Amount Of Berberine Research Articles

Examination of the molecular mechanism of the mutual inhibitory effect of each cytotoxicity caused by the combined extraction of Coptidis Rhizoma and Rhei Rhizoma: An example of providing evidence for ‘herbal pair’ theory

ABSTRACTAimKampo medicines are effective depending on the combination of crude drugs. In addition, the basis is a combination of two crude drugs, which is defined as a ‘herbal pair’. However, there are very few studies from this point of view. We found that Rhei Rhizoma (RR) may interact with Coptidis Rhizoma (CR).MethodsComponent profiles were analyzed by three‐dimensional high‐performance liquid chromatography (3D‐HPLC). Cell viability in N18TG‐2 cells was determined by morphology observation and a ‘3‐(4,5‐di‐methylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, yellow tetrazole (MTT)’ assay.ResultsWhen RR and CR were extracted together, the color of the extract was lighter than the colors of the individual extracts. In addition, precipitation occurred by simply combining the extracts of both in vitro. When each component profile was analyzed by 3D‐HPLC, at least the amount of berberine, which is contained in a large amount in CR, was strongly decreased in combined extracts with RR. Although CR and RR each have a cytotoxic effect, when both were extracted together, their cytotoxicity almost disappeared. However, cytotoxicity remained in the supernatant when both extracts were combined in vitro, and also in the suspension of the resulting precipitate.ConclusionFrom these results, when CR and RR are extracted together, their cytotoxicity is suppressed by some unknown mechanism. Whether this is due to the synthesis of new compounds by co‐extraction or the detoxification of toxic components by interaction needs further investigation. This result suggests the importance of ‘herbal pair’ research.

Molecular Approach Towards Screening of Biological Targets of Berberine and its Production Sources

Traditional medicine dating back to centuries ago has been used to treat several ailments of humans. Berberine is a chemical compound that is found in plants which is being used in the form of drugs to work against various diseases. For optimum production of Berberine suitable plant species must be selected out of Coptis japonica and Argemona mexicana which are high yielding. From the pathway of Berberine production it is known that more the amount of substrate Canadine gives more amount of Berberine. The objective of this work is to compare the Canadine production efficiency among Coptis japonica and Argemona mexicana by molecular level studies for both the species. It is concluded that the enzyme, (S)-canadine synthase from Argemona mexicana is more efficient towards the production of (S)-canadine which in turn lead to Berberine production. Later the efficiency of Berberine against various disease targets is tested by molecular docking approach under same experimental conditions. Molecular docking results conferred the efficiency of Berberine in the treatment of gastric cancer over the other diseases.

In vitro synthesis of berberine, a pharmacologically important isoquinoline alkaloid in callus cultures of Tinospora cordifolia

Callus cultures were raised from young green leaf segments of the medicinal climber Tinospora cordifolia in Murashige and Skoog’s media containing different growth regulator regime. The in vitro callus cultures were analysed for the accumulation of active principle through high-performance liquid chromatography. Quantitative analysis of berberine was achieved by thin-layer chromatography and UV-absorbance method. Callus cultures accumulated an appreciable amount of berberine. A maximum of 355 μg/g dry wt accumulation of berberine was noted when the callus was grown in the presence of 2 mg/l 2, 4-D and 0.1 mg/l BA. However, maximum callus growth was achieved in the presence of 0.5 mg/l BA and 2 mg/l 2,4-D. Maximum tissue growth didn't favour an increased accumulation of the berberine. Enhanced accumulation of berberine was found when callus growth was less and therefore may be associated with the stress faced by in vitro tissues. The experimental results indicate that it is desirable to adopt two different growth regulator regime - one for accelerated callus growth and another for enhanced in vitro synthesis of berberine. The in vitro cultures of T. cordfiolia also offers an ideal system for understanding the studies on elucidating alternate routes of berberine biosynthetic pathway as well as possible elite cells for scaling up of berberine.

Alginate-based composite microspheres coated by berberine simultaneously improve hemostatic and antibacterial efficacy

It is important to develop effective, biocompatible, easily stored and affordable hemostats for controlling bleeding and preventing infection in prehospital trauma. In this study, we synthesized a series of alginate-based composite microspheres coated by different amounts of berberine (SCC-1B, SCC-5B and SCC-10B), which were further characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), viscometer, particle analyzer and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The in vitro and vivo results demonstrated that compared to control group (SCC, Composite polysaccharide microspheres without berberine, and CMPHP, Commercial hemostatic agent), SCC-10B with proper content berberine (7%), not only exhibited inherent excellent antibacterial activity, but also enhanced hemostatic effect by increasing adhesion and aggregation of blood cells, which could be considered as synergistic effects. More importantly, through inserting berberine into the cross-linked network, biodegradability and biocompatibility of SCC-10B were also improved. Taken together, SCC-10B could be a candidate for emergency hemostatic and antibacterial treatment in prehospital trauma.

