Recent Research Advances in Anti-Tumor Effects of Berberine and Its Derivatives / 中国药学杂志

ABSTRACT

Berberine belongs to the quaternary ammonium type isoquinoline alkaloid known as berberinum. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has long been used to treat infections of the gastrointestinal tract disease caused by bacteria. Recent studies found that berberine has a good anti-tumor effect,but it is difficult pass through the cell membrane due to its poor fat-soluble, which limit its clinical application. By modifing chemical structure, some researchers have investigated the relationship between activity effects and structures of berberine and its derivatives, and have found a series of anti-tumor activity enhanced berberine derivatives. In this review, the recent research progress of the anti-tumor effects and their mechanisms of berberine and its derivatives are focused, which may provide reference for the design and development of anticancer drugs based on the structure of berberine