Neuroprotective potential of berberine in modulating Alzheimer's disease via multiple signaling pathways

Revolutionizing neurotherapeutics: Nanocarriers unveiling the potential of phytochemicals in Alzheimer's disease

Neurological disorders pose a huge worldwide challenge to the healthcare system, necessitating innovative strategies for targeted drug delivery to the central nervous system. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an untreatable neurodegenerative condition characterized by dementia and alterations in a patient's physiological and mental states. Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been an important source of bioactive phytochemicals with immense therapeutic potential. This review investigates new and safer alternatives for prevention and treatment of disease related to inevitable side effects associated with synthetic compounds. This review examines how nanotechnology can help in enhancing the delivery of neuroprotective phytochemicals in AD. Nevertheless, despite their remarkable neuroprotective properties, these natural products often have poor therapeutic efficacy due to low bioavailability, limited solubility and imperfect blood brain barrier (BBB) penetration. Nanotechnology produces personalized drug delivery systems which are necessary for solving such problems. In overcoming these challenges, nanotechnology might be employed as a way forward whereby customized medication delivery systems would be established as a result. The use of nanocarriers in the design and application of important phytochemicals is highlighted by this review, which indicate potential for revolutionizing neuroprotective drug delivery. We also explore the complications and possibilities of using nanocarriers to supply nutraceuticals and improve patients' standard of living, and preclinical as well as clinical investigations displaying that these techniques are effective in mitigating neurodegenerative diseases. In order to fight brain diseases and improve patient's health, scientists and doctors can employ nanotechnology with its possible therapeutic interventions.

Unlocking the potential of Berberine: Advancing cancer therapy through chemosensitization and combination treatments

Despite considerable progress in cancer treatment options, resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs remains a significant challenge. This review focuses on Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid found in various medicinal plants, which has garnered attention in the field of oncology for its anticancer potential either alone or in combination with other compounds and its ability to modulate chemoresistance, acting as a natural chemosensitizer. BBR's ability to modulate chemoresistance is attributed to its diverse mechanisms of action, including inducing DNA breaks, inhibition of drug efflux pumps, modulation of apoptosis and necroptosis, downregulating multidrug resistance genes, enhancing immune response, suppressing angiogenesis and targeting multiple pathways within cancer cells, including protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (Akt/mTOR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP1), janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT), Wnt/β-catenin etc. Moreover, BBR, in combination with other compounds, also offers a promising approach to cancer therapy, enforcing its broad-spectrum anticancer effects. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate the intricate mechanism of action of BBR in combinatorial therapy as a potential chemosensitizer to increase the efficiency of several drugs, including cisplatin, doxorubicin, lapatinib, tamoxifen, irinotecan, niraparib, etc. in various cancers. Additionally, this review briefly covers the origin and biological activities of BBR, exploring the specific actions underlying its anticancer effects. Further, pharmacokinetic properties of BBR are also discussed, providing insight into its therapeutic potential and optimization of its use in cancer treatment.

Involvement of Sirt1-FoxO3a-Bnip3 axis and autophagy mediated mitochondrial turnover in according protection to hyperglycemic NRK-52E cells by Berberine

Aberrant accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria in renal cells during hyperglycemia signifies perturbed autophagy and mitochondrial turnover. This study aims to focus on the underlying mechanism involved in autophagy and mitophagy inducing efficacy of Berberine (isoquinoline alkaloid) in hyperglycemic NRK-52E cells. Berberine mediated protection to hyperglycemic cells prevented alteration in mitochondrial structure and function. Treatment with SRT-1720 (Sirt1 activator) enhanced autophagy, decreased apoptosis, upregulated expression of downstream moieties (FoxO3a and Bnip3) and ameliorated mitochondria related anomalies while nicotinamide (Sirt1 inhibitor) treatment exhibited reversal of the same. GFP reporter assay ascertained enhanced transcriptional activity of FoxO in Berberine-treated hyperglycemic cells, which was found to be correlated to increased expression of downstream protein Bnip3. Knocking down FoxO3a disrupted autophagy and stimulated apoptosis. N-acetyl-L-cysteine pre-treatment confirmed that generation of ROS intervened high glucose induced toxicity in NRK-52E cells. Berberine co-treatment resulted in differential expressions of key proteins involved in autophagy and mitophagy like LC3B, ATGs, Beclin1, Sirt1, Bnip3, FoxO3a and Parkin. Further, enhanced mitophagy in Berberine-treated cells was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Thus, our findings give evidence that the protection accorded by Berberine against hyperglycemia in renal proximal tubular cells (NRK-52E) involves instigation of Sirt1-FoxO3a-Bnip3 axis and autophagy mediated mitophagy induction.

