Berberine and neurodegeneration: A review of literature

Abstract

The excessive production of reactive oxygen species in nervous tissues is considered one of the major risk factors of neurodegenerative diseases. During the last two decades, much attention has been paid to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of natural products and compounds isolated from natural products which are often characterized by high efficacy and low adverse effects. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid, widely present in different medicinal herbs, especially in the genus Berberis. It is mainly used as antidiarrhoeal, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiprotozoal agent. However, current research has focused on its beneficial role in neurodegenerative diseases, mainly due to its powerful antioxidant effect. The therapeutic potential of Berberine in different neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson and Huntington disease has been brought to evidence by numerous studies. However, a limited number of reviews focus on the beneficial role of Berberine against neurodegeneration. The main objective of this review is to discuss the role of oxidative stress in neurodegeneration and the potential role of antioxidant compounds, in particular Berberine which is analyzed in its chemical structure, source, bioavailability, therapeutic potential, with special attention to its mechanism of action at a molecular level.

Proteostasis in Huntington’s Disease: Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities

“…Berberine has also been reported to show efficacy in HD models, and is postulated to induce autophagy via AMPK activation 110,111 . Many other molecules including clonidine 112 , modulate cyclic AMP or inositol triphosphate to induce autophagy and ameliorate phenotypes in HD animal models.…”

Berberine Induces <b><i>CYP2J2</i></b> Expression in Human U251 Glioma Cells via Regulation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha

“…Currently, there is an increasing interest in berberine due to its favorable biological activities, and there have been many studies regarding its pharmacokinetic properties [2][3][4] and pharmacological activities [5]. In clinical practice and some trials, berberine has been shown to have therapeutic effects on several clinical disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases [6][7][8], cancer [9], cardiological problems [10,11], metabolic syndrome [12], mood disorders [13], and hepatic and renal disorders [14], indicating that berberine has potential for further development as a natural drug.…”

Neuroprotective effect of berberine against learning and memory deficits in diffuse axonal injury

“…It can significantly regulate blood sugar levels and improve impaired glucose tolerance. In addition, it has preferable preventive and therapeutic effects against diabetic complications, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and hyperlipidemia (8). As an isoquinoline derivative alkaloid, berberine exists in Coptischinensis, golden cypress and the root of Chinese barberry (8).…”