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The therapeutic effects of berberine for gastrointestinal cancers
Amirhossein Davoodvandi1,2, Sahand Sadeghi3, Seyed Mohammad Amin Alavi4
1Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
Abstract:
Cancer is one of the most serious human health issues. Drug therapy is the major common way to treat cancer. There is a growing interest in using natural compounds to overcome drug resistance, adverse reactions, and target specificity of certain types of drugs that may affect several targets with fewer side effects and be beneficial against various types of cancer. In this regard, the use of herbal medicines alone or in combination with the main anticancer drugs is commonly available. Berberine (BBR), a nature-driven phytochemical component, is a well-known nutraceutical due to its wide variety of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and hypolipidemic. In addition, BBR exerts anticancer activities. In present article, we summarized the information available on the therapeutic effects of BBR and its mechanisms on five types of the most prevalent gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, gastric, colorectal, hepatocarcinoma, and pancreatic cancers.
Insights
Berberine (BBR), a natural compound, shows promise in treating gastrointestinal cancers like esophageal, gastric, colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers. Its anticancer effects offer potential for improved drug resistance and fewer side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with chemotherapy as a primary treatment.
- Natural compounds are increasingly explored for cancer therapy due to their potential to overcome drug resistance and reduce side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of berberine (BBR) against major gastrointestinal cancers.
- To highlight BBR's potential as an anticancer agent in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on berberine's pharmacological activities.
- Analysis of research on BBR's efficacy in esophageal, gastric, colorectal, hepatocarcinoma, and pancreatic cancers.
Main Results:
- Berberine (BBR) exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- BBR demonstrates significant anticancer activities across multiple gastrointestinal cancer types.
Conclusions:
- Berberine (BBR) is a promising phytochemical with broad therapeutic potential in treating gastrointestinal cancers.
- Further research into BBR could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for managing these prevalent cancers.
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