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Berberine: An Important Emphasis on Its Anticancer Effects through Modulation of Various Cell Signaling Pathways

Saleh A Almatroodi1, Mohammed A Alsahli1, Arshad Husain Rahmani1

  • 1Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 52571, Saudi Arabia.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 23, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Berberine, a natural compound from plants, shows significant anticancer potential by targeting key cell signaling pathways. Its use alongside conventional treatments may improve cancer therapy outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

  • Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, with limited improvements in survival rates and significant side effects from current treatments.
  • Medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds are actively researched for novel anticancer drug development.
  • Berberine, a plant-derived alkaloid, has demonstrated an inverse association with cancer incidence and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the anticancer effects and mechanisms of action of berberine in various cancers.
  • To explore how berberine modulates critical cell signaling pathways involved in cancer.
  • To discuss recent advancements in berberine drug delivery and its synergistic potential.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on berberine's anticancer properties.
  • Analysis of research detailing berberine's impact on cellular processes like apoptosis and angiogenesis.
  • Examination of studies investigating berberine's interaction with signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, and MAPK/ERK.

Main Results:

  • Berberine exhibits anticancer activity through multiple mechanisms: free radical scavenging, apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of angiogenesis and inflammation.
  • Berberine effectively modulates key cancer-related signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, and MAPK/ERK.
  • Synergistic anticancer effects of berberine have been observed when combined with conventional chemotherapy drugs and other natural compounds.

Conclusions:

  • Berberine presents a promising natural compound for cancer management due to its multifaceted anticancer mechanisms.
  • Targeting specific cell signaling pathways with berberine offers a potential strategy for novel cancer therapies.
  • Further research into berberine-based drug delivery systems and combination therapies could enhance its clinical application in oncology.
Keywords:
berberinebioavailabilitycancercell signaling pathwayssynergistic effects

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