The effect of berberine administration to rats on the functional state of liver after common bile duct ligation

On day 8 after ligation of the common bile duct in rats a significant increase in the serum content of total lipids, cholesterol, bilirubin and ALT, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase was observed. In the hepatic microsomal fraction there was a marked decrease in the content and activity of microsomal monooxygenases. Introperitoneal injections of berberine (10 mg/kg) for 6 days caused a partial normalization of hepatocyte plasma permeability and activity of microsomal flavin-containing monooxygenases. It is suggested that berberine is a substrate and inducer of flavin-containing monooxygenases. The membrane-stabilizing effect of berberine is probably realized at the level of inhibition of the prooxidant status of liver cells.