Prepubertal Repeated Berberine Supplementation Enhances Cerebrocerebellar Functions by Modulating Neurochemical and Behavioural Changes in Wistar Rats

Antioxidant-rich supplementation plays an essential role in the function of mammals' central nervous system. However, no research has documented the effect of berberine (BER) supplementation on the cerebrocerebellar function of prepubertal rats. The present study was designed to investigate the impact of BER supplementation on neurochemical and behavioural changes in prepubertal male rats. Five groups (90 ± 5 g, n = 7 each) of experimental rats were orally treated with corn oil or different doses of BER (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg bw) from the 28th at 68 post-natal days. On the 69 days of life, animals underwent behavioural assessment in the open field, hanging wire, and negative geotaxis tests. The result revealed that BER administration improved locomotive and motor behaviour by increasing distance travelled, line crossings, average speed, time mobile, and absolute turn angle in open field test and decrease in time to re-orient on an incline plane, a decrease in immobility time relative to the untreated control. Furthermore, BER supplementation increased (p < 0.05) antioxidant enzyme activities such as SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, and TSH and prevented increases (p < 0.05) in oxidative and inflammatory levels as indicated by decreases in RONS, LPO, XO, carbonyl protein, NO, MPO, and TNF-α compared to the untreated control. BER-treated animals a lessened number of dark-stained Nissl cells compared to the untreated control rats. Our findings revealed that BER minimised neuronal degeneration and lesions, improved animal behaviour, and suppressed oxidative and inflammatory mediators, which may probably occur through its agonistic effect on PPAR-α, PPAR-δ, and PPAR-γ - essential proteins known to resolve inflammation and modulate redox signalling towards antioxidant function.

Neuroprotective Potentials of Berberine in Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease-like Motor Symptoms in Rats

Rotenone (RTN) induces neurotoxicity and motor dysfunction in rats, mirroring the pathophysiological traits of Parkinson's disease (PD), including striatal oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and changes in neural structure. This makes RTN a valuable model for PD research. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid recognized for its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, was evaluated for its ability to counteract RTN-induced impairments. Rats received subcutaneous RTN at 0.5 mg/kg for 21 days, resulting in weight loss and significant motor deficits assessed through open-field, bar catalepsy, beam-crossing, rotarod, and grip strength tests. BBR, administered orally at 30 or 100 mg/kg doses, one hour prior to RTN exposure for the same duration, effectively mitigated many of the RTN-induced motor impairments. Furthermore, BBR treatment reduced RTN-induced nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, bolstered antioxidative capacity, enhanced mitochondrial enzyme activities (e.g., succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), ATPase, and the electron transport chain (ETC)), and diminished striatal neuroinflammation and apoptosis markers. Notably, the co-administration of trigonelline (TGN), an inhibitor of the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, significantly attenuated BBR's protective effects, indicating that BBR's neuroprotective actions are mediated via the Nrf2 pathway. These results underscore BBR's potential in ameliorating motor impairments akin to PD, suggesting its promise in potentially delaying or managing PD symptoms. Further research is warranted to translate these preclinical findings into clinical settings, enhancing our comprehension of BBR's therapeutic prospects in PD.

Inhibition of inflammation by berberine: Molecular mechanism and network pharmacology analysis

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), renowned for its holistic approach with a 2000-year history of utilizing natural remedies, offers unique advantages in disease prevention and treatment. Berberine, found in various Chinese herbs, has been employed for many years, primarily for addressing conditions such as diarrhea and dysentery. Berberine has recently become a research focus owing to its pharmacological activities and benefits to human bodies. However, little is known about the anti-inflammatory mechanism of berberine.

PURPOSE

To summarize recent findings regarding the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of berberine anti-inflammation and highlight and predict the potential therapeutic effects and systematic mechanism of berberine.

METHODS

Recent studies (2013-2023) on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of berberine anti-inflammation were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus up to July 2023 using relevant keywords. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis were employed to predict the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of berberine against potential diseases.

RESULTS

The related pharmacological mechanisms of berberine anti-inflammation include the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine production (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), thereby attenuating the inflammatory response; Inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and IκBα degradation; Inhibiting the activation of MAPK signaling pathway; Enhancing the activation of the STAT1 signaling pathway; Berberine interacts directly with cell membranes through a variety of pathways, thereby influencing cellular physiological activities. Berberine enhances human immunity and modulates immune system function, which is integral to addressing certain autoimmune and tumour-related health concerns.

CONCLUSION

This study expounds on the correlation between berberine and inflammatory diseases, encapsulating the mechanisms through which berberine treats select typical inflammatory ailments. Furthermore, it delves into a deeper understanding of berberine's effectiveness by integrating network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques in the context of treating inflammatory diseases. It provides guidance and reference for berberine's subsequent revelation of the modern scientific connotation of Chinese medicine.

Ginkgo biloba and Its Chemical Components in the Management of Alzheimer's Disease

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a degenerative disease of the central nervous system, remains unclear. The main manifestations of AD include cognitive and behavioral disorders, neuropsychiatric symptoms, neuroinflammation, amyloid plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles. However, current drugs for AD once the dementia stage has been reached only treat symptoms and do not delay progression, and the research and development of targeted drugs for AD have reached a bottleneck. Thus, other treatment options are needed. Bioactive ingredients derived from plants are promising therapeutic agents. Specifically, Ginkgo biloba (Gb) extracts exert anti-oxidant, anticancer, neuroplastic, neurotransmitter-modulating, blood fluidity, and anti-inflammatory effects, offering alternative options in the treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. The main chemical components of Gb include flavonoids, terpene lactones, proanthocyanidins, organic acids, polysaccharides, and amino acids. Gb and its extracts have shown remarkable therapeutic effects on various neurodegenerative diseases, including AD, with few adverse reactions. Thus, high-quality Gb extracts are a well-established treatment option for AD. In this review, we summarize the insights derived from traditional Chinese medicine, experimental models, and emerging clinical trials on the role of Gb and its chemical components in the treatment of the main clinical manifestations of AD.

