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Background: Numerous therapeutic agents are in clinical practice for the treatment of inflammatory and painful conditions, but their applications has been challenged by various side /toxic effects. Therefore, new effective and safe therapies are most warrant, for which medicinal plant could be a significant alternative. Berberis baluchistanica has traditionally been used as analgesic and antiinflammatory without any scientific background. Objective: The current study was designed to evaluate the analgesic and antiinflammatory like effects of extract B. baluchistanica in animal models. Methods: For the study of antinociceptive effect, an of extract of B. baluchistanica (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg i.p.), were tested in acetic acid induced writhing and formalin tests. while for the antiinflammatory action, carrageenan induced paw edema, cotton pellet induced granuloma and xylene induced ear edema tests were used. Results: The results showed significant dose dependent antinociceptive effect of extract of B. baluchistanica in acetic acid induced writhing and formalin induced flinching behavior tests. However, the effect was strongly antagonized by the injection of naloxone, suggesting the expression via opioidergic receptors. Similarly, strong antiinflammatory action was illustrated in carrageenan induced paw edema, cotton pellet induced granuloma and xylene induced ear edema tests and thus provided evidence for the versatile phytochemical nature of its phytochemical. Conclusion: In short, it is concluded that the extract of B. baluchistanica exhibited significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models. Further detailed studies on the efficacy and safety as well as on the phytochemical investigation are required to ascertain its clinical uses.

Since ancient times the medicinal plants have been under use as food and potential therapeutic agent for the management of overall health and the use of all plant parts including fruits, seeds, is well reported in the literature. One such plant is Berberis aristata which is rich in vitamins, minerals, and various phytochemicals amongst which Berberine is the principal bioactive compound with a range of reported health benefits, and some of the commercial formulations like Rasaut, Darvyadi Leha are being used for the treatments of jaundice, malaria, typhoid fever, inflammation, eye infection, diarrhea, wound healing, etc. The hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antitumor, anti-cancerous, properties are the recent additions to its functional importance. Berberine has significant bioactivities in the treatments of different diseases. Besides its remarkable applications, the berberine has low efficacy due to its low solubility in water, poor absorption, and low bioavailability. This problem can be solved by using some techniques like Nanotechnology which has been found to increase its solubility in water, bioavailability, and absorption and hence provide a better delivery system of berberine. This review illuminates the therapeutic applications of the plant Berberis aristata, scientific validation to its traditional uses, role of berberine in the treatment of various diseases through its different bioactivities, major flaws in berberine treatment, and the role of nanotechnology in minimizing those flaws and increasing its overall efficacy. Key teaching pointsPlant Berberis aristata has been used since ancient times for the treatment of various ailments like jaundice, hepatitis, fever, bleeding, inflammation, diarrhea, malaria, skin and eye infections, chronic rheumatism, and urinary disorders.Berberine is the major and most significant phytochemical among numerous phytochemicals present in plant Berberis aristata.Berberine has significantly shown many potent effect against emerging diseases like cancer and diabetes. Besides that, it has also shown antioxidant, anti-inflamation, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and anti-gastrointestinal disorder properties.Berberine can be very effective in overcoming the demerits of berberine treatment like poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and poor absorption in the human body in the treatment of various diseases.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common chronic diseases in men over the age of 50. Clinical studies have suggested that chronic inflammation is associated with BPH pathoprogression. Berberine (BB) is a natural compound found in Berberis vulgaris, Coptis chinensis and Phellodendron amurense. Although several studies have documented that BB may be effective for inflammation, the effects of the oral administration of BB on BPH are not fully understood. The effects of BB on chronic prostatic inflammation were evaluated in a testosterone-induced BPH animal model. Orally administered BB alleviated the pathological alterations induced by BPH and significantly suppressed the expression of inflammatory markers while enhancing the expression of antioxidant factors. Furthermore, BB regulated the activation of macrophages via NF-κB signaling pathway inhibition in the BPH rat model. The effects and underlying signaling pathway of BB in RWPE-1 cells exposed to macrophage conditioned medium (CM) were also demonstrated in vitro. While CM stimulation induced prostatic cell proliferation and upregulated the expression of inflammatory factors, BB exerted anti-proliferation and anti-inflammatory effects in RWPE-1 cells. These findings propose that BB suppresses androgen-dependent BPH development by targeting NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory signaling.

Berbamine is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Berberis poiretii of Berberis of Berberidaceae. It has been reported that it can significantly inhibit the proliferation of a variety of malignant tumor cells, including liver cancer. However, the effect of berbamine on the invasion and metastasis of liver cancer has not been reported. The present study demonstrated that berbamine inhibited the migration and invasion of SMMC-7721 cells in a concentration-dependent manner and obviously increased the gap junction function and the expression of Cx32 in SMMC-7721 cells compared with control group. However, after silencing Cx32, berbamine had no significant effect on cell invasion and metastasis. Before silencing Cx32, the expression of PI3K and P-AKT were decreased after berbamine treated on SMMC-7721 cells for 24 h. After silencing Cx32, the expression of PI3K and P-AKT were increased in SMMC-7721 cells. The expression of PI3K and P-AKT had no significant effect after berbamine treated on SMMC-7721 cells for 24 h with silencing Cx32. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that berbamine could inhibit the SMMC-7721 cell migration and invasion, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by enhancing the expression of Cx32.

Dried fruits are an excellent alternative to unhealthy snacks. Twelve commercially available dried fruits were selected: dates, raisins, prunes, Goji berry, chokeberry, rose hip, sea buckthorn, berberis, physalis, haritaki, noni and juniper. The nutritional value in terms of moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, energy value, mineral composition, antioxidant activity and tannins was compared. It is a novelty in the literature in relation to the particular analytes (e.g., minerals, tannins) and/or fruits (e.g., berberis, noni, haritaki). Especially rich in protein were Goji berry (13.3%), sea buckthorn (9.3%), noni (8.9%) and physalis (8.0%); in fat − sea buckthorn (11.2%); in dietary fiber (4.4–53.0%) − most of analyzed products. High antioxidant capacity was noticed for haritaki, berberis, rose hip, Goji berry, and physalis. An important source of minerals was 100 g of: noni (345 mg of Ca; 251 mg of Mg), rose hip (844 mg of Ca; 207 mg of Mg), juniper (564 mg of Ca), sea buckthorn (58 mg of Fe), berberis (24 mg of Fe) and haritaki (14 mg of Fe). The nutritionally attractive dried fruits have the potential for wider application in food formulations.

The incidences of diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases are increasing worldwide. However, the current treatments for diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases are far from being clearly understood. Berberis species from the Barberry family, Berberidaceae, better known as Barberries are widely distributed worldwide. Several extracts and compounds obtained from Berberis species, particularly berberine, revealed effectiveness in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases. In the present study, a systematic search in the literature was performed to provide animal and clinical evidences regarding the therapeutic effects of berberine in metabolic diseases and diabetes mellitus. Also, its possible mechanism of action is described, in addition to the reported complication for berberine use and its drug interactions.

