Berberine

Berberine is an organic molecule found in a wide variety of plants around the world. It has been historically used in traditional (Ayurvedic) medicine, primarily due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. [1]. Recent studies have suggested that berberine could play a significant role in the treatment of cancer. Its ability to modify both intrinsic and extrinsic cellular processes make it an intriguing candidate for inhibiting tumor progression and enhancing the response to cancer therapies [1].

Breast Cancer: A nanoparticle combination of berberine and letrozole demonstrated efficacy in damaging breast cancer cells by increasing levels of toxic molecules, triggering cellular degradation and destruction.[2].

Colorectal Cancer: Berberine decreased cellular viability, prevented cellular invasion, and upregulated apoptosis in colorectal cancer cell lines [7].

Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: The combination of berberine and doxorubicin exhibited antitumor effects in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells [3].

• Increased Sensitivity to Chemotherapy: Berberine's ability to reverse the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin could enhance treatment outcomes [5].
• Synergy with Hormone Therapy: The combination of berberine and letrozole shows promise in breast cancer treatment, possibly due to the synergistic induction of apoptosis [2].
• Targeted Approach: Berberine's ability to limit its apoptotic effects to malignant tissue while sparing normal cells could ease some of the adverse effects related to chemotherapy [6] [1].