BW. Physical, immunological, haematological, biochemical and histopathological aberrations were found to be restored to normal in the herbal-treated group at a dose of 0.5mg/kg BW.

CONCLUSIONS

The antimicrobial and hepatorenal protective ability of PTRC-2111-A could be attributed to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids.

Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms of the Interplay Between Herbal Medicines and Gut Microbiota

Herbal medicines (HMs) are much appreciated for their significant contribution to human survival and reproduction by remedial and prophylactic management of diseases. Defining the scientific basis of HMs will substantiate their value and promote their modernization. Ever-increasing evidence suggests that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in HM therapy by complicated interplay with HM components. This interplay includes such activities as: gut microbiota biotransforming HM chemicals into metabolites that harbor different bioavailability and bioactivity/toxicity from their precursors; HM chemicals improving the composition of gut microbiota, consequently ameliorating its dysfunction as well as associated pathological conditions; and gut microbiota mediating the interactions (synergistic and antagonistic) between the multiple chemicals in HMs. More advanced experimental designs are recommended for future study, such as overall chemical characterization of gut microbiota-metabolized HMs, direct microbial analysis of HM-targeted gut microbiota, and precise gut microbiota research model development. The outcomes of such research can further elucidate the interactions between HMs and gut microbiota, thereby opening a new window for defining the scientific basis of HMs and for guiding HM-based drug discovery.

Drug loaded poly(glycerol sebacate) as a local drug delivery system for the treatment of periodontal disease

A simple, cost-efficient method to load drugs into poly(glycerol sebacate) polymer. Drugs were able to sustained release for up to 60 days. The drugs loaded polymer showed cytocompatibility and antimicrobial activities.

Comparison of the Effects of Myrtus Communis L, Berberis Vulgaris and Metronidazole Vaginal Gel alone for the Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis

INTRODUCTION

There is a growing tendency towards herbal medicines for treatment of vaginitis. Antibacterial and antifungal effects of Myrtus communis L and Berberis vulgaris have been demonstrated invitro and invivo.

AIM

This study aimed to compare the therapeutic effects of the vaginal gel of Berberis vulgaris 5% (in metronidazole base) and Myrtus communis L 2% (in metronidazole base) with only metronidazole vaginal gel 0.75% on bacterial vaginosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a randomized clinical trial research on 120 married women aged 18-40 years affected by bacterial vaginosis attended for treatment to gynaecology clinic of Hajar Hospital (Shahrekord, Iran). They were randomly divided into three groups of 40 participants. Diagnostic criteria were Amsel's criteria. Myrtus communis L, Berberis vulgaris vaginal gel or metronidazole vaginal gel for five-night usage were prescribed to each group, and after 7 days therapeutic effects were assessed. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA and Chi-square tests.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was observed with regard to treatment response among the study groups (p<0.001), with Myrtus communis L and Berberis vulgaris groups having a better response than metronidazole gel alone. Moreover, there was no significant difference between Myrtus communis L and Berberis vulgaris groups (p= 0.18). The patients in groups of Myrtus communis L or Berberis vulgaris in metronidazole base did not experience any relapse, but in metronidazole group, 30% of patients experienced relapse during three weeks follow up.

CONCLUSION

Findings of the study showed that treatment with a combination of Myrtus communis L or Berberis vulgaris in metronidazole base improve the efficacy of bacterial vaginosis therapy.

Determination of cytotoxicity of traditional Chinese medicine herbs, Rhizoma coptidis, Radix scutellariae, and Cortex phellodendri, by three methods

BACKGROUND

Many herbs are used in traditional Chinese medicine TCM) for treatment of infections but their properties, in particular, their effects on normal cells have received little attention. This study investigated the cytotoxic properties of three TCM herbs with potential use in prevention and treatment of ocular infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis.

METHOD

The study investigated cytotoxic effects of the herbal extracts of Rhizoma coptidis, Radix scutellariae, and Cortex phellodendri on human corneal epithelial cells using trypan blue staining, MTT production, and flow cytometry. Differences between herbs were determined using repeated measures one-way analysis of variance, followed by paired t-tests where appropriate.