Phytochemicals targeting Alzheimer's disease via the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway, effects, and mechanisms of action

Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by cognitive dysfunction and other behavioral abnormalities, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that occurs due to aging. Currently, effective drugs to mitigate or treat AD remain unavailable. AD is associated with several abnormalities in neuronal energy metabolism, such as decreased glucose uptake, mitochondrial dysfunction, and defects in cholesterol metabolism. Amp-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates the energy status of cells. AMPK is widely present in eukaryotic cells and can sense and regulate energy metabolism to maintain energy supply and demand balance, making it a promising target for energy metabolism-based AD therapy. Therefore, this review aimed to discuss the molecular mechanism of AMPK in the pathogenesis of AD to provide a theoretical basis for the development of new anti-AD drugs. To review the mechanisms of phytochemicals in the treatment of AD via AMPK pathway regulation, we searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Embase databases using specific keywords related to AD and phytochemicals in September 2023. Phytochemicals can activate AMPK or regulate the AMPK pathway to exert therapeutic effects in AD. The anti-AD mechanisms of these phytochemicals include inhibiting Aβ aggregation, preventing Tau hyperphosphorylation, inhibiting inflammatory response and glial activation, promoting autophagy, and suppressing anti-oxidative stress. Additionally, several AMPK-related pathways are involved in the anti-AD mechanism, including the AMPK/CaMKKβ/mTOR, AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α, AMPK/NF-κB/NLRP3, AMPK/mTOR, and PERK/eIF2α pathways. Notably, urolithin A, artemisinin, justicidin A, berberine, stigmasterol, arctigenin, and rutaecarpine are promising AMPK agonists with anti-AD effects. Several phytochemicals are effective AMPK agonists and may have potential applications in AD treatment. Overall, phytochemical-based drugs may overcome the barriers to the effective treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

A network pharmacology method explores the molecular mechanism of Coptis chinensis for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

To predict the molecular mechanisms of action of Coptis chinensis in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease using network pharmacology. The active ingredients and targets of Coptis chinensis were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database. Target information for Alzheimer's disease was screened using the GeneCard and OMIM databases. The Venn diagram tool was used to identify the intersecting targets of Coptis chinensis and Alzheimer's disease. The obtained target information was entered into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction network. The R language was used to perform Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses of significant targets. Auto Dock Vina software was used for molecular docking. Fourteen effective active ingredients and 158 key targets associated with Coptis chinensis were identified. There were 1113 targets related to Alzheimer's disease genes. A drug-component-disease-target network was constructed and 84 key targets were identified for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease by Coptis chinensis. The main signaling pathways were the PI3K-Akt, AGE-RAGE, MAPK, HIF-1, TNF, and relaxin signaling pathways. The molecular docking results showed that berberine has a high affinity for Alzheimer's Disease. Coptis chinensis could play a multi-target and multi-pathway role against Alzheimer's disease, which has guiding significance for clinical research.

Research progress on antidepressant effects and mechanisms of berberine

Depression, a global health problem with growing prevalence, brings serious impacts on the daily life of patients. However, the antidepressants currently used in clinical are not perfectly effective, which greatly reduces the compliance of patients. Berberine is a natural quaternary alkaloid which has been shown to have a variety of pharmacological effects, such as hypoglycemic, lipid-regulation, anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant. This review summarizes the evidence of pharmacological applications of berberine in treating depression and elucidates the mechanisms of berberine regulating neurotransmitter levels, promoting the regeneration of hippocampal neurons, improving hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction, anti-oxidative stress, and suppressing inflammatory status in order to provide a reference for further research and clinical application of berberine.

Synthesis of New Derivatives of Berberine Canagliflozin and Study of Their Antibacterial Activity and Mechanism

The isoquinoline alkaloid berberine, derived from Coptidis rhizoma, exhibits antibacterial, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Canagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. We synthesized compounds B9OC and B9OBU by conjugating canagliflozin and n-butane at the C9 position of berberine, aiming to develop antimicrobial agents for combating bacterial infections worldwide. We utilized clinically prevalent pathogenic bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to investigate the antibacterial efficacy of B9OC. This was accomplished through the determination of the MIC80 values, analysis of bacterial growth curves, evaluation of biofilm formation using crystal violet staining, assessment of impact on bacterial proteins via SDS-PAGE analysis, and observation of alterations in bacterial morphology utilizing field emission scanning electron microscopy. Meanwhile, the ADMET of compound B9OC was predicted using a computer-aided method. The findings revealed that B9OC exhibited lower minimal inhibitory concentrations against all three bacteria compared to berberine alone or in combination with canagliflozin. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of B9OC against the three experimental strains were determined to be 0.035, 0.258, and 0.331 mM. However, B9OBu exhibited a lower level of antimicrobial activity compared to berberine. The compound B9OC exhibits a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity by disrupting the integrity of bacterial cell walls, leading to cellular rupture and the subsequent degradation of intracellular proteins.