Optimizing extraction of berberine and antioxidant compounds from barberry by maceration and pulsed electric field-assisted methods

BACKGROUND: Barberry is a valuable plant, which is useful in the treatment of different diseases. There are valuable compounds in different parts of barberry that are pruned per year and discarded as waste. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the amount of berberine, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of barberry fruits, leaves, and stems of different barberry species (B.integerrima and B.thunbergii) were investigated. METHODS: Central composite design of response surface methodology (RSM) were used in this study to investigate the extraction variables (time: 2–24 h, temperature: 24–70°C and ethanol concentration: 50–90%) in the extraction of berberine from the stem of B.integrrima. The responses used as criteria were the amount of berberine, scavenging radical DPPH, and polyphenol. Also, pulsed electric field-assisted (PEF) was applied as a pretreatment (Pulse strengths of 250, 1000 and 1250 Vcm–1; Pulse numbers (n) of 50 and 100; frequency (f) of 1 Hz) and then the extraction was conducted in optimum condition. PEF increased significantly the amount of berberine. RESULTS: The stem of B.integrrima had the most amounts of antioxidant activity and berberine content, and it was selected for more investigation. The optimum condition in the maceration method was: 90% of ethanol, 70°C, and 3.36 h (141.6 min). According to the result of PEF method, the best condition for extraction of berberine from barberry stems was 1000 Vcm–1 and n = 100. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that the extract of B.integrrima stem is a good source of berberine, antioxidant, and has the potential to be applied in various industries.

Target Animal Safety and Residual Study for Berberine and other Phytogenic Compounds in Broiler Chickens

Background: Phytogenic compounds are one of many alternatives to current industry feed ingredients for the poultry industry. However, despite increased reports on the activity of phytogenic compounds against disease in poultry, there is a lack of data regarding safety and residual toxicity. This two-part study investigated the general health of broiler chickens fed Berberine, Ursolic Acid, Piceid, Honokiol and Baicalin in-feed at three different levels, and assessed the poultry tissue residue of Berberine in breast muscle, upper and lower thigh, and liver through LC/MS-MS. Methods and Findings: Phase 1 trial results demonstrated that all birds appeared normal, with all gastrointestinal histologic lesions and liver histologic lesions identified within normal limits for broiler chickens in a production environment. Phase 2 trial showed that the lowest amount of Berberine, 0.03 g/kg in-feed, resulted in tissue residues below the lower limit of detection (<2 ng/g), and the highest amount of Berberine, 0.3 g/kg in-feed, yielded detectable values, although the significance of these results is still not clear. Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study suggests that the five tested phytogenic compounds are safe for use in starter, grower and finisher feeds for broiler chickens. Further exposure and risk assessment calculations regarding appropriate residue levels are necessary to evaluate the use of Berberine as a feed ingredient for poultry.

Protective effect of Berberis vulgaris fruit extract against Paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats.

Pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat (PQ) has caused a large number of human fatalities all over the world, especially in Asian region. The main potential mechanism of PQ toxicity has been thought to be mediated by ROS. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the Berberis vulgaris fruit extract (BVFE) against PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Forty male rats were randomly divided into five experimental groups each containing eight rats. Groups 1 and 2, served as a negative and positive control and received a single dose of intratracheal instillation of saline and PQ (20mg/kg), respectively. Groups 3-5 were treated with different doses of BVFE (100, 200, 400mg/kg/day, orally) 1 week before the PQ injection and continued for 3 weeks. The rats were sacrificed 21days after PQ. Malondialdehyde (MDA), Hydroxyproline, inflammatory and fibrogenic cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in lung tissue were determined. Presence of fibrosis, inflammatory cells, connective tissue and collagen deposition in lung were evaluated microscopically by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Dried extract was standardized by amount of berberine by HPTLC methods by silica gel plate. The results showed that PQ could significantly increase the lung MDA, hydroxyproline, TNF-α, IL-6 and TGF-β1 levels. BVFE ameliorated the biochemical and histological lung alterations induced by PQ. The present study indicates the hydroalcolic extract of Berberis vulgaris fruit has beneficial effects in rat pulmonary fibrosis induced by PQ in a dose-dependent manner, possibly by anti-oxidant and anti- inflammatory properties, which might be due to its berberine alkaloid content.

Fluorescence Spectral Study of Berberine-K&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;HgI&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; Associated Particle System and its Analytical Application

In 0.08 mol/L HCl medium, berberine (BB) cationic ion and HgI42-combine to BB-HgI4association complex molecule. These complex molecules self-aggregate to (BB-HgI4)nassociation particles. It exhibits two fluorescence peaks at 400 nm and 470 nm. A new and sensitive fluorescence method has been proposed for the determination of trace amounts of BB in the range of 10 to 800 ng/mL. The detection limit is 3 ng/mL BB. The method has been applied to the determination of trace berberine in real samples, with satisfactory results. The cause of the fluorescence was also discussed.