Objective: To observe the nephroprotective role of berberis vulgar is on renal parenchyma against microscopic and morphometric changes induced by Gentamicin in albino rats. Study Design: Lab based experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: It was conducted in Baqai Medical University in collaboration with department of Anatomy Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, from Jan to Jul 2017. Methodology: A total of 40 male adult albino rats were used in the study. Four groups were made. Each group contained 10 rats. Group A was a control group, group B received only berberis vulgaris fruit extract orally per day for 21 days, group C received Gentamicin 100 mg/kg/day intraperitonially daily for 21 days. Group D received Gentamicin 100 mg/kg/day intraperitonially along with berberis vulgaris fruit extract 100 mg/kg/day orally. Both kidneys were removed. H&E and PAS stains were used for observing histological alterations and protective role of berberis vulgaris fruit extract. Results: Glomerulus and proximal convoluted tubules were observed histologically in all 4 groups. Microscopy of group B showed parameters nearly similar to control group. Microscopy of group C showed significant derangement in all parameters when compared with control group. Group C showed decrease glomerular, proximal convoluted tubular count was noted. Glomerular diameter increases and there was glomerular hypertrophy and tubular necrosis. Microscopy of group D showed significant improvement due to berberis vulgaris which restored normal renal architecture. Conclusion: Berberis vulgaris has a nephroprotective effect and it can be used as a new medicine against nephrotoxic drugs like Gentamicin.

Berberis lyceum and Fumaria indica are two Pakistani indigenous herbal medicines used to treat liver infections, including hepatitis C virus (HCV). This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity, an...

An in vitro propagation protocol has been developed for Berberis asiatica, an important Himalayan medicinal shrub. Significantly higher in vitro seed germination (50%) was obtained in Murashige and...

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Hypertension is an important and prevalent cardiovascular risk factor. The present study will be conducted to investigate the effect of barberry as a cardio-protective fruit on the blood pressure in patients with hypertension and other CVD risk factors. Furthermore, plasma concentrations of lipids and inflammatory biomarkers will be evaluated. Methods/design This is an 8-week, prospective, single-blinded, parallel assigned, randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) in which eligible men and women with hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors will be randomized to either placebo powder (PP; containing 9 g maltodextrin, 1 g citric acid, 1 g milled sucrose and edible red color (n = 37)) or barberry powder (BP; containing 10 g milled dried barberry and 1 g of milled sucrose (n = 37)) groups. At baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention, plasma lipids and inflammatory markers, 24-h urinary nitrite/nitrate and sodium excretion, and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) will be measured. Anthropometric measures and dietary assessment will be performed as well. Data analysis will be done using SPSS version-21 software. Discussion The interest in natural and functional food products has increased globally. This RCT will add to the growing literature for the potential antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects of barberry in humans. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT number) NCT04084847. Registered on 10 December 2019.

Berberine (Brb) is one of the well-known naturally occurring compounds exclusively found in Berberis vulgaris and other members of this family, such as Berberis aristata, Berberis aroatica, and Berberis aquifolium. This plant-derived natural compound has a variety of therapeutic impacts, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-tumor. Multiple studies have demonstrated that Brb has great anti-inflammatory activity and is capable of reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, while it enhances the concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines, making it suitable for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease with chronic nature. Several factors are involved in the development of colitis and it appears that inflammation and oxidative stress are the most important ones. With respect to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Brb, its administration seems to be beneficial in the treatment of colitis. In the present review, the protective effects of Brb in colitis treatment and its impact on molecular pathways are discussed.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease associated with inflammation. In this trial, we aimed to investigate the Immunomodulatory effect of hydroalcoholic extract of black barberry on immune mediators in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 80 women with active RA were randomly assigned into two groups of two capsules, each containing 1,000 mg black barberry extract (n = 40) or maltodextrin placebo (n = 40) daily for 12 weeks. Demographic indices, physical activity, dietary intake, and disease activity were investigated using suitable questionnaires. Concentration of cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17 in blood sample were measured using PBMC method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 22). At baseline, there were no differences between the two groups in terms of demographic indices, physical activity, and dietary intake (p > .05). Black barberry supplementation reduced the severity of RA. It showed no significant effect on IL-2 and IL-4 cytokines (p > .05). IL-17 levels decreased significantly after the intervention within the black barberry group, while IL-10 had a significant increase in this group (p < .05). Barberry extract may reduce inflammatory and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines in RA, and stimulates the immune response by increasing Th2 production.

Cancer, even currently, is one of the main reasons for mortality and morbidity, worldwide. In recent years, a great deal of effort has been made to find efficient therapeutic strategies for cancer, however, particularly with regards to side effects and the possibility of complete remission. Berberine (BBR) is a nature-driven phytochemical component originated from different plant groups such as Berberis vulgaris, Berberis aquifolium, and Berberis aristata. BBR is a well-known nutraceutical because of its wide range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antidiarrheal, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and fungicide. In addition, it exhibits inhibitory effects on multiple types of cancers. In this review, we have elaborated on the anticancer effects of BBR through the regulation of different molecular pathways such as: inducing apoptosis, autophagy, arresting cell cycle, and inhibiting metastasis and invasion.

There is an increasing trend to find novel sources of products with high antioxidant capacity and wild fruits are very good examples for these sources. In this study, fruits of Berberis vulgaris and Berberis crataegina, naturally grown in Bayburt province of Turkey, were tested for their physicochemical features, antioxidant capacities, phenolic compound profiles, and antimicrobial activities. The physicochemical analysis of the fruits revealed that the dry matter content, ash content, pH, and aw values were between 28.47% and 41.61%, 0.65% and 2.13%, 2.44 and 3.25, and 0.996 and 0.97, respectively. The total phenolic content of the fruits was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu methodology, and for the determination of the antioxidant capacity of the fruits, DPPH, ABTS, and β-carotene bleaching methods were performed and a high level of antioxidant activity was observed. HPLC analysis was applied to identify the phenolic content of the fruits, and gallic acid and chlorogenic acid were found to be the dominant phenolic compounds in Berberis fruits. The water extracts of the Berberis fruits were tested against important foodborne pathogenic bacteria as potential antimicrobials. The extracts inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhimurium, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Staphylococcus aureus at significant rates. This study revealed the potential antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics of wild-type B. vulgaris and B. crataegina that can be used for different future applications.

Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the Chinese herb Coptis chinensis and other Berberis plants, has a wide range of pharmacological properties. Berberine can be used to treat many diseases, such as cancer and digestive, metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Berberine has protective capacities in digestive diseases. It can inhibit toxins and bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori, protect the intestinal epithelial barrier from injury, and ameliorate liver injury. Berberine also inhibits the proliferation of various types of cancer cells and impedes invasion and metastasis. Recent evidence has confirmed that berberine improves the efficacy and safety of chemoradiotherapies. In addition, berberine regulates glycometabolism and lipid metabolism, improves energy expenditure, reduces body weight, and alleviates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Berberine also improves cardiovascular hemodynamics, suppresses ischemic arrhythmias, attenuates the development of atherosclerosis, and reduces hypertension. Berberine shows potent neuroprotective effects, including antioxidative, antiapoptotic, and anti-ischemic. Furthermore, berberine exerts protective effects against other diseases. The mechanisms of its functions have been extensively explored, but much remains to be clarified. This article summarizes the main pharmacological actions of berberine and its mechanisms in cancer and digestive, metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases.