Berberine: A Multi-Target Natural PCSK9 Inhibitor with the Potential to Treat Diabetes, Alzheimer's, Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease

Berberine is a natural product with a wide range of pharmacological effects. It has antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, neuroprotective, and cholesterollowering properties, among others. It has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for 3000 years and is generally well-tolerated with few side effects. Its main drawback is low oral bioavailability, which has hindered widespread clinical use. However, recent interest has surged with the emergence of evidence that berberine is effective in treating cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular disease via multiple mechanisms. It enhances insulin sensitivity and secretion by pancreatic β-cells in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in addition to reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, TLR4 and TNF-α. These cytokines are elevated in Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels are associated with positive outcomes such as improved cognition, reduced cardiovascular events, and improved glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Berberine is a natural PCSK9 inhibitor, which contributes to its hypolipidemic effects. It also increases low-density lipoprotein receptor expression, reduces intestinal cholesterol absorption, and promotes cholesterol excretion from the liver to the bile. This translates into a notable decrease in LDL cholesterol levels. High LDL cholesterol levels are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Novel synthetic berberine derivatives are currently being developed that optimize LDL reduction, bioavailability, and other pharmacokinetic properties.

Network pharmacology and in vivo studies reveal the neuroprotective effects of paeoniflorin on Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that has still not been effectively treated. Paeoniflorin is a traditional Chinese medicine with potential neuroprotective effects against brain injury; however, the beneficial effects and mechanisms of action in AD have not been clarified. We aimed to explore the mechanisms of action of paeoniflorin in AD using network pharmacology and experimental validation. Network pharmacology analysis revealed 30 candidate targets through the intersection of the targets of paeoniflorin and related genes in AD, which were mainly enriched in oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, key targets of paeoniflorin against AD, namely Nrf2 (encoded by NFE2L2) and TLR4, were screened and found to be closely related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Subsequent in vivo experiments revealed that paeoniflorin treatment improved the cognition of APP/PS1 mice by ameliorating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which were associated with the upregulation of Nrf2 and HO1, and the downregulation of TLR4. Collectively, the present study demonstrates that paeoniflorin alleviates cognitive impairment in AD by regulating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, and that Nrf2, HO1, and TLR4 could be key targets.

Toxic Effects of Koumine on the Early-Life Development Stage of Zebrafish

Koumine is one of the most abundant alkaloids found in Gelsemium elegans, and it has a wide range of pharmacological effects including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic treatment effects, and antianxiety. However, its high toxicity and unclear mechanism of action have greatly limited the medicinal development and use of koumine. We investigated the toxic effects of koumine on the developmental toxicity and behavioral neurotoxicity of zebrafish embryos and larvae. Embryos at 6 h postfertilization (hpf) were exposed to 12.5, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/L of koumine until 120 hpf. Koumine affected the hatching and heartbeats of the embryos. The morphological analysis also revealed many abnormalities, such as shortened bodies, yolk sac edemas, tail malformations, and pericardial edemas. To identify the neurotoxicity of koumine, the behavior of the larvae was measured. Koumine at 50 and 100 mg/L affect the escape response. The embryos exhibited uncoordinated muscle contractions along the body axis in response to touch at 36 hpf. More importantly, we found that the neurotoxicity of koumine is mainly caused by influencing the ACh content and the activity of AChE without impairing motor neuron development. A comprehensive analysis shows that a high concentration of koumine has obvious toxic effects on zebrafish, and the safe concentration of koumine for zebrafish should be less than 25 mg/L. These results will be valuable for better understanding the toxicity of koumine and provide new insights into the application of koumine.

An Exosome-Based Therapeutic Strategy Targeting Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease with Berberine and Palmatine

Introduction

Neuroinflammation is one of the major pathogeneses in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mainly involves abnormal inflammatory activation of microglia by multiple pathological stimuli. The treatment of AD remains a major challenge due to the multifactorial characterization of AD and the inefficient ability of therapeutic drugs to permeate through the blood‒brain barrier (BBB). Accordingly, drug combination treatment and drug carrier delivery have become important therapeutic tools for the treatment of multifactorial diseases, especially AD.

Methods

Inflammatory cytokine levels in microglia, including NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-10, were detected. The Morris water maze and object location task were used to investigate the learning and memory functions of APP/PS1 mice in different treatment groups. The number of neurons and plasticity of synapses were evaluated by immunofluorescence double labelling. Additionally, the ratio of β-amyloid plaques and the number of activated microglia were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. The concentrations of β-amyloid plaques and inflammatory factors in the hippocampus were determined by ELISA. Microglia-derived exosomes (Exos) were extracted and purified by size exclusion chromatography. The distribution of exosomes and drugs was investigated in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Compared to single drug interventions, the combination of Ber and Pal (Ber/Pal) modulated microglial inflammatory cytokine levels. Ber/Pal promoted the recovery of learning and memory impairment in APP/PS1 mice. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that Ber/Pal restored neurons, inhibited Aβ plaque formation and microglial activation, and regulated the secretion of inflammatory factors. Exos promoted the accumulation of drugs in cells and tissues and improved the targeting of drugs across the BBB.

Conclusion

Ber/Pal could offer a synergistic and more comprehensive therapeutic effect in AD. Additionally, the microglia-derived Exos-Ber/Pal delivery system promoted the targeting and permeation of drugs into the brain, suggesting a creative strategy for targeting AD therapy by regulating neuroinflammation in microglial cells.