RESULTS

These three herbs appeared to lack cytotoxicity when tested with trypan blue and MTT, but flow cytometry revealed that R. coptidis led to cell membrane damage.

CONCLUSION

Lack of cytotoxicity of R. scutellariae and C. phellodendri extracts suggest that these are potentially suitable for use in ocular preparations. Only flow cytometry was able to accurately predict cytotoxic effects of extracts of TCM herbs on HCEC, demonstrating the importance of using a sensitive method of detection of cytotoxicity.

Inhibition of Oral Streptococci Growth Induced by the Complementary Action of Berberine Chloride and Antibacterial Compounds

Synergistic interactions between natural bioactive compounds from medicinal plants and antibiotics may exhibit therapeutic benefits, acting against oral cariogenic and opportunistic pathogens. The aim of the presented work was to assess the antibacterial activity of berberine chloride (BECl) in light of the effect exerted by common antibiotics on selected reference strains of oral streptococci (OST), and to evaluate the magnitude of interactions. Three representative oral microorganisms were investigated: Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 (SM), S. sanguinis ATCC 10556 (SS), S. oralis ATCC 9811 (SO) and microdilution tests, along with disc diffusion assays were applied. Here, we report that growth (viability) of all oral streptococci was reduced by exposure to BECl and was dependent primarily on exposure/incubation time. A minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of BECl against OST ranged from 512 µg/mL (SS) to 1024 µg/mL (SM, SO). The most noticeable antibacterial effects were observed for S. sanguinis (MIC 512 µg/mL) and the most significant synergistic action was found for the combinations BECl-penicillin, BECl-clindamycin and BECl-erythromycin. The S. oralis reflects the highest MBC value as assessed by the AlamarBlue assay (2058 µg/mL). The synergy between berberine and common antibiotics demonstrates its potential use as a novel antibacterial tool for opportunistic infections and also provides a rational basis for the use of berberine as an oral hygiene measure.

A review on biological and chemical diversity in Berberis (Berberidaceae)

Berberis is an important genus and well known in the Indian as well as European systems of traditional medicine. It is used since ancient times for curing eye disease, fever, jaundice, rheumatism, vomiting during pregnancy, kidney and gall balder stones and various other ailments due to the presence of biologically active alkaloid berberine. Action of the root extracts of few species are believed to be as powerful as quinine in the treatment of malarial fever. A plethora of literature pertaining to the taxonomy, biology, chemistry, traditional and ethnic uses of Berberis in different countries and indigenous cultures was collected by both offline (library, journals, textbooks etc.) and online mode (electronic search of available databases). In addition to this, books on traditional medicine and ethno pharmacological knowledge were also referred to extract ancient uses of Berberis in different traditional medicine systems. Most of the folklore, traditional and ethno botanical claims about Berberis species were validated by broad spectrum in vitro and vivo pharmacological studies. The present article summarizes its usage in eye and liver disorder, fever, kidney and gall stones along with anticancer activity. This comprehensive review will not only help researchers for further evaluation but also provide substantial information for future exploitation of species to develop novel herbal formulations.

Berberine enhances the antibacterial activity of selected antibiotics against coagulase-negative Staphylococcus strains in vitro

Synergistic interactions between commonly used antibiotics and natural bioactive compounds may exhibit therapeutic benefits in a clinical setting. Berberine, an isoquinoline-type alkaloid isolated from many kinds of medicinal plants, has proven efficacy against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. The aim of the presented work was to assess the antibacterial activity of berberine chloride in light of the effect exerted by common antibiotics on fourteen reference strains of Staphylococccus spp., and to evaluate the magnitude of interactions of berberine with these antistaphylococcal antibiotics. In our study minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of berberine chloride against CoNS ranged from 16 to 512 µg/mL. The most noticeable effects were observed for S. haemolyticus ATCC 29970, S. epidermidis ATCC 12228, S. capitis subsp. capitis ATCC 35661, S. galinarium ATCC 700401, S. hominis subsp. hominis ATCC 27844, S. intermedius ATCC 29663 and S. lugdunensis ATCC 49576. The most significant synergistic effect was noticed for berberine in combination with linezolid, cefoxitin and erythromycin. The synergy between berberine and antibiotics demonstrates the potential application of compound combinations as an efficient, novel therapeutic tool for antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

