A Comprehensive Review Highlighting the Prospects of Phytonutrient Berberine as an Anticancer Agent
Haque S. Mathkor D.M. Bhat S.A. Musayev A. Khituova L. Ramniwas S. Phillips E. Swamy N. Kumar S. Yerer M.B. Tuli H.S. Yadav V.
January 2025John Wiley and Sons Inc
Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology
2025#39Issue 1
Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid derived from various medicinal plants, emerges as a potential therapeutic agent against diverse human diseases. It has particularly shown notable anticancer efficacy against breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, and liver cancer. Berberine results in inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and suppressing angiogenesis, positioning it as a versatile, multitargeted therapeutic tool against cancer. Notably, berberine enhances the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, mitigating associated drug resistance. Mechanistically, it has been shown to exert its efficacy by targeting molecules like nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, thereby inhibiting survival pathways and promoting apoptosis of cancer cells. Moreover, berberine influences the expression of tumor suppressor genes, curtails cancer cell migration and invasion, and modulates the tumour microenvironment. Despite promising preclinical evidence, further research is essential to comprehensively elucidate its mechanisms of action and evaluate its safety and efficacy in clinical settings. In the present review, we have highlighted the pharmacokinetics, biosynthesis, and recent research work done pertaining to berberines strong anticancer activity. We have also emphasised on the research being done on nanoformulations of berberine, which aim to improve its stability and bioavailability.
angiogenesis , bioavailability , multifaceted , therapeutic
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Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
Department of Biochemistry, International Medical School, University of International Business (UIB), Almaty, Kazakhstan
Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Department of Pediatrics with a Course of Childrens Infectious Diseases, Kazakh-Russian Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
University Centre for Research & Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Punjab, Mohali, India
Department of Biotechnology, St. Aloysius College, Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur, India
Department of Botany, Government Girls College, Madhya Pradesh, Khargone, India
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
Department of Bio-Sciences & Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Haryana, Mullana, Ambala, India
Department of Translational Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
Research and Scientific Studies Unit
Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine
Department of Biochemistry
Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University
Department of Pediatrics with a Course of Childrens Infectious Diseases
University Centre for Research & Development
Department of Biotechnology
Department of Botany
Department of Pharmacology
Department of Bio-Sciences & Technology
Department of Translational Medicine
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