ROS; DNA topoisomerase

Four colorectal cancer cell lines—LoVo, HCT116, SW480, and HT-29—may be inhibited from proliferating by berberine (1.25–160 μM; 72 hours)[1]. A dose- and time-dependent suppression of LoVo cell proliferation is induced by berberine (1.25-160 μM; 24-72 hours)[1]. Berberine (10–80 μM) is applied to LoVo cells for a full day. When LoVo cells are treated with 40 μM Berberine, flow cytometry analysis of their cell cycle reveals an accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase[1]. After a day, berberine (10-80 μM), particularly at a level of 80.0 μM, inhibits the expression of cyclin B1, cdc2, and cdc25c proteins[1].

For ten consecutive days, gastric gavage with berberine at 10, 30, or 50 mg/kg/day suppresses the growth of human colorectal adenocarcinoma in vivo. Results: Displayed inhibitory rates of 33.1% and 45.3% at dosages of 30 and 50 mg/kg/day administered by gastrointestinal gavage; for 10 consecutive days. Dosage: 10, 30, or 50 mg/kg/day; Administration: Gastrointestinal gavage.

Western blotting and OPTDI analysis for detecting cell cycle proteins[1]
LoVo cells were harvested, lysed in lysis buffer [50 mmol/L TrisCl (pH 6.8), 100 mmol/L DTT, 2 % SDS, 0.1 % bromophenol blue, 10 % glycerin] at 100 °C for 10 min and stored at −20 °C. Protein concentrations were determined by BCA assay. Equal protein amounts were loaded onto SDS-polyacrylamide gels, and the proteins were transferred electrophoretically to a PVDF membrane. Immunoblots were analyzed using specific primary antibodies to cyclin B1, cdc2 and cdc25c (1:200 dilution) and incubated with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibodies (1:1,000 dilution), and the proteins were visualized using an enhanced chemiluminescence detection kit. The optical density integral (OPTDI) was analyzed by an automatic image analysis system. The expression of cyclin B1, cdc2 and cdc25c was normalized to internal controls (GAPDH). The results were presented as percentages of treatments compared to the control.

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Measurement of DNA and protein synthesis[1]
DNA and protein synthesis was assessed by the cellular incorporation of 3H-thymidine and L-[4,5-3H]-leucine (60 Ci/mg molecular and 0.5 μCi/well respectively). Isolated cells (1 × 105 cells per well) were incubated with medium containing a series of concentrations of berberine. Four hours before the 24-h berberine exposure, radioactive precursors were added to the culture. At the end of the incubation period, the medium was removed to a piece of filter membrane; the cells were washed three times with distilled water. 3H-thymidine and L-[4,5-3H]-leucine incorporation was determined by liquid scintillation spectrometry.

Cell Proliferation Assay[1]
Cell Types: Four colorectal carcinoma cell lines LoVo, HCT116, SW480, and HT-29
Tested Concentrations: 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 μM
Incubation Duration: 72 hrs (hours)
Experimental Results: Inhibited the proliferation of four cell lines. The IC50 ranged from 40.8±4.1 μM (LoVo) to 98.6±2.9 μM (HCT116).

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Cell Proliferation Assay[1]
Cell Types: Colorectal carcinoma cell lines LoVo
Tested Concentrations: 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 μM
Incubation Duration: 24, 48, 72 hrs (hours)
Experimental Results: Induced a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth. By 72 h, 160.0 μM induced 71.1±1.9 % growth inhibitions in LoVo cells.

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Cell Cycle Analysis[1]
Cell Types: LoVo cells
Tested Concentrations: 0, 10, 20, 40, or 80 μM
Incubation Duration: 24 hrs (hours)
Experimental Results: Exposure to 40.0 μM induced G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest, an increase in the G2/M-phase population and a progressive decline in the G1 population.

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Western Blot Analysis[1]
Cell Types: LoVo cells
Tested Concentrations: 10, 20, 40, or 80 μM
Incubation Duration: 24 hrs (hours)
Experimental Results: Berberine suppressed cyclin B1, cdc2 and cdc25c protein expression after 24 h, especially at the dose of 80.0 μM.

