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Berberine: a plant alkaloid with therapeutic potential for central nervous system disorders
Author(s) -
Kulkarni S. K.,
Dhir Ashish
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.2968
Subject(s) - berberine , alkaloid , medicine , pharmacology , central nervous system , traditional medicine , biology , botany
Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid of the protoberberine type found in an array of plants, has been used in Indian and Chinese medicines as an antimicrobial, stomachic, bitter tonic and in the treatment of oriental sores. Although pharmacological investigations of berberine have been reported by many in the past, there is renewed interest in berberine because of its reported beneficial effect in various neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. The alkaloid is reported to modulate neurotransmitters and their receptor systems in the brain. This review attempts to discuss the pharmacological basis of the use of berberine in various central nervous system and related disorders. Its protective effect in Alzheimer's, cerebral ischemia, mental depression, schizophrenia and anxiety are highlighted. However, more detailed clinical trials along with a safety assessment of berberine are warranted for positioning the alkaloid in the treatment of neurological disorders. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.