This study is based on 2-year experimental results aimed at evaluating the nutritional value and pomological characteristics of wild fruits and berries from the walnut-fruit forests of southern Kyrgyzstan including apple (Malus sieversii var. kirgizorum), pear (Pyrus korshinskyi Litv.), rosehip (Rosa canina), or barberry (Berberis oblonga). Wild pear, characterised by its high level of alimentary fibres (8.76 g/100 g), offers a promising potential for industrial pectin production. Barberry features higher radical scavenging activity (antioxidant activity) as compared to Iranian and Turkish ecotypes. Among the investigated fruits and berries, barberry and rosehip represent a good source of bioactive phytochemicals due to their high phenolic, anthocyanin, vitamin C and mineral contents. Regular consumption of such wild fruits can contribute between 26 and 100% to the recommended dietary allowance of selected mineral elements (Ca, Zn, Fe, Mn) helping to combat micro-nutrient deficiency in humans.

Palmatine (PLT) is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid that belongs to the class of protoberberines and exhibits a wide spectrum of pharmacological and biological properties, including anti-cancer activity. The aim of our study was to isolate PLT from the roots of Berberis cretica and investigate its cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects in vitro alone and in combination with doxorubicine (DOX) using human ER+/HER2− breast cancer cell lines. The alkaloid was purified by column chromatography filled with silica gel NP and Sephadex LH-20 resin developed in the mixture of methanol: water (50:50 v/v) that provided high-purity alkaloid for bioactivity studies. The purity of the alkaloid was confirmed by high resolution mass measurement and MS/MS fragmentation analysis in the HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS-based analysis. It was found that PLT treatment inhibited the viability and proliferation of breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner as demonstrated by MTT and BrdU assays. PLT showed a quite similar growth inhibition on breast cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 5.126 to 5.805 µg/mL. In contrast, growth of normal human breast epithelial cells was not affected by PLT. The growth inhibitory activity of PLT was related to the induction of apoptosis, as determined by Annexin V/PI staining. Moreover, PLT sensitized breast cancer cells to DOX. Isobolographic analysis revealed synergistic and additive interactions between studied agents. Our studies suggest that PLT can be a potential candidate agent for preventing and treating breast cancer.

The present study focuses on exploring the presence of phytochemicals, antioxidants and antimicrobial potential of methanolic extract of root of Berberis aristata. The preliminary qualitative analysis of phytochemicals, free radical scavenging activity, antimicrobial potential and FTIR spectrophotometry were investigated from the root extracts of Berberis aristrata. Methanolic extract of root showed the presence of phytochemicals like alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and saponins. Further antioxidant assay like DPPH (Diphenyl -2-Picrylhydrazyl) assay was done. DPPH free radical scavenging activity was expressed in % inhibition. In present study, the % inhibition of methanolic extract was 52% and IC50 value was 26^g/ml. Antimicrobial screening showed good positive results with tested pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas areginousa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans. The FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer) spectroscopic studies revealed different characteristic peak values which confirmed that there is presence of various phytocompounds such as lipids, proteins in the methanolic root extracts. The FTIR method was performed on a spectrophotometer system, which was used to detect the representative peak values along with their functional groups. The results of the present study generated the FTIR spectrum profile for the medicinally important plant Berberis aristata. This preliminary study shows that root part of Berberis aristata is a promising herb with many phytochemicals, antioxidants and antimicrobial potential.

Particulate matter in European cities, especially in urban areas, is mainly from urban road traffic and constitutes a great threat to the health of inhabitants. Therefore, understanding of the role of common urban roadside plant plays for particulate matter (PM) reduction would have important meaning for the mitigation of urban air pollution. The leaf surface PM capturing capacity of 12 representative urban plants (five shrubs and seven trees) alongside one main street in Hanover Germany was explored in this study. Significant differences for the amount of captured PM (both PM10 and PM2.5) on the leaf surface were found between plant species. Leaves of Taxus baccata, Berberis thunbergii, Pinus nigra, and Quercus robur showed the highest capturing capacity, while leaves of Prunus laurocerasus and Carpinus betulus showed the lowest value. Leaf shape is an important factor which affects the capturing capacity of the tested plant species. Needle-leaved pants were relatively more effective than broad-leaved species. Besides, species with small leaf surface area (0–10 cm2) showed a notably higher capacity than species with large leaf surface area (over 100 cm2). Additionally, by the observation of leaf surface characteristics, plant species with rough and hairy leaf surface tended to be more effective than species with smooth leaf surface. More PM was found distributed on the upper leaf surface close to the midrib rather than on the surface area away from it. At last, no significant correlation was found between the leaf surface contact angle and its PM capturing capacity for the 12 tested plant species in September. In summary, leaf traits including leaf form, leaf shape, leaf surface area, leaf surface hydrophilicity and leaf surface characteristics all have notable effects on the PM capturing capacity of the roadside plant species. This study provides a scientific basis for roadside plants as an eco-friendly solution for the reduction of urban traffic–related PM and stresses the importance of leaf traits as criteria for the plant selection.

A fixed combination of Berberis aristata and Silybum marianum (Berberol) has been used by patients with dyslipidaemia. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed combination of B. aristata and S. marianum (Berberol) on serum lipid levels compared to placebo in a meta-analysis based on randomised, controlled trials. The meta-analysis was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, using the PICO (patients, intervention, comparison, outcome) format, and it was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies. Placebo-controlled clinical studies involving adult patients with a condition of dyslipidaemia and receiving a fixed combination of B. aristata and S. marianum were included. Four randomised trials, including a total of 491 patients, were pooled in statistical analysis. According to the present meta-analysis, Berberol significantly lowered the low-density lipoprotein level, total cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose levels, and the Homeostatic Model Assessment index compared to placebo; however, its effects on the high-density lipoprotein level, triglyceride level, and body mass index were not statistically significant by the end of a 3-month treatment period. Berberol appeared to be safe, and it did not increase the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and creatine kinase enzymes. Berberol is an effective and presumably safe complementary therapy for the treatment of dyslipidaemia; however, the evidence supporting its use is very limited. The optimum dose and duration of treatment are unclear. A comprehensive evaluation of efficacy and safety is required in further high-quality clinical studies involving larger patient populations.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) fruits contain bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. The inclusion of barberry pomace (BP) in finishing diets could potentia...

Obesity is a major worldwide health threat. It is characterized by an abnormal adipose tissue overgrowth together with increased monocytes infiltration, causing inflammation and oxidative stress, events associated with several illnesses. Investigations have focused on the benefits of native fruit consumption, claiming these to be natural sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. It has been widely stated that berries are a source of the most antioxidant compounds, and, thus, seem highly promising to endure research efforts on these vegetal matrices. The present article describes botanical, chemical and biomedical features of the Chilean native berries, Aristotelia chilensis, Ugni molinae, and Berberis microphylla. This work aims to potentiate incoming research focused on the search for novel treatments for first-order diseases with these particular plant sources.