Biochemical profiling of berberine-enriched extract in aluminum chloride induced oxidative damage and neuroinflammation

Despite the numerous treatment strategies used for Alzheimer's disease (AD), only a few cholinesterase inhibitor drugs, such as memantine, are effective in symptomatically relieving the hallmarks of AD, providing momentary recovery of memory and cognitive decline. These available drugs do not treat the underlying causes of AD, and their chronic use is associated with serious adverse effects and disease progression. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid that has been reported to possess therapeutic potential against AD. Therefore, its activity was evaluated against an aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced AD rat model, and a berberine-enriched extract (BEE) was used to determine if its activity is equivalent to pure berberine (PB). The rats were administered 300 mg/kg of oral AlCl3 to induce AD and were then treated with oral PB at a dosage of 50 mg/kg, BEE at a dosage of 50 mg/kg, and rivastigmine at a dosage of 1 mg/kg as a standard drug for 21 days. In this study, various parameters were assessed to evaluate cognitive functions, such as behavioral analysis, antioxidant enzyme levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, proinflammatory cytokine levels, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of different biomarkers (AChE, IL-1α, IL-1β, BACE-1, TNF-α) linked to AD, and histopathological changes in the rats' brains. After 21 days, the disease control group showed a significant decline in cognitive function, decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes, upregulated activity of the AChE enzyme, increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and marked elevation in mRNA expression of AD-associated biomarkers. On the other hand, the treatment groups showed significant improvements in memory deficits, elevated levels of antioxidant enzymes, reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, decreased AChE activity, and significant downregulation of the expression of predefined biomarkers. Histological examination of the treatment groups showed less neuroinflammation and fewer amyloid plaques compared to the disease control group. In conclusion, both PB and BEE have comparable neuroprotective potential to mitigate the pathological hallmarks of AD. However, controlled clinical trials are needed to assess their efficacy and safety.

Ferroptosis: a new strategy for Chinese herbal medicine treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes. It has become a leading cause of death in patients with diabetes and end-stage renal disease. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered pattern of programmed cell death. Its main manifestation is the excessive accumulation of intracellular iron ion-dependent lipid peroxides. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis is an important driving factor in the onset and development of DN. Ferroptosis is closely associated with renal intrinsic cell (including renal tubular epithelial cells, podocytes, and mesangial cells) damage in diabetes. Chinese herbal medicine is widely used in the treatment of DN, with a long history and definite curative effect. Accumulating evidence suggests that Chinese herbal medicine can modulate ferroptosis in renal intrinsic cells and show great potential for improving DN. In this review, we outline the key regulators and pathways of ferroptosis in DN and summarize the herbs, mainly monomers and extracts, that target the inhibition of ferroptosis.

Intranasal Drug Administration in Alzheimer-Type Dementia: Towards Clinical Applications

Alzheimer-type dementia (ATD) treatments face limitations in crossing the blood-brain barrier and systemic adverse effects. Intranasal administration offers a direct route to the brain via the nasal cavity's olfactory and trigeminal pathways. However, nasal physiology can hinder drug absorption and limit bioavailability. Therefore, the physicochemical characteristics of formulations must be optimized by means of technological strategies. Among the strategies that have been explored, lipid-based nanosystems, particularly nanostructured lipid carriers, are promising in preclinical investigations with minimal toxicity and therapeutic efficacy due to their ability to overcome challenges associated with other nanocarriers. We review the studies of nanostructured lipid carriers for intranasal administration in the treatment of ATD. Currently, no drugs for intranasal administration in ATD have marketing approval, with only three candidates, insulin, rivastigmine and APH-1105, being clinically investigated. Further studies with different candidates will eventually confirm the potential of the intranasal route of administration in the treatment of ATD.

Protective effects of berberine against β-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity in HT22 cells via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Neuronal apoptosis has been found to have a pivotal role in the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Berberine (BBR), a potent antioxidant, occurs in plants such as Berberis, Phellodendron chinense, and Hydrastis canadensis. In this study, a neuronal apoptotic model was established in vitro using HT22 cells induced by Aβ_25-35 to explore whether BBR contributes to protecting neurons against Aβ_25-35-induced neurotoxicity, as well as its potential mechanisms. BBR was applied to HT22 cells for 1 h prior to exposing the cells to Aβ_25-35 for 24 h. A CCK-8 assay was utilized to assess cell viability, and Annexin V - fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide and Hoechst 33342 fluorescence staining were used to measure the rate of cell apoptosis. Existing scientific literature was also reviewed to further determine the effects of BBR on ROS production and mitochondrial function in HT22 cells. Furthermore, the expressions of proteins, including cytochrome C, cleaved caspase-3, p-p65, p65, and Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant axis were assessed by Western blotting. The data indicated that BBR markedly improved cell viability, inhibited apoptosis and intracellular ROS levels, improved mitochondrial membrane potentials, decreased the rate of p-p65/p65, cytochrome C, and cleaved caspase-3, and intensified the activity of Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidants in HT22 cells. Overall, the findings indicated that BBR provides a certain level of neuroprotectiveness in HT22 cells exposed to Aβ_25-35 via relieving oxidative stress, as well as by restraining the mitochondrial pathway of cellular apoptosis. In addition, the restraint of NF-κB activity and sensitization of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant axis, which together are intimately involved in the neuroprotection of BBR, may be possible mechanisms accounting for its effectiveness against Aβ_25-35in vitro.

