Berberine Effects in Pre-Fibrotic Stages of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Clinical and Pre-Clinical Overview and Systematic Review of the Literature

Ionita-Radu et al., 2024 | Int J Mol Sci | Systematic Review

Citation

Ionita-Radu Florentina, Patoni Cristina, ... Bucurica Sandica. Berberine Effects in Pre-Fibrotic Stages of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Clinical and Pre-Clinical Overview and Systematic Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci. 2024-Apr-10;25(8). doi:10.3390/ijms25084201

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the predominant cause of chronic liver conditions, and its progression is marked by evolution to non-alcoholic steatosis, steatohepatitis, cirrhosis related to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and the potential occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. In our systematic review, we searched two databases, Medline (via Pubmed Central) and Scopus, from inception to 5 February 2024, and included 73 types of research (nine clinical studies and 64 pre-clinical studies) from 2854 published papers. Our extensive research highlights the impact of Berberine on NAFLD pathophysiology mechanisms, such as Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), gut dysbiosis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), Sirtuins, and inflammasome. Studies involving human subjects showed a measurable reduction of liver fat in addition to improved profiles of serum lipids and hepatic enzymes. While current drugs for NAFLD treatment are either scarce or still in development or launch phases, Berberine presents a promising profile. However, improvements in its formulation are necessary to enhance the bioavailability of this natural substance.

Key Findings

However, improvements in its formulation are necessary to enhance the bioavailability of this natural substance.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 73
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Berberine
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
  • Humans
  • Animals
  • Liver Cirrhosis
  • Liver

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance


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