Therapeutic potential and recent delivery systems of berberine: A wonder molecule

摘要

Currently, phytoconstituents have been emerged as a scientific interest in discovering novel therapeutics against numerous diseases. Berberine is a bioactive alkaloid, historically reported for pharmacological actions such as diuretic, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial and antiprotozoal etc. Scientific evidences exhibit its versatile therapeutic uses against several metabolic, cardiac and neurologic disorders. Despite of valuable properties, the clinical use of berberine has been limited due to its poor intestinal absorption, low bioavailability and limited penetration. Therefore, it demands development of efficient delivery systems to overcome its limitations. This article not only focuses on mode of actions, physicochemical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of berberine, but also highlights the attempt made so far to deliver it through conventional and novel formulations. Here, a structured division has been briefed, rendering conventional, lipid-based, polymeric-based and miscellaneous berberine formulation. Although extensive in-vitro and preclinical studies have been reported, commercial exploitation of berberine needs in-depth clinical safety and efficacy data.