Antifungal, Antileishmanial, and Cytotoxicity Activities of Various Extracts of Berberis vulgaris (Berberidaceae) and Its Active Principle Berberine

In this study, in vitro antidermatophytic activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, and Microsporum gypseum was studied by disk diffusion test and assessment of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using CLSI broth macrodilution method (M38-A2). Moreover, antileishmanial and cytotoxicity activity of B. vulgaris and berberine against promastigotes of Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica were evaluated by colorimetric MTT assay. The findings indicated that the various extracts of B. vulgaris particularly berberine showed high potential antidermatophytic against pathogenic dermatophytes tested with MIC values varying from 0.125 to >4 mg/mL. The results revealed that B. vulgaris extracts as well as berberine were effective in inhibiting L. major and L. tropica promastigotes growth in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) values varying from 2.1 to 26.6  μ g/mL. Moreover, it could be observed that berberine as compared with B. vulgaris exhibited more cytotoxicity against murine macrophages with CC50 (cytotoxicity concentration for 50% of cells) values varying from 27.3 to 362.6  μ g/mL. Results of this investigation were the first step in the search for new antidermatophytic and antileishmanial drugs. However, further works are required to evaluate exact effect of these extracts in animal models as well as volunteer human subjects.

Calmodulin as a potential target by which berberine induces cell cycle arrest in human hepatoma Bel7402 cells

Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid that has drawn extensive attention because it possesses various biological activities. Several mechanisms have been proposed to interpret the anticancer activity of berberine. However, these explanations are mostly based on its downstream-regulated genes or proteins; information on the direct target proteins that mediate the antiproliferative action of berberine remains unclear. In this study, a computational pipeline based on a ligand-protein inverse docking program and mining of the 'Connectivity MAP' data was adopted to explore the potential target proteins for berberine. The results showed that four proteins, that is calmodulin, cytochrome P450 3A4, sex hormone-binding globulin, and carbonic anhydrase II, were suggested to be the potential targets of berberine. The anticalmodulin property of berberine was demonstrated with an in vitro phosphodiesterase activity assay. Flow cytometric analysis found that G1 cell cycle arrest induced by berberine in Bel7402 cells was enhanced by cotreatment with calmodulin inhibitors. Western blotting results indicated that berberine treatment decreased phosphorylation of calmodulin kinase II and blocked subsequent MEK1 activation as well as p27 protein degradation. These results suggested that calmodulin might play crucial roles in berberine-induced cell cycle arrest in cancer cells.

New aspects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a novel carrier for berberine

Background

Berberine was encapsulated in yeast cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as novel carriers to be used in different food and drug industries. The microcapsules were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fourier transform infra red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and fluorescence microscopy. The encapsulation factors such as plasmolysis of yeast cells which affects the % encapsulation yield were studied.

Results

Fluorescence microscopy showed the yeast cells became fluorescent after encapsulation process. DSC diagram was representing of new peak for microcapsule which was not the same as berberine and the empty yeast cells peaks, separately. FTIR spectrums of microcapsules and yeast cells were almost the same. The plasmolysed and non plasmolysed microcapsules were loaded with berberine up to about 40.2 ± 0.2% w/w.

Conclusion

Analytical methods proved that berberine was encapsulated in the yeast cells. Fluorescence microscopy and FTIR results showed the entrance of berberine inside the yeasts. DSC diagram indicated the appearance of new peak which is due to the synthesis of new product. Although plasmolysis caused changes in yeast cell structure and properties, it did not enhance berberine loading in the cells. The results confirmed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae could be an efficient and safe carrier for active materials.

