Anti-seizure Effects and Mechanisms of Berberine: A Systematic Review

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#berberine #humans #animals #anticonvulsants #seizures

Anti-seizure Effects and Mechanisms of Berberine: A Systematic Review

Jivad et al., 2024 | Curr Pharm Biotechnol | Systematic Review

Citation

Jivad Nahid, Heidari-Soureshjani Saeid, ... Rostamian Sahar. Anti-seizure Effects and Mechanisms of Berberine: A Systematic Review. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2024;25(17):2253-2265. doi:10.2174/0113892010283237240107121749

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is one of the most common in all age groups and disabling neurologic disorders around the world. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review was to explore whether berberine (BBR) has any anti-seizure or anti-epileptic effects and also reviewed this possible mechanism. METHODS: The EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched before Sep 2023. All types of studies that investigated the effects of BBR on epilepsy or chemical-induced seizures were eligible for inclusion. Two authors independently evaluated and reviewed titles/abstracts to identify publications for potential eligibility, and a third team member resolved discrepancies. Data were extracted in an Excel form, and the outcomes were discussed. RESULTS: BBR showed its neuroprotective properties by reducing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and anti-apoptosis effects. It also increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) release and reduces transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α). BBR by increasing scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), endogenous antioxidant enzymes, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and inhibition of lipid peroxidation insert its antioxidant activity. Moreover, BBR showed antiinflammatory activity by reducing Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels and through inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and including nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). In addition, it modulated c-fos expression and neuronal excitability in the brain. CONCLUSION: BBR indicated promising anti-seizure effects with remarkable antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective activity. Future studies should be based on well-designed clinical trial studies that are integrated with new methods related to increasing bioavailability.

Key Findings

BBR showed its neuroprotective properties by reducing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and anti-apoptosis effects. It also increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) release and reduces transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α). BBR by increasing scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), endogenous antioxidant enzymes, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and inhibition of lipid peroxidation insert its an

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Berberine
  • Humans
  • Animals
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Seizures
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Epilepsy
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: berberine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09