Due to overlapping and diverse morphological characters, Berberis is among the most taxonomically complex genera. Palynology is one of the taxonomic tools for delimitation and identification of complex species. In this study, pollens of 10 Berberis species were analyzed through light and scanning electron microscopy. Qualitative as well as quantitative features (pollen shape, size, presence or absence of colpi, colpi length and width, exine thickness, ornamentation, pollen class, aperture, and polar-equatorial ratio) were measured. Five species were observed to have colpate (pantocolpate) with elongated ends, radially symmetrical, isopolar, monads, and psilate-regulate pollens. In polar view, six pollen were spheroidal, two were ovoid, one spherical, and one oblate. Similarly, variation in pollen length was prominent and the largest pollen on polar view was recorded for B. psodoumbellata 60-65 μm (62.4 ± 0.9), while the smallest one was observed for B. lycium 29-35 μm (32.2 ± 1). The observed variation in both quantitative and qualitative features were important in taxonomic identification. This shows that palynological characters are helpful in identification of Berberis genus at the species level.

Background The aim of the present study was to investigate the antidiarrheal effect of Berberis heteropoda Schrenk roots (BHS), which are used by Chinese minorities to treat diarrhea, through regulation of intestinal flora and related signaling pathways. Methods Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: Control group (Con), Model group (Mod), three BHS groups (BHS-L (0.65 g/kg), BHS-M (1.955 g/kg), BHS-H (5.86 g/kg) and Bifidobacterium group (Bif). The model of diarrhea-based irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS) was induced by intragastric administration combined with restraint stress. The CRD method was used to determine the AWR score and the Bristol fecal score. Quantification of the intestinal bacteria groups in feces was performed using colony counting on plates. The mRNA expression levels of Gpr41, Gpr43, TLR2, TLR4, and nuclear protein κB were determined by qRT-PCR, and the relative abundances of intestinal flora in the intestinal contents were determined by high-throughput gene sequencing ratios. Results Oral administration of BHS (L, M and H) significantly reduced the AWR score and the Bristol fecal score, significantly relieved diarrhea in D-IBS rats, reduced the number of Enterococci and Enterobacteria in feces, increased the number of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, and upregulated the expression of SCFA in plasma. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of TLR2, TLR4, Gpr41, Gpr43 and NF-κB in the BHS groups was downregulated. D-IBS rats reduced the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora and BHS (L, M and H) regulated the abundance and diversity of their intestinal flora. Conclusion The above data suggest that BHS potentially alleviates diarrhea, intestinal flora disorder and intestinal inflammation in D-IBS rats by regulating the immunological pathways. BHS is a promising agent in the treatment of D-IBS.

Objective We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of barberry supplementation on plasma lipid concentration in adult population. Methods The search included PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar (up to October 2018) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of barberry supplementation on serum lipid parameters. Mean Difference (MD) was pooled using a random-effects model. Results Meta-analysis on 5 RCTs with 339 participants indicated that barberry supplementation significantly decreased the levels of total cholesterol (MD: -23.58 mg/dl, 95% CI: -31.00 to -16.16, P ≤ 0.001), triglyceride (MD: -29.16 mg/dl, 95% CI: -42.91 to -15.41, P ≤ 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: -13.75 mg/dl, 95% CI: -19.31 to -8.20, P ≤ 0.001) whereas changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: 3.40 mg/dl, 95% CI: -0.06–6.87, P = 0.054) was not statistically significant. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested the efficacy of barberry supplementation on lipid parameters. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these results.

Today, pharmacognosy is considered a valuable science in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Among herbals, Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in the Berberis species. Surprisingly, it shows antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiarrheal, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory potential. Furthermore, it diminishes drug resistance in cancer therapy and enhances tumor suppression in part through autophagy and cell cycle arrest mechanisms. In the present review, we discuss the effect of berberine on diverse cellular pathways and describe how berberine acts as an autophagy modulator to adjust physiologic and pathologic conditions and diminishes drug resistance in cancer therapy.

BackgroundAn ethnobotanical expedition was conducted to document the traditional ethnobotanical (TEB) uses of wild flora of Dawarian and Ratti Gali villages of District Neelam, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Pakistan. District Neelam has rich plant diversity and is hub of many endemic plant species while the study areas are not yet explored. The research area: Dawarian and Rati Gali (DRG) area is mountaineous terrain and villages are located on far and farther distances. DRG area has rich biocultural and plant diversity comprising of different ethnic groups of Kashmir state. The current research was aimed to explore and document traditional medicines (TEMs) and other domestic and commercial uses of wild plants. This study will assist to evaluate conservation and commercial worth of wild flora which can be potential candidate for drug discovery through ethnopharmacological analysis.MethodsThe current quantitative ethnobotanical research was carried out in 2018 by interviewing 150 indigenous informants (90 male and 60 female) of DRG area using questionnaire applying structured and semi structured interview methodology. Data analysis was analyzed by using quantitative ethnobotanical statistical tools such as fidelity level (FL), informant consensus factor (ICF), Spearman’s rank correlation (SRC) and data matrix ranking (DMR).ResultsThe indigenous people of DRG area use wild plants in their daily life to cope life necessities i.e. food, vegetables, fodder, fuel, shelter, timber and herbal medicines. TEMs are primarily used to cure different infirmities like diabetics, asthma, dysentery, constipation, cold, fever, joint pain, wound healing, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, epilepsy, kidney infections and many types of skin diseases. Current study revealed the data of 103 wild plants species belonging to 46 plant families from selected areas of District Neelum, AJK. Results depicted that Asteraceae ranked 1st(12 plants spp). Among plant parts used leaf ranked 1st(18%), followed by seed (17%) and root (13%). While prevalent form recipe mode was decoction (20%), followed by powder (17%) and extract (14%) and fodder was highest (37%) EB use-form fodder, followed by food (32%) and fuel (17%). Quantitative ethnobotanical analysis (QEA) was carried to find the reliability and novelty of the study. Five plant species includingBerberis lyceum(FL = 97.78%),Isodon rugosus(FL = 95.71%),Saussurea lappa(FL = 94.74%),Aconitum heterophyllum(FL = 92.71%) andTaxus baccata(91.58%) had shown high fidelity level which confirmed that these plants have high medicinal worth in study area. The highest value (0.94) of ICF was for diseases group “tuberculosis and leucorrhea”, followed by stomachache and flatulence (0.93), diabetics and blood pressure (0.92) and asthma and chest infections (0.88). For other uses fuel with ICF (0.83) ranked first and second was hedging and thatching (ICF = 0.82) where people use plants or their parts for construction. Spearman’s rank correlation (SRC) test indicated that number of TEB uses increases if number of species is increased. Jaccard index (JI) analysis depicted that 56.31% plants are being used as TEMs which are first time explored from the study area. While 26.21% plants are being used in different TEB uses which are different from past cited literature. These novel findings of research indicate that wild flora of the study area has great potential for novel drug discovery and provision of materialist services for the indigenous communities.ConclusionThe present research revealed that TEMs uses of 58 plants are novel being first time reported from the study area (DRG) of District Neelam of AJK. The results showed that plants likeAcer cappadocicum,Ajuga bracteosaandSwertia paniculataare used to cure diabetes,Viscum album,Viola canescens,Taxus baccataare used for cure of cancer,Isodon rugosus,Polygala chinensisare used in TEMs for treating cardiovascular disorders andAnaphalis triplinervisis used for epilepsy.Berberis lyceum,Ajuga bracteosa,Aconitum heterophyllum,Bistorta amplexicaule,Saussurea lapaandJurinea dolomiaeaare severely threatened and there is urgent need to do conservation measures for available of valuable MPs to the indigenous communities for life necessities and for future research. The current study will also be useful addition in ethnobotanical database, preservation of traditional culture and drug discovery and drug development through future ethnopharmacological research.

