Physiological Effects of Berberine

Abstract

Berberine is a well-known plant alkaloid with a long history of medicinal use in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and South Asiantraditional medicine. It can be found in the roots, rhizomes, and the bark of a number of plants. Plant extracts and decoctionsinvolving berberine have demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against a variety of organisms, intestinal parasite infections, and ocular trachoma infections. Positive action has been recorded against hypertension, tumors, inflammation, and HIV. It also has anti-protozoal, chloretic, cholagogue, cardiotonic, anti-cholinergic, anti-arrhythmic effects, and anti-platelet aggregation. This original review of berberine outlines its physiological effects.Keywords: berberine, physiological effects