Effect of solid particles in coptis decoction on intestinal absorption of berberine in situ / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the effects of particles in coptis (Coptidis Rhizoma)-decoction on the berberine absorption in intestine. Methods: The particles in copitis-decotion were separated by the high-speed centrifugation and weak-base anion-exchange resin. The characteristics of berberine absorption in intestine were evaluated by the in situ intestinal perfusion in rats. Results: Although each segment of small intestine exhibited obvious berberine absorption, the jejunum exhibited the highest absorption rate constant (Ka) of (3.587 9 ± 0.005 2) × 10-4/s and effective permeability coefficient (Peff) of (4.529 4 ± 0.009 7) × 10-5 cm/s. Particles P1 and P2, with similar size of (272.7 ± 25.2) and (264.8 ± 21.4) nm and different surface potential of (-6.85 ± 0.16) and (-18.20 ± 0.71) mV, were obtained from the copitis-decotion. Particle P1 could significantly improve the berberine absorption in intestine, with Ka of (5.853 6 ± 0.970 1) × 10-4/s and Peff of (8.082 4 ± 1.004 2) × 10-5 cm/s. Conclusion: Particles in coptis-decotion can improve the berberine absorption in intestine. The surface potential of the particles may be responsible for the improvement of berberine absorption.