The effect(s) of berberine from Berberis vulgaris L. (Berberidaceae) on treating type 1 diabetes mellitus in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES

Berberis vulgaris (B. vulgaris) L. (Berberidaceae), deeply rooted in Iranian traditional medicine, exhibits significant antidiabetic potential attributed to its berberine content. This plant has been historically used for its glucose-lowering, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This research investigated berberine's capacity to regenerate pancreatic β-cells in type 1 diabetic rats, specifically examining its dose-dependent effects on metabolic recovery, histopathological restoration, and molecular mechanisms underlying β-cell regeneration.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Two groups of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats received daily oral berberine (50 and 100 mg/kg) for 60 days. We measured berberine half-life and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet-visible (Uv/Vis) and fluorescence detection (FD). Fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profiles, liver enzymes, insulin, and gastrin were assessed. Pancreatic histopathology (islet damage) and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1) expression were analyzed.

RESULTS

Berberine exhibited a 60-min half-life, with blood concentration declining to 0.63 and 0.95 µmol/l within 90 min. Treatment significantly elevated GABA levels (3.0 and 3.8 mg/dl vs diabetic group: 0.44 mg/dl) and reduced FBS by 50% (327 and 296 mg/dl vs diabetic group: 616 mg/dl). Gastrin levels increased to 8.70 and 8.93 pg/ml (vs diabetic group: 5.96 pg/ml). Histopathology revealed reduced islet shrinkage and vacuolization. Pdx1 expression was increased in the treated groups compared with diabetic controls.

CONCLUSION

Berberine from B. vulgaris effectively stimulates pancreatic β-cell regeneration, as evidenced by restored histoarchitecture, up-regulated Pdx1, and sustained glycemic control despite rapid clearance. This validates its traditional antidiabetic use and positions berberine as a promising disease-modifying agent.