In vivo anti-tumor effect of berberine in human colorectal adenocarcinoma (LoVo)[1]
The in vivo antitumor efficacy of berberine was examined using human colorectal adenocarcinoma LoVo xenografts in a nude mouse model; 1 × 107 cells were implanted subcutaneous injection (s.c.) in the flanks of 5-week-old BALB/c nu/nu mice. After the tumors were grown up to about 1,000–1,500 mm3, the mice were sacrificed and the tumors were divided into equal fragments. Fragments (6–8 mm3) of colorectal adenocarcinoma were implanted s.c. in the flanks of 5-week-old BALB/c nu/nu mice. Tumors were allowed to develop for 2 weeks. Once tumors were established, the mice were divided randomly into five groups. The berberine-treated groups (ten mice each group) received 10, 30, or 50 mg kg−1 day−1 berberine by gastrointestinal gavage for 10 consecutive days. The 5-FU-treated group (10 mice) was given 30 mg kg−1 day−1 by intraperitoneal injection for 10 consecutive days. The control group (11 mice) was given sterile water. Measurements of body weights and tumor volumes were recorded every 1–3 days until the experimental endpoint, at which the tumors were debilitating to the mice. The long axis (L) and the short axis (S) were measured, and the tumor volume (V) was calculated using the following equation: V = S × S × L/2. Once the final measurement was taken, the mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The inhibitory rates were determined by comparing the volume of the control group and the treatment group: (1 − V treatment/Vcontrol).

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Effect of the combination of berberine and 5-FU on the growth of human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) xenografts in nude mice[1]
The in vivo antitumor efficacy of the combination of berberine and 5-FU was examined using human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 xenografts in a nude mouse model; 1 × 107 cells were implanted subcutaneous injection (s.c.) in the flanks of 5-week-old BALB/c nu/nu mice. After the tumors were grown up to about 1,000–1,500 mm3, the mice were sacrificed and the tumors were divided into equal fragments. Fragments (6–8 mm3) of colorectal adenocarcinoma were implanted s.c. in the flanks of 5-week-old BALB/c nu/nu mice. Tumors were allowed to develop for 3 weeks. Once tumors were established, the mice were divided randomly into four groups. The berberine-treated group (ten mice) received 50 mg kg−1 day−1 berberine by gastrointestinal gavage for 10 consecutive days. The 5-FU-treated group (10 mice) was given 30 mg kg−1 day−1 by intraperitoneal injection for 10 consecutive days. The combination group (10 mice) was given berberine and 5-FU. The control group (10 mice) was given sterile water. Measurements of body weights and tumor volumes were recorded every 3–4 days until the experimental endpoint, at which the tumors were debilitating to the mice. The long axis (L) and the short axis (S) were measured, and the tumor volume (V) was calculated using the following equation: V = S × S × L/2. Once the final measurement was taken, the mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The inhibitory rates were determined by comparing the volume of the control group and the treatment group: (1 − V treatment/V control).

Hepatotoxicity
Berberine has not been linked to serum enzyme elevations during therapy, although there have been few prospective studies in humans that have reported on its effects on laboratory test results in any detail. In published trials, berberine has appeared to be well tolerated with only minor and few adverse effects which have been similar in frequency among persons receiving placebo. Despite wide scale use as an herbal supplement, berberine has not been linked to published instances of clinically apparent liver injury. The frequency of hypersensitivity reactions to berberine is also not known.
Likelihood score: E (unlikely cause of clinically apparent liver injury).
Other Names: Goldenseal, Oregon grape, Tree turmeric.
Drug Class: Herbal and Dietary Supplements