Berberine Rescues D-Ribose-Induced Alzheimer's Pathology via Promoting Mitophagy

Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered an early event of Alzheimer disease (AD). D-ribose is a natural monosaccharide that exists in cells, especially in mitochondria, and can lead to cognitive dysfunction. However, the reason for this is unclear. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid that can target mitochondria and has great prospect in the treatment of AD. The methylation of PINK1 reinforces the burden of Alzheimer's pathology. This study explores the role of BBR and D-ribose in the mitophagy and cognitive function of AD related to DNA methylation. APP/PS1 mice and N2a cells were treated with D-ribose, BBR, and mitophagy inhibitor Mdivi-1 to observe their effects on mitochondrial morphology, mitophagy, neuron histology, AD pathology, animal behavior, and PINK1 methylation. The results showed that D-ribose induced mitochondrial dysfunction, mitophagy damage, and cognitive impairment. However, BBR inhibition of PINK1 promoter methylation can reverse the above effects caused by D-ribose, improve mitochondrial function, and restore mitophagy through the PINK1-Parkin pathway, thus reducing cognitive deficits and the burden of AD pathology. This experiment puts a new light on the mechanism of action of D-ribose in cognitive impairment and reveals new insights in the use of BBR for AD treatment.

Natural bioactive compounds in Alzheimer's disease: From the perspective of type 3 diabetes mellitus

There is a close relationship between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and diabetes mellitus (DM), and the link between the two is often referred to as type 3 diabetes mellitus (T3DM). Many natural bioactive compounds have shown the potential to treat AD and diabetes. We mainly review the polyphenols represented by resveratrol (RES) and proanthocyanidins (PCs) and alkaloids represented by berberine (BBR) and Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids (DNLA) from the perspective of T3DM to review the neuroprotective effects and molecular mechanisms of natural compounds in AD.

Natural Alkaloids as Multi-Target Compounds towards Factors Implicated in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in elderly people; currently, there is no efficient treatment. Considering the increase in life expectancy worldwide AD rates are predicted to increase enormously, and thus the search for new AD drugs is urgently needed. A great amount of experimental and clinical evidence indicated that AD is a complex disorder characterized by widespread neurodegeneration of the CNS, with major involvement of the cholinergic system, causing progressive cognitive decline and dementia. The current treatment, based on the cholinergic hypothesis, is only symptomatic and mainly involves the restoration of acetylcholine (ACh) levels through the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Since the introduction of the Amaryllidaceae alkaloid galanthamine as an antidementia drug in 2001, alkaloids have been one of the most attractive groups for searching for new AD drugs. The present review aims to comprehensively summarize alkaloids of various origins as multi-target compounds for AD. From this point of view, the most promising compounds seem to be the β-carboline alkaloid harmine and several isoquinoline alkaloids since they can simultaneously inhibit several key enzymes of AD's pathophysiology. However, this topic remains open for further research on detailed mechanisms of action and the synthesis of potentially better semi-synthetic analogues.

Berberine ameliorates the neurological dysfunction of the gastric fundus by promoting calcium channels dependent release of ACh in STZ-induced diabetic rats

Background

It has been reported diabetic gastroparesis is related to diabetic autonomic neuropathy of the gastrointestinal tract, and berberine (BBR) could ameliorate diabetic central and peripheral neuropathy. However, the influence of BBR on the function and motility of the gastric fundus nerve is unclear.

Methods

A diabetic rat model was constructed, and HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the gastric fundus. The changes in cholinergic and nitrogen-related neurochemical indexes and the effects of BBR on them were measured using Elisa. The effects of BBR on the neural function and motility of gastric fundus were investigated by electric field stimulation (EFS) induced neurogenic response in vitro.

Results

In the early stage of STZ-induced diabetic rats, the contractile response of gastric fundus induced by EFS was disorder, disturbance of contraction amplitude, and the cell bodies of neurons in the myenteric plexus of gastric fundus presented vacuolar lesions. Administration with BBR could improve the above symptoms. BBR further enhanced the contraction response in the presence of a NOS inhibitor or the case of inhibitory neurotransmitters removal. Interestingly, the activity of ACh could affect NO release directly and the enhancement of BBR on contractile response was canceled by calcium channel blockers completely.

Conclusions

In the early stage of STZ-induced diabetic rats, the neurogenic contractile response disorder of the gastric fundus is mainly related to cholinergic and nitrergic nerve dysfunction. BBR promotes the release of ACh mainly by affecting the calcium channel to improve the neurological dysfunction of the gastric fundus.

The efficacy and mechanism of berberine in improving aging-related cognitive dysfunction: A study based on network pharmacology

Objective

To analyze the effects and mechanisms of berberine in the treatment of aging-related cognitive dysfunction based on network pharmacology methods, molecular docking techniques, and animal experiments.

Methods

A mouse model of cognitive dysfunction was constructed by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose (D-gal) for 10 weeks, and the neuroprotective effects of berberine on aging-related cognitive dysfunction mice were evaluated by the Morris water maze (MWM) and immunofluorescence staining. The targets of berberine were obtained by SwissTargetPrediction, GeneCards, and PharmMapper. Putative targets of cognitive dysfunction were obtained by GeneCards, TTD, and DrugBank database. The STRING database and Cytoscape software were applied for protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis and further screening of core targets. The DAVID database was used for Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis to clarify the biological processes and pathways involved in the intersection targets, and AutoDockTools was adopted for molecular docking verification of core targets. Finally, the core genes were validated using real-time quantitative PCR.

Results

The MWM results showed that treatment with berberine significantly improved spatial learning and memory in mice with cognitive decline induced by D-gal. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that berberine modified the levels of aging-related markers in the brain. A total of 386 berberine putative targets associated with cognitive dysfunction were identified based on the public database. The core targets of berberine for improving cognitive function, include Mapk1, Src, Ctnnb1, Akt1, Pik3ca, Tp53, Jun, and Hsp90aa1. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the mechanism of berberine in the treatment of aging-related cognitive dysfunction is attributed to pathways such as PI3K-AKT and MAPK pathways. In vivo experiments further confirmed that Akt1, Ctnnb1, Tp53, and Jun were involved in the neuroprotective actions of berberine.

