Berberine to treat multiple sclerosis
Inflammatory demyelination and progressive neurodegeneration are characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS). Current treatments primarily mitigate relapses and slow disease progression and do not address the disability or neurodegeneration.
Berberine (BBR), a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid, is a promising therapeutic candidate with anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. The researchers in this study review the molecular mechanisms underlying BBR's effects on MS neurodegeneration and examine the MS- animal models.
The studies in experimental two experimental MS models show that BBR promotes remyelination, reduces pro-inflammatory and modulates key signaling pathways to attenuate immune-mediated damage and preserving blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity.
However, due to its poor bioavailability and suboptimal pharmacokinetics, new formulations like BBR-loaded iron oxide nanoparticles (BBR-IONP), were discovered that show enhanced CNS delivery and improving remyelination.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667242126000874
