A Review of the Antiviral Activity of Berberine.

Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid with strong pharmacological activity such as analgesic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antivirus, anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, anti-obesity, and hypolipidemic effects. Accumulated evidence indicates berberine plays an inhibitory role against infection of numerous viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus, respiratory syncytial virus, hepatitis C virus, human papillomavirus, human cytomegalovirus, and influenza virus. Berberine's antiviral action has shown promise, making it a viable option for synergistically enhancing the inhibitory effect of current antiviral medicines. This review provides an overview of prior berberine antiviral studies to prepare for its potential use as a natural antiviral agent in future research.