Conclusion

This study reveals the multi-target and multi-pathway effects of berberine on regulating aging-related cognitive dysfunction, which provides preclinical evidence and may promote new drug development in mitigating cognitive dysfunction.

Jiedu Yizhi Formula Improves Cognitive Function by Regulating the Gut Dysbiosis and TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to explore the neuroprotective mechanism of JDYZF in treating AD from the perspective of inflammation and intestinal microflora.

METHODS

A total of 24 APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into four groups: model (n = 6), JDYZF low-dose (n = 6), JDYZF high-dose (n = 6), and positive drug (n = 6), six C57 mice were used as the control group. The body weights and diets of all mice were examined daily. After 8 weeks of administration, the learning and memory of mice were evaluated by the Morris water maze test. The histopathological changes of hippocampus, liver and kidney in mice were observed by HE staining after being euthanized. The expression of p-tau in hippocampus tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. After that, 16S rDNA sequencing was used to investigate the relationship between JDYZF and intestinal microbiota. Finally, a comparison of TLR4, p65, p-p65, iκB, p-iκB, and IL-1β protein expression in the hippocampus tissue of mice in each group was measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

The results showed that APP/PS1 mice taking JDYZF orally were generally in good condition. Compared with the control group, JDYZF significantly improved learning and memory ability in ethology. Histology showed that JDYZF improved the hippocampal structure of mice and inhibited the deposition of p-tau. JDYZF treatment could regulate the gut microbiota of APP/PS1 mice by increasing the richness of Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Actinobacteria and reducing that of Alistipes and Muribaculaceae. It also significantly inhibited the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in the brain. In addition, no obvious toxic reactions were found in the liver and kidney of APP/PS1 mice after taking JDYZF for 8 weeks.

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed that JDYZF improved cognitive ability and alleviated the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in APP/PS1 mice, and the modulating the gut microbiota presented here may help illuminate its activation mechanism.

Protein misfolding and related human diseases: A comprehensive review of toxicity, proteins involved, and current therapeutic strategies

Most of the cell's chemical reactions and structural components are facilitated by proteins. But proteins are highly dynamic molecules, where numerous modifications or changes in the cellular environment can affect their native conformational fold leading to protein aggregation. Various stress conditions, such as oxidative stress, mutations and metal toxicity may cause protein misfolding and aggregation by shifting the conformational equilibrium towards more aggregation-prone states. Most of the protein misfolding diseases (PMDs) involve aggregation of protein. We have discussed such proteins like Aβ peptide, α-synuclein, amylin and lysozyme involved in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, type II diabetes and non-neuropathic systemic amyloidosis respectively. Till date, all advances in PMDs therapeutics help symptomatically but do not prevent the root cause of the disease, i.e., the aggregation of protein involved in the diseases. Current efforts focused on developing therapies for PMDs have employed diverse strategies; repositioning pre-existing drugs as it saves time and money; natural compounds that are touted as potential drug candidates have an advantage of being taken in diet normally and will induce lesser side effects. This review also covers recently developed therapeutic strategies like antisense drugs and disaggregases which has yielded therapeutic agents that have transitioned from preclinical studies into human clinical trials.

Natural product-based pharmacological studies for neurological disorders

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders and diseases are expected to rise sharply in the coming years, partly because of the world's aging population. Medicines for the treatment of the CNS have not been successfully made. Inadequate knowledge about the brain, pharmacokinetic and dynamic errors in preclinical studies, challenges with clinical trial design, complexity and variety of human brain illnesses, and variations in species are some potential scenarios. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are multifaceted and lack identifiable etiological components, and the drugs developed to treat them did not meet the requirements of those who anticipated treatments. Therefore, there is a great demand for safe and effective natural therapeutic adjuvants. For the treatment of NDDs and other memory-related problems, many herbal and natural items have been used in the Ayurvedic medical system. Anxiety, depression, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's diseases (AD), as well as a plethora of other neuropsychiatric disorders, may benefit from the use of plant and food-derived chemicals that have antidepressant or antiepileptic properties. We have summarized the present level of knowledge about natural products based on topological evidence, bioinformatics analysis, and translational research in this review. We have also highlighted some clinical research or investigation that will help us select natural products for the treatment of neurological conditions. In the present review, we have explored the potential efficacy of phytoconstituents against neurological diseases. Various evidence-based studies and extensive recent investigations have been included, which will help pharmacologists reduce the progression of neuronal disease.

