How Barberry and Berberine Impact Liver Enzymes: A Review

Jenn Hoskins
15th August, 2024

How Barberry and Berberine Impact Liver Enzymes: A Review

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences found that barberry and its main component, berberine, affect key human CYP450 enzymes
  • Berberine significantly inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, which are crucial for metabolizing many drugs
  • This inhibition could lead to increased drug levels and potential toxicity, highlighting the need for careful consideration when using barberry or berberine supplements
The cytochrome P450 (CYP450) family plays a vital role in metabolizing drugs and natural substances. This family of enzymes can be influenced by various compounds, including pharmaceuticals and dietary items, which can either enhance or inhibit their activity. Such interactions can lead to significant drug-drug or drug-food interactions. A recent study by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences investigates the impact of barberry and its primary component, berberine, on key human CYP450 enzymes[1]. The study focuses on the effects of barberry on 12 primary human CYP450 enzymes. Berberine, the active constituent of barberry, was found to influence the function of several CYP450 isoforms, including CYP3A4/5, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2E1, CYP1A1/2, and most isoforms within the CYP2B subfamily. These enzymes are crucial for metabolizing commonly used drugs and endogenous substances, as well as for activating procarcinogens into carcinogenic metabolites. Therefore, the impact of barberry on these enzymes may affect the pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiles of various compounds. The inhibitory effects of berberine on CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 are particularly noteworthy. CYP3A4 is responsible for metabolizing a large proportion of clinically used drugs, and its inhibition can lead to increased drug levels and potential toxicity. Similarly, CYP2D6 is a highly polymorphic enzyme that metabolizes many drugs, including antidepressants, neuroleptics, and opioids[2]. The inhibition of CYP2D6 by berberine could lead to significant drug interactions, especially in individuals with genetic variants of CYP2D6 that already affect enzyme activity. Previous studies have highlighted the role of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 in drug metabolism. For instance, research has shown that the altered activity of drug metabolism enzymes, including CYP3A4, is a hallmark of chemotherapy resistance[3]. Additionally, CYP2D6 is known to metabolize a large number of clinically important drugs, and its genetic variability can influence drug response and adverse effects[2]. The new findings on berberine's inhibitory effects on these enzymes build on this existing knowledge and underscore the importance of considering potential drug interactions when recommending barberry or berberine-containing supplements. The study's methodology involved assessing the effects of berberine on the activity of various CYP450 isoforms. The results showed that berberine significantly inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, which could lead to increased levels of drugs metabolized by these enzymes and potential adverse effects. This finding is consistent with previous research on the inhibitory effects of natural compounds on CYP450 enzymes. For example, a study on the effects of goldenseal extract, which contains berberine, showed that it could significantly increase the systemic exposure of bosutinib, a drug metabolized by CYP3A4[4]. Given the significant role of CYP450 enzymes in drug metabolism and the potential for adverse interactions, healthcare providers should conduct thorough consultations and investigations before recommending the consumption of barberry or berberine-containing supplements. This is particularly important for patients taking medications metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP2D6, as the inhibitory effects of berberine could lead to increased drug levels and potential toxicity. In conclusion, the study by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences highlights the potential for significant drug interactions due to the inhibitory effects of berberine on key CYP450 enzymes. These findings emphasize the need for additional research, particularly clinical trials, to prevent potentially adverse interactions in patients consuming barberry or berberine-containing supplements. Healthcare providers should be aware of these interactions and take appropriate measures to ensure patient safety.

HerbsMedicineBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Effects of Berberis vulgaris, and its active constituent berberine on cytochrome P450: a review.

Published 14th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-024-03326-x

Related Studies

2) Molecular genetics of CYP2D6: clinical relevance with focus on psychotropic drugs.

Journal: British journal of clinical pharmacology, Issue: Vol 53, Issue 2, Feb 2002

3) The Complex Dynamic of Phase I Drug Metabolism in the Early Stages of Doxorubicin Resistance in Breast Cancer Cells.

https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13111977

4) Physiologically based pharmacokinetic model predictions of natural product-drug interactions between goldenseal, berberine, imatinib and bosutinib.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-021-03266-y


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