Berberine is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid found in various plants, including Berberis (e.g., barberry), Coptis chinensis (Chinese goldthread), Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), and Phellodendron amurense (Amur cork tree). It has been traditionally used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Berberine is characterized by a distinct bright yellow color and consists of a complex ring structure with nitrogen and oxygen atoms.
Alfa Chemistry offers high-quality berberine for research and development purposes.
Product Detail
| Product Name | Berberine |
| CAS No. | 2086-83-1 |
| Catalog | ALKS2086831 |
| Molecular Weight | 336.37 |
| Molecular Formula | C20H18NO4 |
| Purity | ≥ 98% |
| Appearance | Pale yellow crystalline |
| Melting Point | 145 °C |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, poorly soluble in benzene, ether and chloroform. |
| Application | Used for content determination, identification, pharmacological experiments, activity screening, etc. |
| Storage | Refrigerate at 4 °C, seal tightly, and avoid light (valid for 2 years under this condition) |
Mechanism of Action
Berberine exhibits multiple mechanisms of action, which contribute to its wide range of biological activities:
AMP-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) Activation
Berberine activates AMPK, a crucial energy sensor in cells. AMPK activation leads to increased glucose uptake, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and improved lipid metabolism.
Modulation of Gut Microbiota
Berberine can alter the composition of gut microbiota, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting harmful ones. This modulation affects metabolic processes and inflammation.
Inhibition of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B)
Berberine inhibits PTP1B, an enzyme that negatively regulates insulin signaling. This inhibition enhances insulin sensitivity.
Interaction with Mitochondria
Berberine influences mitochondrial function, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and improving energy metabolism.
Inhibition of Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB)
Berberine inhibits the NF-κB pathway, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Regulation of Gene Expression
Berberine can modulate the expression of various genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation, and cell cycle regulation.
Applications of Berberine
Berberine's diverse pharmacological properties make it useful in various therapeutic areas:
- Antidiabetic: Berberine is effective in lowering blood glucose levels and improving insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes.
- Cardiovascular Health: It helps reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, lowers blood pressure, and improves endothelial function, contributing to cardiovascular health.
- Antimicrobial: Berberine exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It is used to treat infections like bacterial diarrhea, candidiasis, and trachoma.
- Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant: By inhibiting NF-κB and other pro-inflammatory pathways, berberine reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, which are involved in many chronic diseases.
- Weight Loss: Berberine aids in weight management by improving metabolism and reducing fat accumulation.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: It is used to treat conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) due to its antimicrobial and gut-modulating effects.
- Cancer: Preliminary studies suggest that berberine has anticancer properties, including inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death).
- Neuroprotective: Berberine shows potential in protecting against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.
Choose Alfa Chemistry
At Alfa Chemistry, we pride ourselves on delivering industry-leading alkaloid products of unparalleled quality. Our top-tier berberine stands as a reliable and trusted choice for researchers, scientists, and pharmaceutical professionals globally. If you require this exceptional compound to advance your research and achieve groundbreaking results, look no further. Contact Alfa Chemistry today, and let us support your quest for scientific excellence with our premium berberine offering.
