Antioxidant and antiarthritic potential of berberine: In vitro and in vivo studies

Objective

To extract and isolate berberine from Berberis aristata (Berberidaceae). Isolated berberine was characterised using spectroscopy and its antioxidant and antiarthritic activity was analyzed.

Methods

The berberine was isolated from B. aristata using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and characterised by a spectroscopic technique. The isolated berberine was evaluated for its antioxidant activity in DPPH, nitric oxide, and superoxide scavenging assays, while antiarthritic activity was evaluated in the complete freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis rat model.

Results

The antioxidant activity of berberine revealed potent antioxidant activity in DPPH, nitric oxide, and superoxide scavenging assays. The in vivo antiarthritic activity of berberine in the CFA-induced arthritis rat model showed a significant reduction in paw diameter, arthritic score, and an increase in body weight. Furthermore, a concentration-dependent ameliorating action of berberine on haematological parameters was noticed. Proinflammatory biomarkers, including IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-b in serum were reported, and histopathology examination revealed that berberine decreased pannus formation, synovial hyperplasia, and bone erosion. Radiographic investigation showed soft tissue inflammation, bone resorption and erosion, joint gap reduction, and substantial connective tissue expansion after treatment with berberine.

Conclusion

The ameliorating action on haematological parameters and proinflammatory biomarkers of berberine makes them a suitable remedy for the treatment of arthritis.