A refined-JinQi-JiangTang tablet ameliorates prediabetes by reducing insulin resistance and improving beta cell function in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Refined-JQ (JQ-R) is a mixture of refined extracts from three major herbal components of JinQi-JiangTang tablet: Coptis chinensis (Ranunculaceae), Astragalus membranaceus (Leguminosae), and Lonicera japonica (Caprifoliaceae). Our previous studies have indicated that JQ-R could decrease fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic mice and insulin resistance mice. Investigating the hypoglycemic effect of JQ-R on prediabetes has practical application value for preventing or delaying insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and possibly the development of clinical diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-diabetic potential of JQ-R was investigated using a high fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model. C57BL/6J mice (HFD-C57 mice) were fed with high-fat diet for 4 months. HFD-C57 mice were treated with either JQ-R (administered intragastrically once daily for 4 weeks) or metformin (as positive control), and the effects of JQ-R on body weight, blood lipids, glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and beta cell function were monitored.

RESULTS

The body weight, serum cholesterol, and the Homeostasis Model Assessment ratio (insulin resistance index) were significantly reduced in JQ-R or metformin-treated mice, and the glucose tolerance was enhanced and insulin response was improved simultaneously. Moreover, both JQ-R and metformin could activate liver glycogen syntheses even under a relatively high glucose loading. Although glyconeogenesis was inhibited in the metformin treated mice, it was not observed in JQ-R treated mice. Similar to metformin, JQ-R could also improve the glucose infusion rate (GIR) in hyperglycemic clamp test. JQ-R was also shown to increase the levels of phosphorylated AMPKα and phosphorylated acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), similar to metformin.

CONCLUSION

JQ-R could reduce HFD-induced insulin resistance by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, increasing insulin sensitivity through activating the AMPK signaling pathway, and subsequently improving β cell function. Therefore, JQ-R may offer an alternative in treating disorders associated with insulin resistance, such as prediabetes and T2DM.

Potential antibacterial activity of berberine against multi drug resistant enterovirulent Escherichia coli isolated from yaks (Poephagus grunniens) with haemorrhagic diarrhoea

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of berberine, a plant alkaloid.

METHODS

Five multi-drug resistant (MDR) STEC/EPEC and five MDR ETEC isolates from yaks with haemorrhagic diarrhoea were selected for the study. Antibacterial activity of berberine was evaluated by broth dilution and disc diffusion methods. The binding kinetics of berberine to DNA and protein was also enumerated.

RESULTS

For both categories of enterovirulent Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates, berberine displayed the antibacterial effect in a dose dependent manner. The MIC(50) of berberine chloride for STEC/EPEC isolates varied from 2.07 μM to 3.6 μM with a mean of (2.95 ± 0.33) μM where as for ETEC strains it varied from 1.75 to 1.96 μM with a mean of (1.87 ± 0.03) μM. Berberine bind more tightly with double helix DNA with Bmax and Kd of (24.68±2.62) and (357.8±57.8), respectively. Berberine reacted with protein in comparatively loose manner with Bmax and Kd of (18.9±3.83) and (286.2±113.6), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate clearly that berberine may serve as a good antibacterial against multi drug resistant E. coli.

Discovery, synthesis and biological evaluation of cycloprotoberberine derivatives as potential antitumor agents

A series of new 1,13-cycloprotoberberine derivatives defined through variations at the 9-position were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxicities in human HepG2 (hepatoma), HT1080 (fibrosarcoma) and HCT116 (colon cancer) cells. The preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) revealed that the replacement of 9-methoxyl with an ester moiety might significantly enhance the antiproliferative activity in vitro. Notably, compound 7f demonstrated equipotent cytotoxicity activity against breast cancer MCF-7 (parent) and doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant MCF-7 (MCF-7/ADrR) cells, indicating a mode of action different from that of DOX. Further mechanism study showed that 7f significantly inhibited activity of DNA topoisomerase I (Top I) and Top II. G2/M phase arrest and tumor cell growth reduction was observed thereafter. Thus, we consider cycloprotoberberine analogues to be a new family of promising antitumor agents with an advantage of inhibiting drug-resistant cancer cells.

