Abstract Title:

Studies on preventive and curative effects of berberine on chemical-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents.

Abstract Source:

Fitoterapia. 2000 Feb ;71(1):25-33. PMID: 11449466

Abstract Author(s):

K H Janbaz, A H Gilani

Article Affiliation:

Department of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan.

Abstract:

Berberis aristata is an edible plant employed in the South Asian Traditional Medicine, particularly its fruits being used as a tonic remedy for liver and heart. In this investigation, berberine, a known compound from this plant, was studied for its possible antihepatotoxic action in rats. Pretreatment of animals with berberine (4 mg/kg; orally twice daily for 2 days) prevented the acetaminophen- or CCl4-induced rise in serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aminotransaminases (AST and ALT), suggestive of hepatoprotection. Post-treatment with three successive oral doses of berberine (4 mg/kg every 6 h) reduced the hepatic damage induced by acetaminophen, while CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity was not modified, suggesting a selective curative effect against acetaminophen. Pretreatment of animals with a single oral dose of berberine (4 mg/kg) induced prolongation of the pentobarbital (60 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced sleeping time as well as increased strychnine (0.3 mg/kg; i.p.)-induced toxicity, suggestive of inhibitory effect on microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes, cytochrome P450s (CYPs).

Study Type : Animal Study

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