Organic substrates are gaining popularity as a means of mitigating the negative effects of cadmium (Cd) stress on plant growth. The aim of the present study was to investigate the physio-biochemical attributes of Berberis integerrima bunge under Cd-contaminated soil. The pot experiment was carried out based on a completely randomized design (CRD) with six replicates. Cd stress was used as cadmium chloride (CdCl2) at 10, 20, and 30 mg Cd kg−1 dry soil. Biochar was applied at the doses of 125 g per pot, and vermicompost was used at the doses of 250 g per pot separately, and for their combination, they were used as 125 g per pot of BC + 250 g per pot of VC. The results showed higher Cd accumulation in both roots and leaves when the soil was polluted with Cd concentrations, but both BC and VC decreased the Cd accumulation in plant tissues. Although chlorophyll content and relative water content (RWC) decreased at 20 and 30 mg Cd kg−1 soil, BC and VC, particularly their combination, increased these traits. The highest total phenolic content (TPC) was observed in plants exposed to 20 mg Cd kg−1 soil and combined BC and VC. The total flavonoid content (TFC) was increased to 20 mg Cd kg−1 soil and then decreased to 30 mg Cd kg−1 soil. In addition, organic fertilizer promoted the plants’ high accumulation of TFC. The greater activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) were observed at 30 mg Cd kg−1 soil when organic substrates were added. The present study suggests the use of combined BC and VC lead to alleviate the adverse effects of Cd stress in B. integerrima.

ObjectivesPrepare various solvent extracts of Berberis royleana (areal part of plant) to determine the in vitro antibacterial potential of methanolic, ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-hexane and water extracts of B. royleana against various bacterial isolates and Compare the efficacy of outstanding antimicrobial extracts of B. royleana with commonly used antibiotics. Berberis species are medicinally important plants, produce various metabolites and used as treatment for multiple complications. Berberis royleana is a rare specie belongs to genus Berberis.MethodsIn the current study the areal parts of the plant were isolated to explore antibacterial activities. Antibacterial activities were done using standard procedures. The antibacterial activities of different fractions were tested by 100 μg methanolic, ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-hexane and water fractions of B. royleana against bacterial isolates Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhi and Proteus spp. The ciprofloxacin (5μg) was used as a positive control and DMSO as a negative control.ResultsAll fractions showed zone of inhibition against the growth of tested bacterial isolates. Methanolic fractions have maximum ZI against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae (25.7±1.5 mm), S. aureus (23±2.7), Salmonella Typhi (25±1), water fraction have Klebsiella pneumoniae (24.4 ±2.5), Salmonella Typhi (23 ±1 mm), S. aureus (21±2.8 mm) and the n-hexane fraction exhibits ZI against K. pneumoniae (24.7±1.5), Salmonella Typhi (24±2) S. aureus, ethyl acetate maximum zone against E. coli (16.6±3.1) and chloroform fraction showed maximum ZI against S. Typhi (21.6±3.3).ConclusionFrom current report it may be concluded that B. royleana extracts have medicinally effective potentials against drugs resistant bacteria.

Green synthesis of nanomaterials is advancing due to its ease of synthesis, inexpensiveness, nontoxicity and renewability. In the present study, an eco-friendly biogenic method was developed for the green synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) using phytochemically rich Berberis balochistanica stem (BBS) extract. The BBS extract was rich in phenolics, flavonoids and berberine. These phytochemicals successfully reduced and stabilised the NiNO3 (green) into NiONPs (greenish-gray). BBS-NiONPs were confirmed by using UV-visible spectroscopy (peak at 305 nm), X-ray diffraction (size of 31.44 nm), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (identified -OH group and Ni-O formation), energy dispersive spectroscopy (showed specified elemental nature) and scanning electron microscopy (showed rhombohedral agglomerated shape). BBS-NiONPs were exposed to multiple in vitro bioactivities to ascertain their beneficial biological applications. They exhibited strong antioxidant activities: total antioxidant capacity (64.77%) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (71.48%), and cytotoxic potential: Brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay with IC50 (10.40 µg/mL). BBS-NiONPs restricted the bacterial and fungal pathogenic growths at 1000, 500 and 100 µg/mL. Additionally, BBS-NiONPs showed stimulatory efficacy by enhancing seed germination rate and seedling growth at 31.25 and 62.5 µg/mL. In aggregate, BBS extract has a potent antioxidant activity which makes the green biosynthesis of NiONPs easy, economical and safe. The biochemical potential of BBS-NiONPs can be useful in various biomedical and agricultural fields.

In current report, nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) were synthesized using leaf extract of Berberis balochistanica (BB) an endemic medicinal plant. The BB leaves extract act as a strong reducing, stabilizing, and capping agent in the synthesis of BB@NiONPs. Further, BB@NiONPs were characterized using Uv-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and average size was calculated ~21.7 nm). Multiple in vitro biological activities were performed to determine their therapeutic potentials. The BB@NiONPs showed strong antioxidant activities in term of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with scavenging potential of 69.98 and 59.59% at 200 μg/ml, respectively. The antibacterial and antifungal testes were examined using different bacterial and fungal strains and dose-dependent inhibition response was reported. Laterally, cytotoxic and phytotoxic activities were studied using brine shrimp and radish seeds. The result determined potential cytotoxic activity with LD50 value (49.10 μg/ml) and outstanding stimulatory effect of BB@NiONPs on seed germination at lower concentrations as compared to control. Overall, result concluded that biosynthesis of NiONPs using leaf extracts of Berberis balochistanica is cheap, easy, and safe method and could be used in biomedical and agriculture field as nanomedicine and nano fertilizer.

ABSTRCT Ethnopharmacological relevance Berberis dictyophylla F., a famous Tibetan medicine, has been used to prevent and treat diabetic retinopathy (DR) for thousands of years in clinic. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Aim of the study The present study was designed to probe the synergistic protection and involved mechanisms of berberine, magnoflorine and berbamine from Berberis dictyophylla F. on the spontaneous retinal damage of db/db mice. Materials and methods The 14-week spontaneous model of DR in db/db mice were randomly divided into eight groups: model group, calcium dobesilate (CaDob, 0.23 g/kg) group and groups 1–6 (different proportional three active ingredients from Berberis dictyophylla F.). All mice were intragastrically administrated for a continuous 12 weeks. Body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were recorded and measured. Hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) stainings were employed to evaluate the pathological changes and abnormal angiogenesis of the retina. ELISA was performed to assess the levels of IL-6, HIF-1α and VEGF in the serum. Immunofluorescent staining was applied to detect the protein levels of CD31, VEGF, p-p38, p-JNK, p-ERK and NF-κB in retina. In addition, mRNA expression levels of VEGF, Bax and Bcl-2 in the retina were monitored by qRT-PCR analysis. Results Treatment with different proportional three active ingredients exerted no significant effect on the weight, but decreased the FBG, increased the number of retinal ganglionic cells and restored internal limiting membrane. The results of PAS staining demonstrated that the drug treatment decreased the ratio of endothelial cells to pericytes while thinned the basal membrane of retinal vessels. Moreover, these different proportional active ingredients can markedly downregulate the protein levels of retinal CD31 and VEGF, and serum HIF-1α and VEGF. The gene expression of retinal VEGF was also suppressed. The levels of retinal p-p38, p-JNK and p-ERK proteins were decreased by drug treatment. Finally, drug treatment reversed the proinflammatory factors of retinal NF-κB and serum IL-6, and proapoptotic Bax gene expression, while increased antiapoptotic Bcl-2 gene expression. Conclusions These results indicated that DR in db/db mice can be ameliorated by treatment with different proportional three active ingredients from Berberis dictyophylla F. The potential vascular protection mechanisms may be involved in inhibiting the phosphorylation of the MAPK signaling pathway, thus decreasing inflammatory and apoptotic events.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a six-week intake of Berberis vulgaris L in combination with resistance and aerobic exercise on the lipid profile, metabolic parameters, and liver enzymes of obese male rats. Methods: 56 male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: 1) healthy control (n = 8); 2) hypercaloric fatty-food-based diet (n = 8); 3) aerobic exercise (AE, n = 8); 4) resistance exercise (RE, n = 8); 5) black Berberis vulgaris L extract intake (n = 8); 6) Berberis intake combined with aerobic exercise (BAE, n = 8); and 7) Berberis intake combined with resistance exercise (BRE, n = 8). All the rats (except the controls) were induced fatty liver by six weeks of a hypercaloric diet before the intervention. After six weeks of intervention, blood samples were taken to obtain cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), glucose of c-reactive protein (CRP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and urea. Differences between groups were evaluated using the Kruskal Wallis test with post-hoc pairwise comparisons. Results: All the intervention groups significantly (p < .05) improved the parameters compared to the hypercaloric group in almost all the assessed parameters, reaching in many cases significantly better values than the healthy group (control). Similar results were obtained between the experimental groups; however, the outcomes were slightly better (non-significant differences) for the combination of the Berberis extract and both exercise methodologies. Conclusion: The use of herbal medicines such as Berberis vulgaris L in combination with aerobic or resistance exercises may be useful in the prevention of cardiovascular disease by improving risk factors such as blood lipid levels. The authors gratefully acknowledge the cooperation of the Shahrekord Medicinal Plants Research Center, which supported and funded this project.

Berberine, the main bioactive component of many medicinal plants belonging to various genera such as Berberis, Coptis, and Hydrastis is a multifunctional compound. Among the numerous interesting biological properties of berberine is broad antimicrobial activity including a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. With the aim of identifying berberine analogues possibly endowed with higher lead-likeness and easier synthetic access, the molecular simplification approach was applied to the secondary metabolite and a series of analogues were prepared and screened for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial test species. Rewardingly, the berberine simplified analogues displayed 2–20-fold higher potency with respect to berberine. Since our berberine simplified analogues may be easily synthesized and are characterized by lower molecular weight than the parent compound, they are further functionalizable and should be more suitable for oral administration. Molecular docking simulations suggested FtsZ, a well-known protein involved in bacterial cell division, as a possible target.

Bioactive compounds such as phenolics, anthocyanins and carotenoids were investigated in Berberis plant with purple (PB), red (RB) and orange (OB) fruits (barberries). The study was aimed to evaluate the bioaccessibility of the antioxidants and ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitory compounds of barberry plants upon their transit through in-vitro digestion. Among barberries, (PB) exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity due to its higher phenolic and flavonoid content. The order of total phenolics and anthocyanins was PB > RB > OB. Chlorogenic acid was the main phenolic compound in all barberries even after in-vitro digestion. All barberries had similar amounts of total carotenoids (4.45 mgβ-carotene/100gDW). After in-vitro digestion, decreasing phenolics, anthocyanins and carotenoids led to a reduced antioxidant activity. Anthocyanins were found the most sensitive compounds in-vitro digestion. In terms of ACE inhibition activity, only RB exhibited ACE inhibition before (73.84%) and after (65.51%) in-vitro digestion. No ACE inhibition activity was detected at all in RB and OB samples. Leaves and branches of Berberis had also over 50% ACE inhibitory activity. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the carotenoids of barberry and the effect of in-vitro digestion on its bioactive compounds and ACE inhibitors.

As isoquinoline alkaloid naturally occurs in Coptis and Berberis species, berberine (BER) has shown anti-oxidant, anti-tumour, anti-bacterial and hepatoprotective activities and beneficial effects against digestive, cardiovascular and neurological conditions. Also, BER antiinflammatory, pain-relieving and anti-cholinesterase activities were widely studied. The present overview discusses the analgesic effects of BER. Based on the literature, BER exerted pain-relieving activity against diabetic and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and sciatic nerve injury-induced pain via down-regulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, suppression of NF-κB and modulation of μ and δ opioid receptors. Besides, BER could repress inflammatory markers tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and IL-1β, as well as prostaglandin E2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. The modulatory effects of BER on dopamine and N-methyl d-aspartate systems were also noted. Moreover, BER could induce Nrf2 expression but inhibits p38-MAPK and STAT3 phosphorylation. Noteworthy, anti-cholinesterase activity, which may potentially contribute to BER analgesic properties, warrants particular attention.

Magnoflorine (MGN) is a quaternary aporphine alkaloid that exhibits numerous therapeutic properties, including neuropsychopharmacological, anti-anxiety, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or antifungal activities. The aim of the present study was an investigation of the influence of MGN on viability, proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest in NCI-H1299 lung, MDA-MB-468 breast, T98G glioma, and TE671 rhabdomyosarcoma cancer cells. MGN was isolated from the roots of Berberis cretica L. by counter-current partition chromatography (CPC). Cell viability and proliferation assessments were performed by means of MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and 5-bromo-2ʹ-deoxyuridine (BrDU) assays, respectively. The induction of apoptosis and cell cycle progression was measured using fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. MGN in high doses inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis, and inhibits cell cycle in S/G2 phases in a dose-dependent manner. MGN seems to be a promising anti-cancer compound in therapy of some types of lung, breast, glioma, and rhabdomyosarcoma cancers, for which current standard therapies are limited or have severe strong side effects.

A novel pH-sensitive colorimetric film was prepared based on immobilizing red barberry anthocyanins (RBAs) within composite chitin nanofiber (CNF) and methylcellulose (MC) matrices. The incorporation of CNFs and RBAs improved their mechanical properties, moisture resistance, and UV-vis screening properties. Moreover, the RBAs could be used as colorimetric indicators to detect food spoilage because they are sensitive to changes in pH and ammonia gas production. The RBA-halochromic indicator changed from reddish/crimson → pink → yellow with increasing pH, and from pink → yellow with increasing ammonia vapor concentration. Furthermore, the smart films possessed good antioxidant and antimicrobial activity owing to the presence of the RBAs and CNFs. Finally, the validity of the indicator to monitor the freshness/spoilage of a model food (fish) was demonstrated. Overall, this study shows that active/smart films can be assembled from food grade ingredients that can protect and monitor the freshness of products, like meat and fish.

