Berberine in the treatment of diabetes mellitus: a review. - GreenMedInfo Summary

Berberine is an alkaloid found in plants. It has e.g. neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic activity. The research proves that it also strongly impacts the carbohydrate metabolism. The compound also protects pancreaticβcells and increases sensitivity to insulin in peripheral tissues via the induction of GLUT-1, GLUT-4 and insulin type 1 (Ins1) receptors activity. It also stimulates glycolysis and leads to a decrease in insulin resistance by macrophages polarization, lipolytic processes induction and energy expenditure enhancement (by reducing body mass and limiting insulin resistance caused by obesity). In liver berberine inhibits FOX01, SREBP1 and ChREBP pathways, and HNF-4α (hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha) mRNA that hinder gluconeogenesis processes. In intestines it blocks α-glucosidase contributingto glucose absorption decrease. Its interference in intestinal flora reduces levels of monosaccharides and suppresses diabetes mellitus complications development.