T. Murakami, Erik T. Bodor, N. Bodor
Mar 4, 2023
Citations
0
Influential Citations
3
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction Berberine (BBR), a quaternary ammonium isoquinoline alkaloid, is a substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and cytochrome P450s (CYPs). BBR exhibits a wide variety of pharmacological activities; however, its clinical application is limited due to low oral bioavailability. Areas covered Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of BBR and its lipophilic metabolites, berberrubine (BRB) and dihydroberberine (DHBBR), were reviewed including solubility/lipophilicity, salt/ion-pair formation, oral bioavailability, first-pass metabolism, and intestinal microbiota-mediated metabolism, by searching research articles using PubMed. Expert opinion Pharmacokinetic analysis of BBR bioavailability data in rats revealed that the oral bioavailability is limited by the extensive CYPs-mediated intestinal first-pass metabolism, insufficient membrane permeability due to the low solubility and P-gp-mediated efflux transport, and the hepatic first-pass metabolism. Various active metabolites are generated by intestinal first-pass metabolism. Intestinal microbiota also contributes to the BBR metabolism and generates lipophilic metabolites; BRB, an active metabolite, and DHBBR, a precursor that can distribute to the brain. The pharmacokinetic analysis of BBR bioavailability data can provide a clue to developing effective dosage routes and/or formulations that can increase the oral bioavailability of BBR.