Berberine and Its Study as an Antidiabetic Compound

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that causes hyperglycemia conditions and leads to various chronic complications that causes death. The prevalence of diabetes is predicted to continue to increase, and with the high toxicity levels of current diabetes drugs, the exploration of natural compounds as alternative diabetes treatment has been widely carried out, one of which is berberine. Berberine and several other alkaloid compounds, including some of its derivatives, have shown many bioactivities, such as neuraminidase and hepatoprotective activity. Berberine also exhibits antidiabetic activity. As an antidiabetic compound, berberine is known to reduce blood glucose levels, increase insulin secretion, and weaken glucose tolerance and insulin resistance by activating the AMPK pathway. Apart from being an antidiabetic compound, berberine also exhibits various other activities such as being anti-adipogenic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Many studies have been conducted on berberine, but its exact mechanism still needs to be clarified and requires further investigation. This review will discuss berberine and its mechanism as a natural compound with various activities, mainly as an antidiabetic.

Definition of the Neurotoxicity-Associated Metabolic Signature Triggered by Berberine and Other Respiratory Chain Inhibitors

“…(iii) Detailed information on Ber's mode of action, in comparison to archetypical c-I inhibitors, was obtained on the transcriptome and metabolome level. The redox-active compound was considered of high interest, as it emerged recently as a nutraceutical ingredient of food supplements meant to counteract aging and several diseases [89][90][91][92][93][94].…”

Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts

“…Fibre aids in digestion, regulates intestinal movements and can support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a healthy gut microbiome [49,50]. Some plant compounds, such as berberine from certain herbs, have shown potential to manage blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes [51,52]. It is impossible to list all the previously described compounds isolated from plants and their health-promoting properties, but continuously emerging scientific reports confirm the significant role of phytocomponents in the prevention of various conditions.…”

Benefits of Quercetin on Glycated Hemoglobin, Blood Pressure, PiKo-6 Readings, Night-Time Sleep, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…This imbalance between ROS and antioxidant dynamics culminates in cellular damage, dysregulated glucose homeostasis, and extensive detriment of organs and tissues [ 6 ], prompting explorations of the therapeutic potential of antioxidants [ 18 ]. Thus, several medicinal herbal remedies, including berberine [ 19 ], silymarin [ 20 ] and curcumin [ 12 ], among others, have been investigated for their potential in managing diabetic outcomes, although evidence on their safety and efficacy remains scarce [ 11 ]. Studies have demonstrated that medicinal plants show some activity of lowering blood glucose levels through mechanisms such as stimulating insulin production [ 21 ], improving insulin sensitivity [ 22 ], and inhibiting the intestinal enzyme amylase [ 23 ].…”