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Effects During Pregnancy and Lactation
◈ What is berberine?
Berberine is an ingredient found in many plant species, including goldthread, huang lian, Oregon grape, and barberry. It has been used to treat many conditions, such as diarrhea, diabetes, and high cholesterol. It has also been used for weight loss.Berberine is available as a supplement sold over the counter. In general, it is suggested to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements. Many supplements are not recommended for use during pregnancy unless your healthcare provider has prescribed them to treat a medical condition. This is because they are not well-regulated or studied for use in pregnancy. For more detail on supplements, please see the fact sheet at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/herbal-products-pregnancy/.
◈ I take berberine. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?
It is not known if berberine can make it harder to get pregnant. There is some information to suggest berberine can increase fertility and pregnancy rates in females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
◈ Does taking berberine increase the chance of miscarriage?
Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. It is not known if berberine increases the chance for miscarriage. One study suggests that berberine may cause uterine contractions and miscarriage. However, information is very limited. As there can be many causes of miscarriage, it is hard to know if an exposure, the medical condition, or other factors are the cause of a miscarriage.
◈ Does taking berberine increase the chance of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a birth defect. This is called the background risk. One report looking at 218 pregnancies exposed to huang lian (which contains berberine) did not show an increased chance of birth defects above the background chance.
◈ Does taking berberine in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?
Studies have not been done to see if berberine increases the chance for pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).Berberine can change how bilirubin (a yellowish pigment that is made during the breakdown of red blood cells) binds to serum albumin (the main protein in blood plasma). This can cause a buildup of bilirubin in the brain, which can lead to brain damage and other issues. While information on this is very limited, one author suggests avoiding herbs and products that contain berberine during pregnancy.
◈ Does taking berberine in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?
Studies have not been done to see if berberine can cause behavior or learning issues for the child.
◈ Breastfeeding while taking berberine:
Berberine passes into breastmilk, but how much berberine gets into breastmilk is not known.. It is possible that berberine in breastmilk could cause a buildup of bilirubin in the infant brain, which can result in brain damage and other issues. This makes berberine exposure via breastmilk a concern, especially in newborns. Also, because berberine is a supplement, it is not recommended for use during breastfeeding unless your healthcare provider has prescribed it to treat a medical condition. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all your breastfeeding questions.
◈ If a male takes berberine, could it affect fertility (ability to get partner pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects?
Studies have not been done in humans to see if berberine could affect male fertility or increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk. In general, exposures that fathers or sperm donors have are unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/.

[1]. Berberine inhibits the growth of human colorectal adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo. J Nat Med. 2014 Jan;68(1):53-62.

[2]. Preparation and Evaluation of Antidiabetic Agents of Berberine Organic Acid Salts for Enhancing the Bioavailability. Molecules. 2018 Dec 28;24(1):103.

[3]. Genetic evidence for inhibition of bacterial division protein FtsZ by berberine. PLoS One. 2010 Oct 29;5(10):e13745.

[4]. Rhizoma Coptidis inhibits LPS-induced MCP-1/CCL2 production in murine macrophages via an AP-1 and NFkappaB-dependent pathway. Mediators Inflamm. 2010;2010:194896.

[5]. Berberine protects 6-hydroxydopamine-induced human dopaminergic neuronal cell death through the induction of heme oxygenase-1. Mol Cells. 2013 Feb;35(2):151-7.

[6]. Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone for Several Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Apr 26;12:653887.

Berberine is an organic heteropentacyclic compound, an alkaloid antibiotic, a botanical anti-fungal agent and a berberine alkaloid. It has a role as an antilipemic drug, a hypoglycemic agent, an antioxidant, a potassium channel blocker, an antineoplastic agent, an EC 1.1.1.21 (aldehyde reductase) inhibitor, an EC 1.1.1.141 [15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (NAD(+))] inhibitor, an EC 1.13.11.52 (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase) inhibitor, an EC 1.21.3.3 (reticuline oxidase) inhibitor, an EC 2.1.1.116 [3'-hydroxy-N-methyl-(S)-coclaurine 4'-O-methyltransferase] inhibitor, an EC 3.1.1.4 (phospholipase A2) inhibitor, an EC 3.4.21.26 (prolyl oligopeptidase) inhibitor, an EC 3.4.14.5 (dipeptidyl-peptidase IV) inhibitor, an EC 3.1.3.48 (protein-tyrosine-phosphatase) inhibitor, an EC 3.1.1.7 (acetylcholinesterase) inhibitor, an EC 3.1.1.8 (cholinesterase) inhibitor, an EC 2.7.11.10 (IkappaB kinase) inhibitor, an EC 2.1.1.122 [(S)-tetrahydroprotoberberine N-methyltransferase] inhibitor, a geroprotector and a metabolite.
An alkaloid from Hydrastis canadensis L., Berberidaceae. It is also found in many other plants. It is relatively toxic parenterally, but has been used orally for various parasitic and fungal infections and as antidiarrheal.
Berberine is a quaternary ammonia compound found in many botanical products, including goldenseal, barberry and Oregon grape, which is used for its purported antioxidant and antimicrobial properties for a host of conditions, including obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart failure, H. pylori infection and colonic adenoma prevention. Berberine has not been linked to serum aminotransferase elevations during therapy nor to instances of clinically apparent liver injury.
Berberine has been reported in Stephania tetrandra, Coptis omeiensis, and other organisms with data available.
Berberine is a quaternary ammonium salt of an isoquinoline alkaloid and active component of various Chinese herbs, with potential antineoplastic, radiosensitizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipidemic and antidiabetic activities. Although the mechanisms of action through which berberine exerts its effects are not yet fully elucidated, upon administration this agent appears to suppress the activation of various proteins and/or modulate the expression of a variety of genes involved in tumorigenesis and inflammation, including, but not limited to transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xl), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), E-selectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), C-X-C motif chemokine 2 (CXCL2), cyclin D1, activator protein (AP-1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT), and DNA topoisomerase I and II. The modulation of gene expression may induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and inhibit cancer cell proliferation. In addition, berberine modulates lipid and glucose metabolism.
An alkaloid from Hydrastis canadensis L., Berberidaceae. It is also found in many other plants. It is relatively toxic parenterally, but has been used orally for various parasitic and fungal infections and as antidiarrheal.
See also: Goldenseal (part of); Berberis aristata stem (part of).