A Sensitive Resonance Scattering Method for the Determination of Trace Berberine Based on Formation of Particles

In diluted HCl medium, berberine (BB) cationic ion and I3-combine to BB-I3association complex molecule. These complex molecules self-aggregate to (BB-I3)nassociation nanoparticlees in size of about 50 nm. It exhibits a strongest resonance scattering peak at 520 nm and a fluorescence peak at 470 nm for the nanoparticle system. A novel and sensitive resonance scattering spectral method has been proposed for the determination of trace amounts of BB in the range of 10 to 800 ng/ml, with detection limit of 3ng/ml BB. The method has been applied to the determination of trace berberine in real samples, with satisfactory results.

The Enhanced Carbamate Adsorption of Modified Bentonite with Coscinium fenestratum

Pesticides daily pollutes soil and water in farmland and environment in ASEAN agricultural developing countries. In this study, pesticide adsorption was studied by bentonite modification, targeting the organoclay adsorbent in comparison to native bentonite, which was probably reported to adsorb agricultural pesticide. Commercial bentonite was modified with the berberine containing natural extract from Coscinium fenestratum; the local folk medicine in Thailand. The modified clay by extracted berberine was able to adsorb carbamate pesticide carbaryl with significant rate. HPLC analysis of residue carbaryl after adsorption process showed that it was up to 80% carbaryl adsorption when bentonite was modified by extracted berberine with ratio 1:100 (w/w), whereas commercial bentonite has showed at 70%. Modified bentonite by C. fenestratum extract and berberine revealed by scanning electron microscopy showed that the different transform levels of this clay surface, herein, the highest carbaryl adsorption occurred when berberine/bentonite ratio for modification process was 1/200 (w/w). SEM results also demonstrated that the amount of berberine should be taken into consideration in term of bentonite modification for pesticide adsorption. Coscinium fenestratum plant will be further studied for its contribution to pesticide adsorption material in Thailand.

Brine wastewater pretreatment using clay minerals and organoclays as flocculants

Use of conventional pretreatment for pickle industry brine wastewater (BWW) is not efficient due to its low pH, high salt content and high concentrations of suspended and organic matter. The goal of this work was to inspect different clay minerals and berberine-based organoclays as possible flocculants to reduce BWW turbidity, total and volatile suspended solids (TSS and VSS, respectively) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Preliminary flocculation tests showed Volclay KWK (VO) and Pangel C150 (C150) to be the best candidates for a two-step sedimentation test, with the highest TSS, VSS, COD and turbidity reductions. Adsorption isotherms showed that VO and C150 adsorb different amounts of berberine, and therefore a common reference line for organoclay preparation was based on their point of zero charge. Two-step sedimentation tests showed that combining VO-berberine and VO (organoclay and raw clay, respectively) better reduces the inspected parameters than two steps with VO, whereas the opposite held true for C150-berberine and C150. Out of all treatments, two steps using C150 showed the best TSS, COD and turbidity reduction. C150 appears to be an excellent candidate for a future multistage flocculation and sedimentation processes for BWW treatment.

Matrix‐free thin‐layer chromatography/laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry for facile separation and identification of medicinal alkaloids

Quaternary protoberberine alkaloids belong to a pharmaceutically important class of isoquinoline alkaloids associated with bactericidal, fungicidal, insecticidal and antiviral activities. As traditional medicine gains wider acceptance, quick and robust analytical methods for the screening and analysis of plants containing these compounds attract considerable interest. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is a powerful technique but suffers from dilution of the TLC bands resulting in decreased sensitivity and masking of signals in the low-mass region both due to addition of matrix. This study integrates for the first time conventional silica gel TLC and laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) thus eliminating the need for any external matrix. Successful separation of berberine (R(f) = 0.56) and palmatine (R(f) = 0.46) from Berberis barandana including their identification by MS are demonstrated. Furthermore, a robust electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS method utilizing residual sample from TLC for quantification of berberine applying selected reaction monitoring and standard addition method is presented. The amount of berberine in the plant root prepared for the study was determined to be 0.70% (w/w).

A new estimation method for plant cell viability by determining electron transport activity

A new method with which to estimate the viability of tissue-cultured plant cells was developed. In this method, electrons from the electron transport system of Coptis japonica cells were trapped by artificial electron acceptors, and the color of the reduced acceptor was monitored with a spectrophotometer through an optical fiber as surface-reflected light. Cell viability is represented by the amount of increased reflected light per unit time as electron transport activity (ETA). The electron transport activities of cultured Coptis japonica cells that had been effected in viability by the addition of different concentrations of a microbial broth, were related to the ability of the cells to proliferate. When various microbial broths were added to our Coptis japonica cultures, there was a negative correlation between electron transport activity and the amount of berberine released. During usual subculture, electron transport activity increased from the onset of culture, reached a maximum in the late log phase, then decresed rapidly.