Aims: Natural products still serves as a hope for some illnesses which modern medicine fails to cure. Many people, either knowing their effects or not, are using these herbal products. Treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) is yet a complicated clinical challenge and there is need to improve or make new therapeutic targets. Finding new agents for CHF is an important subject in cardiovascular drug research. In this study, we evaluated the effects of ten herbals on treatment of CHF on isoproterenol-induced model. Methods and results: Ninety-six male Wistar rats (16 weeks old) were used in 12 groups. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on the rats for confirmation of CHF model by decreasing ejection fraction. After 4 weeks’ treatment, hearts were removed and blood samples were collected in tubes to measure plasma levels of laboratory findings. Our results showed that the mean of ejection fraction in model rats was 51.82 ± 3.49 percent and all of our used natural products could significantly increase the ejection fraction (P < 0.01). The most effective herbals in improving the ejection fraction were Allium sativum (30.69 %), Peganum harmala (26.08 %) and Apium graveolens (24.09 %). The best results in decreasing NT-ProBNP, was obtained from Allium sativum, Peganum harmala and Berberis vulgaris respectively. Our results showed that none of natural products had toxic effect on renal and liver tissues. Conclusion: Our results showed that Allium sativum, Peganum harmala and Berberis vulgaris could significantly improve cardiac function by improvement of left ventricular remodeling, lowering hs-CRP and NT-ProBNP and echocardiographic indexes without liver or renal side effects.

The dried stem bark of Berberis kansuensis C.K.Schneid. (Berberidaceae) was widely used to treat diabetes in traditional Tibetan medicine system. However, its anti-diabetic mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, 1 H-NMR-based metabolomics combined with biochemistry assay was applied to investigate the anti-diabetic activities as well as underlying mechanisms of B. kansuensis extract on type 2 diabetic rats. The results showed that after 30 days treatment with B. kansuensis extract, the levels of FBG, GSP, INS, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly decreased in B. kansuensis group compared with the model group. Besides, a total of 28 metabolites were identified in rat serum by 1 H-NMR-based metabolomics method, 16 of which were significantly different in the normal group compared with the model group, and eight of them were significantly reversed after B. kansuensis intervention. Further analysis of metabolic pathways indicated that therapeutic effect of B. kansuensis might be predominantly related to their ability to improve glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, citric acid cycle, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism and choline metabolism. The results of both metabolomics and biochemical analysis indicated that B. kansuensis extract has a potential anti-diabetic effect on type 2 diabetic rats. Its therapeutic effect may be based on the ability of anti-inflammation, alleviating insulin resistance and restoring several disturbed metabolic pathways.

In this work, novel Fe/ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) and Fe nanoparticles loaded onto porous ZnO nanostructures have been synthesized via a simple biotechnological route by using Berberis thunbergii extract. In this direction, the as-synthesized bio-based porous ZnO derivatives and human serum albumin (HSA), as a biopolymeric model, form nano-hybrid assemblies. The effect of loading Fe on properties of porous ZnO nanostructures as well as the behavior of the nano-hybrid assemblies were evaluated by using XRD, SEM, EDX, DLS, PL, CD, FTIR and UV/Visible-diffuse reflectance spectra (UV/Vis-DRS) techniques. The fluorescence results revealed that the interaction of Fe/ZnO NCs with HSA biopolymer led to the formation of a ground state complexes as nano-hybrid assemblies. The calculated thermodynamic parameters indicated that the binding process occurred spontaneously. The CD and FTIR spectra confirmed the changes in helicity of HSA as well as the random coil and β-turn in the secondary structure of HSA upon interaction with Fe/ZnO NCs.

In recent years, silver nanoparticles have been used as modern chemotherapeutic drugs to treat several cancers such as pancreatic, breast, prostate, and blood cancers. No previous reports demonstrated the in vitro anti-human pancreatic cancer effects of the novel chemotherapeutic drug formulated by silver nanoparticles containing Berberis thunbergii leaf (AgNPs). The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using different techniques including UV-vis. and FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and TEM. All techniques approved the synthesized silver nanoparticles. The SEM and TEM exhibited a uniform spherical morphology and an average size of about 15 nm for the biosynthesized nanoparticles, respectively. The 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde,2,2-diphenyl-1- pikrilhydrazil (DPPH) test revealed similar antioxidant potentials for B. thunbergii leaf aqueous extract, AgNPs, and butylated hydroxytoluene. AgNPs inhibited half of the DPPH molecules in the concentration of 108 μg/mL. To survey the anti-human pancreatic cancer activities of AgNO3 , B. thunbergii leaf aqueous extract, and AgNPs, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used on common human pancreatic cancer cell lines. AgNPs had very low cell viability and anti-human pancreatic cancer effects dose-dependently against PANC-1, AsPC-1, and MIA PaCa-2. The IC50 values of the AgNPs were 259, 268, and 141 μg/mL against PANC-1, AsPC-1, and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines, respectively. It is thought that the AgNPs obtained can be used as an anticancer drug for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in humans after acceptance of the above findings in clinical study trials.

Objective We identified and quantified the results of randomized clinical trials by examining the effect of barberry supplementation on blood pressure. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search in the medical bibliographic database up to May 2020 on randomized clinical trials investigating the effect of barberry supplementation on adult blood pressure. Intensive literature searches and data extraction according to a prefixed scheme was performed independently by two investigators. Results Through 5 randomized clinical trial studies, 350 subjects with 175 cases for the intervention group and 175 cases for control group were included in our study. The intervention period ranged from 4 to 12 weeks. In general, barberry supplementation did not have a significant effect on systolic blood pressure (WMD: -4.15 mmHg; 95 % CI: -10.3, 1.99, P = 0.185) and diastolic blood pressure (WMD: -1.22 mmHg; 95 % CI: -6.26, 3.82, P = 0.635). Our study was heterogeneous and subgroup analysis did not eliminate heterogeneity. Conclusion Totally, based on this study, we cannot conclude that barberry supplementation has beneficial effects on blood pressure. Also, all included studies had limitations such as different in geographical situations, Dietary of participants, health conditions, and pharmacological forms of berberis. Therefore, further study in this area is recommended.

BackgroundThe metabolic syndrome is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus.ObjectivesAs alternative medicine emerged worldwide, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Berberis vulgaris (barberry fruit) in the treatment of metabolic syndrome.MethodsThis is a randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind, trial with two treatment arms. A total of 60 patients with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to receive barberry or placebo tablets (one 550 mg tablets per day for 3 weeks). Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceride, fasting blood sugar and hematocrit were measured before and after 21 days of treatment. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and paired t-test by SPSS (V.15) software. P-values < 0.05 were considered to be significant.ResultsIn the barberry group, there was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (pre-treatment 123.1 ± 13.1 vs. post-treatment 117.7 ± 13.2, P-value = 0.04), waist circumference (pre-treatment 105.9 ± 7.5 vs. post-treatment105 ± 7.7, P-value = 0.04) and hematocrit (pre-treatment 45 ± 3.6 vs. post-treatment 43.5 ± 2.7, P-value = 0.004) but other parameters did not change significantly. Serum cholesterol was significantly reduced after intervention in the barberry group (-17 ± 61.1 vs. 23.6 ± 45, P-value = 0.02).ConclusionsWe observed a significant effect of barberry on systolic blood pressure and waist circumference. Further studies with larger samples are needed to longitudinally investigate the effect of metabolic syndrome.

