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Therapeutic potential of berberine against neurodegenerative diseases

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  • Published: 06 March 2015
  • Volume 58, pages 564–569, (2015)
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Therapeutic potential of berberine against neurodegenerative diseases
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  • WenXiao Jiang1,
  • ShiHua Li2 &
  • XiaoJiang Li2 

  • 2207 Accesses

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Abstract

Berberine (BBR) is an organic small molecule isolated from various plants that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Isolation of this compound was its induction into modern medicine, and its usefulness became quickly apparent as seen in its ability to combat bacterial diarrhea, type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, inflammation, heart diseases, and more. However, BBR’s effects on neurodegenerative diseases remained relatively unexplored until its ability to stunt Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression was characterized. In this review, we will delve into the multi-faceted defensive capabilities and bio-molecular pathways of BBR against AD, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and trauma-induced neurodegeneration. The multiple effects of BBR, some of which enhance neuro-protective factors/pathways and others counteract targets that induce neurodegeneration, suggest that there are many more branches to the diverse capabilities of BBR that have yet to be uncovered. The promising results seen provide a convincing and substantial basis to support further scientific exploration and development of the therapeutic potential of BBR against neurodegenerative diseases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    WenXiao Jiang

  2. Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    ShiHua Li & XiaoJiang Li

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Correspondence to XiaoJiang Li.

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Jiang, W., Li, S. & Li, X. Therapeutic potential of berberine against neurodegenerative diseases. Sci. China Life Sci. 58, 564–569 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-015-4829-0

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  • Received: 21 August 2014

  • Accepted: 16 December 2014

  • Published: 06 March 2015

  • Issue Date: June 2015

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-015-4829-0

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Keywords

  • Huntington’s disease
  • berberine
  • autophagy
  • protein aggregation
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