Berberine for gastric cancer prevention and treatment: Multi-step actions on the Correa's cascade underlie its therapeutic effects

Gastric carcinoma (GC) is a complex multifactorial disease occurring as sequential events commonly referred to as the Correa's cascade, a stepwise progression from non-active or chronic active gastritis, to gastric precancerous lesions, and finally, adenocarcinoma. Therefore, the identification of novel agents with multi-step actions on the Correa's cascade and those functioning as multiple phenotypic regulators are the future direction for drug discovery. Recently, berberine (BBR) has gained traction owing to its pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, antibacterial, and immunopotentiation activities. In this article, we investigated and summarized the multi-step actions of BBR on Correa's cascade and its underlying regulatory mechanism in gastric carcinogenesis for the first time, along with a discussion on the strength of BBR to prevent and treat GC. BBR was found to suppress H. pylori infection, control mucosal inflammation, and promote ulcer healing. In the gastric precancerous lesion phase, BBR could reverse mucosal atrophy and prevent lesions in intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia by regulating inflammatory cytokines, promoting cell apoptosis, regulating macrophage polarization, and regulating autophagy. Additionally, the therapeutic action of BBR on GC was partly realized through the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis; induction of apoptosis and autophagy, and enhancement of chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity. BBR exerted multi-step actions on the Correa's cascade, thereby halting and even reversing gastric carcinogenesis in some cases. Thus, BBR could be used to prevent and treat GC. In conclusion, the therapeutic strategy underlying BBR's multi-step action in the trilogy of Correa's cascade may include "prevention of gastric mucosal inflammation (Phase 1); reversal of gastric precancerous lesions (Phase 2), and rescue of GC (Phase 3)". The NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways may be the key signaling transduction pathways underlying the treatment of gastric carcinogenesis using BBR. The advantage of BBR over conventional drugs is its multifaceted and long-term effects. This review is expected to provide preclinical evidence for using BBR to prevent gastric carcinogenesis and treat gastric cancer.

The Role of a Pathological Interaction between β-amyloid and Mitochondria in the Occurrence and Development of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in existence. It is characterized by an impaired cognitive function that is due to a progressive loss of neurons in the brain. Extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques are the main pathological features of the disease. In addition to abnormal protein aggregation, increased mitochondrial fragmentation, altered expression of the genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, disruptions in the ER-mitochondria interaction, and mitophagy are observed. Reactive oxygen species are known to affect Aβ expression and aggregation. In turn, oligomeric and aggregated Aβ cause mitochondrial disorders. In this review, we summarize available knowledge about the pathological effects of Aβ on mitochondria and the potential molecular targets associated with proteinopathy and mitochondrial dysfunction for the pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

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

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

Neuroprotective Effect and Possible Mechanisms of Berberine in Diabetes-Related Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Animal Studies

Berberine, the main bioactive component of Coptis chinensis Franch., is widely used in the treatment of diabetes. Previous studies have reported that berberine supplementation may play a multitarget therapeutic role in diabetes-related cognitive impairment (DCI). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect and possible mechanisms of berberine in animal models of DCI. Relevant studies were searched through PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and three Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP) until March 2022. Twenty studies involving 442 animals were included, and SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool was used to assess methodological quality. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA 15.0 to calculate the weighted standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The fasting blood glucose (FBG) and Morris water maze test (MWM) were the main outcomes to be analyzed. The overall results showed that berberine could significantly improve FBG, escape latency, the times of crossing the platform, the time spent in the target quadrant, serum insulin, 2hBG of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), amyloid β (Aβ), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), oxidative stress, and inflammation levels. The present meta-analysis demonstrated that berberine could not only lower blood glucose levels but also improve learning and memory in DCI animal models, which might involve regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, improving insulin resistance, anti-oxidation, anti-neuroinflammation, inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress; and improving the cholinergic system. However, additional attention should be paid to these outcomes due to the significant heterogeneity.

Demethyleneberberine, a potential therapeutic agent in neurodegenerative disorders: a proposed mechanistic insight

INTRODUCTION

Neurodegenerative disorders are a diverse variety of diseases that can be distinguished from developing degeneration of neurons in the CNS. Several alkaloids have shown mounting effects in neurodegenerative disorders, and berberine is one of them. Demethyleneberberine is a metabolite of berberine that has better blood-brain barrier crossing capacity. Demethyleneberberine possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and mitochondrial targeting properties. However, neither the pharmacological action nor the molecular mechanism of action of demethyleneberberine on neurodegenerative disorders has been explored yet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review of PubMed, Medline, Bentham, Scopus, and EMBASE (Elseveier) databases was carried out with the help of keywords like "Demethyleneberberine; neuroinflammation; oxidative stress; Neuroprotective; Neurodegenerative disorders" till date.

CONCLUSION

This review focus on the neuroprotective potential of demethyleneberberine in neurodegenerative disorders by attenuating different pathways, i.e., NF-κB, MAPK, and AMPK signalling.

Multi-Targets: An Unconventional Drug Development Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that eventually leads to dementia and death of the patient. Despite the enormous amounts of resources and efforts for AD drug development during the last three decades, no effective treatments have been developed that can slow or halt the progression of the disease. Currently available drugs for treating AD can only improve clinical symptoms temporarily with moderate efficacies. In recent years, the scientific community has realized these challenges and reconsidered the future directions of AD drug development. The most significant recent changes in AD drug development strategy include shifting from amyloid-based targets to other targets, such as tau, and efforts toward better designs for clinical trials. However, most AD drug development is still focused on a single mechanism or target, which is the conventional strategy for drug development. Although multifactorial mechanisms and, on this basis, multi-target strategies have been proposed in recent years, this approach has not been widely recognized and accepted by the mainstream of AD drug development. Here, we emphasize the multifactorial mechanisms of AD and discuss the urgent need for a paradigm shift in AD drug development from a single target to multiple targets, either with the multi-target-directed ligands approach or the combination therapy approach. We hope this article will increase the recognition of the multifactorial nature of AD and promote this paradigm shift. We believe that such a shift will facilitate successful development of effective AD therapies.