Neuropharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of berberine: a review of recent research

Objectives: This review summarizes recent research on the neuropharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Coptidis rhizoma. Key findings: Berberine has multiple neuropharmacological properties, such as neuroprection, anti-neuronal apoptosis, improvement of cerebral microcirculation and anti-Alzheimer's disease, and so on. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of berberine are that it is not easily absorbed and it is not stable in the gastrointestinal tract of animals or humans. Summary: Further studies need to be carried out to develop berberine as a drug for nervous system diseases, such as brain ischaemia and Alzheimer's disease, that has favorable pharmacokinetic properties.