Berberine

202211201853
Status:
Tags: drug health

Bright yellow alkaloid found in plants incl. guduchi & goldenseal. Traditionally used as textile dye & part of TCM.

Effects & Pharmacology

• Metabolic health
  • Reduces production of glucose & decreases insulin secretion → enhanced glucose processing & increased insulin sensitivity (exercise performance)
  • AMPK activation → increased breakdown of fatty acids (fatty acid oxidation) + inhibition of fat → fatty acid breakdown (lower cholesterol))
• Mood
  • sigma-1, K+ blockade, MAO-A/B inhibition, AChE inhibition
    • sigma-1 PAM → increased $C{a}^{2+}$ influx, increased BDNF
    • K+ blockade → reduced hyperpolarization… seems sketchy
    • AChE inhibition → increased availability of ACh
    • Mild MAO-A/B inhibition → increased catecholamines (DA, 5-HT)
• Sexual health
  • 5-AR inhibition & extracellular signal-regulated kinase (improved BPH symptoms)

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References