Ifosfamide is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent having broad-spectrum efficacy against several tumors. However, nephro, hepato, neuro cardio, and hematological toxicities associated with ifosfamide render its use limited. These side effects could range from organ failure to life-threatening situations. The present study aimed to evaluate the attenuating efficiency of Berberis vulgaris root extract (BvRE), a potent nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, and lipid-lowering agent, against ifosfamide-induced toxicities. The study design comprised eight groups of Swiss albino rats to assess different dose regimes of BvRE and ifosfamide. Biochemical analysis of serum (serum albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, total cholesterol, and triglycerides) along with complete blood count was performed. Kidney, liver, brain, and heart tissue homogenates were used to find malondialdehyde, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase levels in addition to the acetylcholinesterase of brain tissue. The results were further validated with the help of the histopathology of the selected organs. HeLa cells were used to assess the effect of BvRE on ifosfamide cytotoxicity in MTT assay. The results revealed that pre- and post-treatment regimens of BvRE, as well as the combination therapy exhibited marked protective effects against ifosfamide-induced nephro, hepato, neuro, and cardiotoxicity. Moreover, ifosfamide depicted a synergistic in vitro cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells in the presence of BvRE. These results corroborate that the combination therapy of ifosfamide with BvRE in cancer treatment can potentiate the anticancer effects of ifosfamide along with the amelioration of its conspicuous side effects.

The incidences of diabetic mellitus and other metabolic diseases such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia are increasing worldwide; however, the current treatment is not able to control the rapidly increasing trend in diabetes mortality and morbidity. Studies related to the effectiveness of extracts and pure compounds obtained from plants have shown promising responses in preclinical and clinical studies related to these metabolic diseases. Plants belonging to the genus Berberis (Family: Berberidaceae) are widely distributed with nearly 550 species worldwide. Extracts and compounds obtained from Berberis species, especially Berberine alkaloid, showed effectiveness in the management of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Various pharmacological experiments have been performed to evaluate the effects of Berberis extracts, berberine, and its natural and chemically synthesized derivatives against various cell and animal disease models with promising results. Various clinical trials conducted so far also showed preventive effects of Berberis extracts and berberine against metabolic diseases. The present review focuses on i) research updates on traditional uses, ii) phytopharmacology and clinical studies on Berberis species, and iii) active metabolites in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and other metabolic diseases with a detailed mechanism of action. Furthermore, the review critically analyzes current research gaps in the therapeutic use of Berberis species and berberine and provides future recommendations.

Fil: Boeri, Patricia Alejandra. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Río Negro, Argentina. Fil: Boeri, Patricia Alejandra. CIT-Río Negro, Río Negro, Argentina. Fil: Dalzotto, Daniela. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Río Negro, Argentina. Fil: Piñuel, María Lucrecia. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Río Negro, Argentina. Fil: Sharry, Sandra. National University of La Plata, Wood Research Laboratory (LIMAD), Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, La Plata, Argentina Fil: Piñuel, María Lucrecia. CIT-Río Negro, Río Negro, Argentina. Fil: Monasterio, Romina. UNCuyo-CONICET, Institute of Agricultural Biology of Mendoza (IBAM), Mendoza, Argentina Fil: Fontana, Ariel. UNCuyo-CONICET, Institute of Agricultural Biology of Mendoza (IBAM), Mendoza, Argentina Fil: Sharry, Sandra. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Río Negro, Argentina. Fil: Barrio, Daniel Alejandro. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro, Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia Río Negro , Río Negro, Argentina Fil: Carrillo, Wilman. Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Technical University of Babahoyo, Babahoyo, Ecuador An important portion of vitamins, minerals and polyphenols components in human diet are captured from fruit consumption. Argentinean Patagonia Berberis microphylla was characterized with the phenolic content, the proximate composition and the identification and quantification of anthocyanins, not-anthocyanins and proteins. The antioxidant capacity of berberis ethanolic extracts (EB) was determined by the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. EB was used to reduce production of reactive substances species (ROS) in zebrafish. EB presented a total polyphenols content of 1,035.03 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight (FW). EB presented an ABTS value of 116.25 ± 17 μmol TE/g FW. EB presented a DPPH value of 137.80 ± 1.90 μmol TE/g FW. EB was able of reducing the ROS in zebrafish. Berberies Protein Isolate (BPI) presented proteins with bands from 15 to 62 kDa. BPI presented an ABTS value of 593.11 ± 8.60 μmol TE/g. The BPI duodenal digest presented a value of 641.07 ± 12.60 μmol TE/g digests. Practical applications The practical applications of the present study are to increase scientific knowledge for consumers about the quality and benefits of the consumption of the native fruit (Berberis microphylla) from the Patagonia region of Argentine. This work describes the protein profile of berberies, their digestibility and their antioxidant activity. This study allows to better understand the phytonutrients that make up this fruit. Future studies may identify the peptides present in hydrolyzates. The bio-compounds of this fruit could be used as functional ingredients by the food industry for different purposes. Una parte importante de los componentes de vitaminas, minerales y polifenoles de la dieta humana se obtienen del consumo de frutas. La Berberis microphylla de la Patagonia argentina fue caracterizada con el contenido fenólico, la composición proximal y la identificación y cuantificación de antocianinas, no antocianinas y proteínas. La capacidad antioxidante de los extractos etanólicos de berberis (EB) se determinó mediante los ensayos de ácido 2,2′-azino-bis(3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-sulfónico) (ABTS) y 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo (DPPH). El EB se utilizó para reducir la producción de especies reactivas (ROS) en el pez cebra. El EB presentó un contenido total de polifenoles de 1.035,03 mg GAE/100 g de peso fresco (FW). El EB presentó un valor de ABTS de 116,25 ± 17 μmol TE/g FW. El EB presentó un valor de DPPH de 137,80 ± 1,90 μmol TE/g FW. El EB fue capaz de reducir las ERO en el pez cebra. El Aislado de Proteínas de Berbería (BPI) presentó proteínas con bandas de 15 a 62 kDa. El BPI presentó un valor ABTS de 593,11 ± 8,60 μmol TE/g. El digerido duodenal de BPI presentó un valor de 641,07 ± 12,60 μmol TE/g digerido. Aplicaciones prácticas Las aplicaciones prácticas del presente estudio son aumentar el conocimiento científico para los consumidores sobre la calidad y los beneficios del consumo del fruto nativo (Berberis microphylla) de la región patagónica de Argentina. Este trabajo describe el perfil proteico de las berberías, su digestibilidad y su actividad antioxidante. Este estudio permite conocer mejor los fitonutrientes que componen este fruto. Futuros estudios podrán identificar los péptidos presentes en los hidrolizados. Los biocompuestos de esta fruta podrían ser utilizados como ingredientes funcionales por la industria alimentaria para diferentes fines.