Berberine

Berberine is a bright yellow, plant-derived benzylisoquinoline alkaloid found in a variety of medicinal herbs (notably Coptis chinensis and Berberis species), with a characteristic tetracyclic structure. It acts as a quaternary ammonium salt and possesses a broad spectrum of observed biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic, and anticancer effects. Although it affects diverse human biological targets (such as kinases, receptors, and enzymes), berberine is itself a ligand, not a target; thus, it is best classified as a multi-target natural product with pharmacological but not target properties[1][4][8][9]. Its therapeutic promise is limited by poor oral bioavailability and a paucity of rigorous clinical evidence for specific indications[2][4][7].

Other names

Berberine chlorideBerberine sulfateBerberine hydrochlorideBenzylisoquinoline alkaloid