Berberine

Abstract

Berberine is a quaternary ammonium salt that is found in some plants such as huanglian (Rhizoma coptidis), huangbo (Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex), and sankezhen (Berberidis Radix). Berberine hydrochloride has extensive pharmacological effects, such as antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticancer, hyperglycemic, antilipidemic, antihypertensive, anti-arrhythmic, anti-heart failure, and so on. Therefore, berberine hydrochloride is mainly used to treat gastroenteritis, bacterial diarrhea, intestinal infection, conjunctivitis, and suppurative otitis media. In the future, it is necessary for researchers to focus on its structural optimization and mechanisms of action, and a large number of long-term clinical studies are needed to further confirm its role in the clinical treatment process and curative effect of berberine hydrochloride.