Berberine pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential across cancer, digestive, metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases: an update review

Authors

  • Haoxuan Cheng Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0254-5156
  • Xinyu Li Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6281-5362
  • Yanqi Wang Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4071-820X
  • Wanqing Deng Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4149-6275
  • Guangyong Sun Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1379-5752
  • Dong Zhang Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3404-5173
  • Jianyu Hao Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, South Road of Workers Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China; E-mail: haojianyu@ccmu.edu.cn https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4086-2217
  • Xinjuan Liu Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, South Road of Workers Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China; E-mail: liuxinjuan@mail.ccmu.edu.cn https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7532-282X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2025-8771

Keywords:

berberine, Coptis, pharmacological properties, clinical applications, cancer, gut microbiota

Abstract

Berberine (BBR) is a plant-derived alkaloid that has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat diarrhea. In recent years, accumulating evidence has highlighted its broad therapeutic potential across multiple organ systems. This review systematically examines the pharmacological mechanisms and therapeutic applications of BBR in cancer, as well as in digestive, metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. The effects of BBR on endogenous factors—such as energy metabolism, immune responses, cellular homeostasis, and gene expression—are discussed, along with its regulation of cellular functions and inflammatory responses. In addition, we explore BBR’s actions on exogenous factors, particularly the gut microbiota. The review also summarizes emerging molecular targets of BBR and addresses current clinical applications, as well as novel strategies to improve its low oral bioavailability. By integrating findings from basic, translational, and clinical research, this review provides a comprehensive overview of BBR’s therapeutic potential and supports its integration into modern medical practice.

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Published

2025-09-08

How to Cite

Cheng, H., Li, X., Wang, Y., Deng, W., Sun, G., Zhang, D., … Liu, X. (2025). Berberine pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential across cancer, digestive, metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases: an update review. EXCLI Journal, 24, 1225–1261. https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2025-8771

Issue

Vol. 24 (2025)

Section

Review articles

Categories

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Copyright (c) 2025 Haoxuan Cheng, Xinyu Li, Yanqi Wang, Wanqing Deng, Guangyong Sun, Dong Zhang, Jianyu Hao, Xinjuan Liu

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