Multiple target and regulatory pathways of berberine

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Berberine (BBR) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound with diverse pharmacological activities.
• It targets multiple molecular pathways, including MAPK, TLR4/NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, and AMPK/mTOR.
• BBR exhibits antimicrobial properties and modulates gut microbiota, impacting metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the molecular mechanisms of berberine's therapeutic actions.
• To discuss novel interactions, side effects, and nano-carrier applications of berberine.
• To identify new therapeutic targets and applications for berberine.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Data organized in tabular and narrative formats.
• Searches conducted across multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, etc.) using keywords like "Berberine," "toxicology," and "molecular mechanism" from 1970-2024.

Main Results:

• Berberine effectively treats cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and tumor-related conditions by modulating signaling pathways.
• It positively impacts gut flora, aiding in gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, and renal disorders.
• Low oral bioavailability and complex mechanisms necessitate further research.

Conclusions:

• Berberine's therapeutic efficacy across various conditions is summarized, highlighting its relationship with diseases.
• The application of berberine nanofomulations is discussed.
• Future research should focus on rare diseases, mental health, immune conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, cancer, drug delivery, and epigenetic effects.