Berberine a traditional Chinese drug repurposing: Its actions in inflammation-associated ulcerative colitis and cancer therapy

Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Coptidis Rhizoma, has a long history of treating dysentery in the clinic. Over the past two decades, the polytrophic, pharmacological, and biochemical properties of BBR have been intensively studied. The key functions of BBR, including anti-inflammation, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and even antitumor, have been discovered. However, the underlying mechanisms of BBR-mediated regulation still need to be explored. Given that BBR is also a natural nutrition supplement, the modulatory effects of BBR on nutritional immune responses have attracted more attention from investigators. In this mini-review, we summarized the latest achievements of BBR on inflammation, gut microbes, macrophage polarization, and immune responses associated with their possible tools in the pathogenesis and therapy of ulcerative colitis and cancer in recent 5 years. We also discuss the therapeutic efficacy and anti-inflammatory actions of BBR to benefit future clinical applications.

Automated summary

Berberine (BBR), an alkaloid extracted from Coptidis Rhizoma, has various pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and even antitumor effects. Recent studies have also focused on the modulatory effects of BBR on nutritional immune responses. This mini-review summarizes the latest research on the inflammation, gut microbes, macrophage polarization, and immune responses related to BBR's tools in the pathogenesis and therapy of ulcerative colitis and cancer in the past 5 years. The therapeutic efficacy and anti-inflammatory actions of BBR are also discussed for future clinical applications.