A review of the anticancer effects of berberine from Berberis integrrima L. as a bioactive compound

Abstract

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with over 19 million new cases annually. Despite advances in conventional treatments, challenges such as side effects and drug resistance persist. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid from Berberis integerrima L., exhibits multiple biological activities including anticancer effects. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of berberine’s anticancer activity, highlighting its impact on signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, and AMPK. Berberine induces apoptosis, inhibits proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis in various cancer types. However, its clinical use is limited by poor bioavailability, which can be improved by novel delivery systems like nanotechnology. Further clinical studies are necessary to validate berberine’s therapeutic potential in cancer management.