Reduced system exposures of total rhein and baicalin after combinatory oral administration of rhein, baicalin and berberine to beagle dogs and rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhein (Rh), baicalin (BG) and berberine (Be) are important coexisted constituents of San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang, which was widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of gastritis, hypertension, gastric bleeding and peptic ulcers, etc.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Based on the extensive phase II conjugation reactions of polyphenols (Rh and BG) in vivo, the aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of combination (Rh, BG and Be) on the system exposures of total Rh and BG involving the phase II conjugates metabolites and its possible mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 3×3 Latin square single heavy design was used to investigate the pharmacokinetics influence of total Rh and BG after combination of Be by treating plasma samples with β-glucuronidase/sulfatase both in beagle dogs and Wistar rats. In vitro and in situ experiment models including in situ rat intestinal perfusion, Caco-2 cell monolayer transport and small intestinal flora incubation system were used to discuss the possible mechanism.

RESULTS

The results of pharmacokinetic interactions showed that combination significantly reduced the system exposures of total Rh and BG. Compared with Rh or BG alone, the mean area under concentration-time curves (AUC(0-t)) of total Rh and BG reduced by 31% and 77% in beagle dog experiment. In Wistar rat experiment, the AUC(0-t) of total Rh and BG reduced by 22% and 21%. Subsequently, the results of in situ rat intestinal perfusion and small intestinal flora incubation system tests revealed that combination may decrease the absorption and metabolism of BG. However, combination could not affect the transport profile of BG across the Caco-2 cell. Moreover, combination did not affect the absorption or metabolism profile of Rh in all three in situ/in vitro experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

It was deduced that the possible mechanism of the reduction of the system exposures of total Rh and BG was related to that combination decreased the metabolism of BG to B or the phase II conjugates of Rh/BG excreted from liver/bile duct to their free aglycones in vivo by inhibiting intestinal flora. The potent effects of combination on the phase II conjugates of Rh and B in pharmacokinetics, shown in this paper, indicated that more attention should be paid to the phase II conjugates metabolites of these polyphenols (undergo extensive phase II conjugation reactions in vivo) when applied herbal products composed of these coexist compounds.

Hepatoprotective effects of Berberis vulgaris L. extract/β cyclodextrin on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute toxicity in mice

The present study investigated the capacity of formulated Berberis vulgaris extract/β-cyclodextrin to protect liver against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Formulated and non-formulated extracts were given orally (50 mg/kg/day) to mice for 7 days and were then intra-peritoneally injected with 1.0 mL/kg CCl₄ on the 8th day. After 24 h of CCl₄ administration, an increase in the levels of apartate-amino-transferase (AST), alanine-amino-transferase (ALT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) was found and a significant decrease in superoxide-dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione-peroxidase (GPx) levels could be detected. This was accompanied by extended centrilobular necrosis, steatosis, fibrosis and an altered ultrastructure of hepatocytes. Pre-treatment with formulated or non-formulated extract suppressed the increase in ALT, AST and MDA levels and restored the level of antioxidant enzymes at normal values. Histopathological and electron-microscopic examination showed milder liver damage in both pre-treated groups and the protective effect was more pronounced after the formulated extract was administered. Internucleosomal DNA fragmentation induced by CCl₄ was reduced in the group which received non-formulated extract and absent in the group which received formulated extract. Taken together, our results suggest that Berberis vulgaris/β-cyclodextrin treatment prevents hepatic injury induced by CCl₄ and can be considered for further nutraceutical studies.

