Scientists - Promising to use berberine to treat lung cancer

Recently, a research report titled "Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Activity and Anti-Migratory Effect of Berberine–Phytantriol Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticle Formulation on Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer In Vitr" was published in the international journal Pharmaceutics, from Saudi Arabia Scientists at Kasmu University and other institutions have found through research that a natural compound found in plants such as barberry and ranunculus, berberine, may inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer cells in the laboratory, while also reducing Airway inflammation and damage to healthy lung cells caused by exposure to cigarette smoke compounds.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, accounting for approximately 1.8 million deaths each year, and chronic inflammation is a risk factor for lung cancer and other diseases such as COPD and asthma.

Researcher Kamal Dua said that berberine has shown therapeutic effects in the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and we hope to further study it to clarify whether it can effectively inhibit lung cancer and reduce inflammation in the body.

In this study, the researchers evaluated the effect of berberine in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, and the results showed that berberine showed strong anticancer potential, which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in vitro.

By measuring the mRNA levels and protein expression levels of tumor-related genes, researchers can determine the underlying mechanism of their anticancer activity. Berberine can upregulate the expression of tumor suppressor genes and downregulate the genes involved in cancer cell migration and proliferation. protein expression and levels. Previously, researchers found that berberine inhibits oxidative stress in the body and reduces inflammation and cellular aging induced by cigarette smoke extracts in healthy laboratory-grown lung cells. The researchers focused on exploring the therapeutic potential of traditional medicinal plants and how their active compounds work at the cellular level.

Berberine has long been used in traditional and Indian medicines, however, its potential therapeutic benefits have been investigated due to its lack of water solubility and absorption in the body's gut, as well as evidence of toxic effects at higher doses Relatively small. To overcome these challenges, the researchers utilized liquid crystalline nanoparticle technology, an advanced drug delivery system that encapsulates berberine in small soluble and biodegradable polymer spheres, thereby enhancing the safety of its action and effectiveness.

Berberine has long been used in traditional and Indian medicines, however, its potential therapeutic benefits have been investigated due to its lack of water solubility and absorption in the body's gut, as well as evidence of toxic effects at higher doses Relatively small. To overcome these challenges, the researchers utilized liquid crystalline nanoparticle technology, an advanced drug delivery system that encapsulates berberine in small soluble and biodegradable polymer spheres, thereby enhancing the safety of its action and effectiveness.