C20H18NO4

336.3612

336.123

2086-83-1

Berberine chloride hydrate;68030-18-2;Berberine chloride;633-65-8;Berberine sulfate;633-66-9

2353

Solid

204-206ºC (dec.)

Chinese herb Huanglian

-0.99

0

4

2

25

488

0

O1C([H])([H])OC2=C1C([H])=C1C(=C2[H])C2C([H])=C3C([H])=C([H])C(=C(C3=C([H])[N+]=2C([H])([H])C1([H])[H])OC([H])([H])[H])OC([H])([H])[H]

YBHILYKTIRIUTE-UHFFFAOYSA-N

InChI=1S/C20H18NO4/c1-22-17-4-3-12-7-16-14-9-19-18(24-11-25-19)8-13(14)5-6-21(16)10-15(12)20(17)23-2/h3-4,7-10H,5-6,11H2,1-2H3/q+1

16,17-dimethoxy-5,7-dioxa-13-azoniapentacyclo[11.8.0.02,10.04,8.015,20]henicosa-1(13),2,4(8),9,14,16,18,20-octaene

Natural Yellow 18; Umbellatine; Berberin; Berbericine; Majarine; Thalsine; Umbellatin;

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

DMSO: > 10 mM

Note: Listed below are some common formulations that may be used to formulate products with low water solubility (e.g. < 1 mg/mL), you may test these formulations using a minute amount of products to avoid loss of samples.

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Injection Formulation 1: DMSO : Tween 80： Saline = 10 : 5 : 85 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO stock solution → 50 μL Tween 80 → 850 μL Saline)
*Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH ₂ O to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 2: DMSO : PEG300 ：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 3: DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL Corn oil)
Example: Take the Injection Formulation 3 (DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90) as an example, if 1 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can take 100 μL 25 mg/mL DMSO stock solution and add to 900 μL corn oil, mix well to obtain a clear or suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Injection Formulation 4: DMSO : 20% SBE-β-CD in saline = 10 : 90 [i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL (20% SBE-β-CD in saline)]
*Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C，1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 5: 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin : Saline = 50 : 50 (i.e. 500 μL 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin → 500 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 6: DMSO : PEG300 : castor oil : Saline = 5 : 10 : 20 : 65 (i.e. 50 μL DMSO → 100 μLPEG300 → 200 μL castor oil → 650 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 7: Ethanol : Cremophor : Saline = 10： 10 : 80 (i.e. 100 μL Ethanol → 100 μL Cremophor → 800 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 8: Dissolve in Cremophor/Ethanol (50 : 50), then diluted by Saline
Injection Formulation 9: EtOH : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 900 μL Corn oil)
Injection Formulation 10: EtOH : PEG300：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)

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Oral Formulation 1: Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na (carboxymethylcellulose sodium)
Oral Formulation 2: Suspend in 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Example: Take the Oral Formulation 1 (Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na) as an example, if 100 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can first prepare 0.5% CMC Na solution by measuring 0.5 g CMC Na and dissolve it in 100 mL ddH2O to obtain a clear solution; then add 250 mg of the product to 100 mL 0.5% CMC Na solution, to make the suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Oral Formulation 3: Dissolved in PEG400
Oral Formulation 4: Suspend in 0.2% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 5: Dissolve in 0.25% Tween 80 and 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 6: Mixing with food powders

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Note: Please be aware that the above formulations are for reference only. InvivoChem strongly recommends customers to read literature methods/protocols carefully before determining which formulation you should use for in vivo studies, as different compounds have different solubility properties and have to be formulated differently.

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 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)