Berberine and itraconazole are not synergistic in vitro against Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from clinical patients

The incidence of Aspergillus fumigatus infections has become more frequent as a consequence of widespread immunosuppression. At present, the number of available antifungal agents in the clinic is limited, and most of them, such as itraconazole (ICZ), are toxic and show resistance. Berberine (BER) is a plant alkaloid used in the clinic mainly for alimentary infections. We have used BER and ICZ to measure in vitro resistance in A. fumigatus isolated from clinical patients. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranges of BER and ICZ were 4–256 and 0.031–0.250 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, against A. fumigatus IFM 40808 strain, the MIC₅₀ values of BER and ICZ were 8 and 0.125 μg/mL. Using this strain, we compared the giant colonies with or without BER, and concluded that BER could restrain A. fumigatus mycelial growth and conidial pigment production. Combinations of the two drugs were also tested by the checkerboard assay to identify any functional interactions between them. Thirty-two out of 42 isolates had FICI values > 4.0, indicating that two drugs were mutually antagonistic. In conclusion, it is not advised that BER and ICZ be used in the clinic at the same time. Our results indicated that BER may inhibit A. fumigatus through the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, like ICZ.

Effects and action mechanisms of berberine and Rhizoma coptidis on gut microbes and obesity in high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6J mice

Gut microbes play important roles in regulating fat storage and metabolism. Rhizoma coptidis (RC) and its main active compound, berberine, have either antimicrobial or anti-obesity activities. In the present study, we hypothesize that RC exerts anti-obesity effects that are likely mediated by mechanisms of regulating gut microbes and berberine may be a key compound of RC. Gut microbes and glucose and lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6J (HFD) mice in vivo are investigated after RC and berberine treatments. The results show that RC (200 mg/kg) and berberine (200 mg/kg) significantly lower both body and visceral adipose weights, and reduce blood glucose and lipid levels, and decrease degradation of dietary polysaccharides in HFD mice. Both RC and berberine significantly reduce the proportions of fecal Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes to total bacteria in HFD mice. In the trial ex vivo, both RC and berberine significantly inhibit the growth of gut bacteria under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In in vitro trials, both RC and berberine significantly inhibit the growth of Lactobacillus (a classical type of Firmicutes) under anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, both RC and berberine significantly increase fasting-induced adipose factor (Fiaf, a key protein negatively regulated by intestinal microbes) expressions in either intestinal or visceral adipose tissues. Both RC and berberine significantly increase mRNA expressions of AMPK, PGC1α, UCP2, CPT1α, and Hadhb related to mitochondrial energy metabolism, which may be driven by increased Fiaf expression. These results firstly suggest that antimicrobial activities of RC and berberine may result in decreasing degradation of dietary polysaccharides, lowering potential calorie intake, and then systemically activating Fiaf protein and related gene expressions of mitochondrial energy metabolism in visceral adipose tissues. Taken together, these action mechanisms may contribute to significant anti-obesity effects. Findings in the present study also indicate that pharmacological regulation on gut microbes can develop an anti-obesity strategy.

Interaction of plant alkaloid, berberine, with zwitterionic and negatively charged phospholipid bilayers

Berberine exhibits many pharmacological activities e.g. antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing. Interaction of berberine with model membranes was studied for the first time using differential scanning calorimetry, fluorescence spectroscopy and turbidity measurements. Influence of berberine on thermotropic properties of bilayers formed from zwitterionic DMPC was insignificant, whereas in bilayers formed from negatively charged DMPG berberine reduced the temperature and cooperativity of main phospholipid phase transition. In higher concentrations berberine induced complex double-peak transition, with the new peak appearing in temperature higher than the original one. It suggested the interaction of the alkaloid with lipid headgroup region of the bilayer. Additionally, berberine quenched fluorescence of Prodan to a higher extent than Laurdan that pointed to stronger interaction with membrane segments close to its surface. Berberine-induced fluorescence quenching of both probes was more pronounced in DPPG than in DPPC bilayers. It was concluded that electrostatic interactions governed berberine association with model membrane.