Gastrointestinal (GIT) system:
Berberine can reduce inflammation in the intestines, significantly reduce smooth muscle contraction and intestinal motility (thus reducing cramping), and delay intestinal transit time (Habtermariam, 2016). Potential benefits in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and on gut microbiota, have also been reported (Cui et al, 2018). Gastroenteritis and Antimicrobial activity Coptis has been used extensively in Chinese medicine to treat gastroenteritis and dysentery.
Coptis extracts also strongly inhibit Candida spp. growth and biofilm (da Silva et al., 2016).
Antiparasitic:
Coptis extracts were found to be highly inhibitory against Blastocystis spp. (Su et al., 2007), while berberine has demonstrated activity against Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, and Trichomonas vaginalis (Kaneda et al., 1990).
Berberine hydrochloride at 10mg/kg/day for 10 days in children achieved a 90% reduction in Giardia-positive stools (Gupte, 1975).
Endocrine system:
Much research has been undertaken into the influences of Coptis as well as berberine on diabetes and metabolic syndrome in recent years, including the ability to regulate glucose and cholesterol levels, and have anti-obesity and antidiabetic effects (Hi 2018; Zhang 2019).
A meta-analysis concluded that Coptis alkaloids significantly lowered total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising HDL cholesterol (Dong et al, 2013)). Coptis also demonstrates beneficial effects for blood glucose control in the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients, potential protection against diabetic kidney disease (Dong et al, 2013; Prabhakar & Doble, 2017; Zhang 2019). Coptis may have strong benefits for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Berberine has shown promise due to its ability to regulate insulin and glucose, inhibit excessive testosterone production, and, as above, benefit the gut microbiota, and reduce acne (Yarnell & Abascal, 2006; Wang et al., 2014). In another clinical study, both berberine and metformin increased pregnancy rate and reduced the incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome for women with PCOS undergoing fertility treatment. Berberine treatment was associated with greater decreases in BMI, lipid parameters, total FSH requirement, and an increase in live birth rate with fewer GI adverse events than metformin (An et al., 2014).
Other uses:
Antiviral In parallel to traditional uses, preclinical trials have shown Coptis alkaloids effective against viruses, including herpes simplex and human cytomegalovirus (Hayashi et al, 2007; Song et al., 2014). Antioxidant with skin protective applications Coptis, as well as its major alkaloids, demonstrates potent protective activity against oxidative damage, as demonstrated in multiple pharmacological investigations (Pang et al., 2015). It elevates antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and glutathione peroxidase, while reducing ROS. Studies demonstrate effects topically and internally, suggesting a protective effect against UVB light as well as supporting liver and erythrocyte function (Xu et al, 2013). These actions may contribute to protective effects against radiation and UV-induced skin damage (Wang et al., 2015; Wang et al 2013). Suppression of inflammation as a result of Propionibacterium acne, has also recently been reported (Lee et al., 2018). Anticancer Many studies have evaluated the anti-cancer potential of berberine. In summary, it has inhibitory effects on colorectal cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, and cervical cancer cell lines in vitro through multiple mechanisms (Wang et al., 2015; Liu et al, 2019).
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