Berbamine

Abstract

Berbamine is an alkaloid, separated from Berberidaceae, Menispermaceae or Ranunculaceae plants. Nowadays, it mainly comes from chemical synthesis. The current clinical formulation is berbamine hydrochloride tablets. It has wide pharmacological effects, low adverse reactions, and low long-term toxicity. It is used in the prevention and treatment of patients with cancer, which is due to radiotherapy- and chemotherapy-induced neutropenia or due to benzene poisoning, radioactive substances, and drug-induced neutropenia. However, the other effects, mechanisms and clinical applications of barbamin and its derivatives, especially the using in tumor and diabetic antaract, need further research.