Preprint / Version 1

Phytopharmacology and Clinical Updates of Berberis Species Against Diabetes and Other Metabolic Diseases

Authors

  • Tarun Belwal Centre for Biodiversity Conservation and Management, G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development (GBPNIHESD), Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, India
  • Aarti Bisht Centre for Biodiversity Conservation and Management, G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development (GBPNIHESD), Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, India
  • Hari Devkota Department of Instrumental Analysis, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
  • Hammad Ullah Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
  • Haroon Khan Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
  • Aseesh Pandey Centre for Biodiversity Conservation and Management, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development, Sikkim Regional Centre, Pangthang, Gangtok, India
  • Indra Bhatt Centre for Biodiversity Conservation and Management, G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development (GBPNIHESD), Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, India
  • Javier Echeverría Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile

Keywords:

Berberis, berberine, diabetes, metabolic diseases, pharmacology, clinical studies

Abstract

The incidences of diabetic mellitus and other metabolic diseases such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia are increasing worldwide; however, the current treatment is not able to control the rapidly increasing trend in diabetes mortality and morbidity. Studies related to the effectiveness of extracts and pure compounds obtained from plants have shown promising responses in preclinical and clinical studies related to these metabolic diseases. Plants belonging to the genus Berberis (Family: Berberidaceae) are widely distributed with nearly 550 species worldwide. Extracts and compounds obtained from Berberis species, especially Berberine alkaloid, showed effectiveness in the management of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Various pharmacological experiments have been performed to evaluate the effects of Berberis extracts, berberine, and its natural and chemically synthesized derivatives against various cell and animal disease models with promising results. Various clinical trials conducted so far also showed preventive effects of Berberis extracts and berberine against metabolic diseases. The present review focuses on i) research updates on traditional uses, ii) phytopharmacology and clinical studies on Berberis species, and iii) active metabolites in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and other metabolic diseases with a detailed mechanism of action. Furthermore, the review critically analyzes current research gaps in the therapeutic use of Berberis species and berberine and provides future recommendations. Keywords: Berberis, berberine, diabetes, metabolic diseases, pharmacology, clinical studies

Author Biography

Hari Devkota, Department of Instrumental Analysis, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan

Program for Leading Graduate Schools, Health Life Science: Interdisciplinary and Glocal Oriented (HIGO) Program, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan