The effect(s) of berberine from Berberis vulgaris L. (Berberidaceae) on treating type ۱ diabetes mellitus in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objective(s): Berberis vulgaris (B. vulgaris) L. (Berberidaceae), deeply rooted in Iranian traditional medicine, exhibits significant antidiabetic potential attributed to its berberine content. This plant has been historically used for its glucose-lowering, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This research investigated berberine’s capacity to regenerate pancreatic β-cells in type ۱ diabetic rats, specifically examining its dose-dependent effects on metabolic recovery, histopathological restoration, and molecular mechanisms underlying β-cell regeneration. Materials and Methods: Two groups of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats received daily oral berberine (۵۰ and ۱۰۰ mg/kg) for ۶۰ days. We measured berberine half-life and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet-visible (Uv/Vis) and fluorescence detection (FD). Fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profiles, liver enzymes, insulin, and gastrin were assessed. Pancreatic histopathology (islet damage) and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox ۱ (Pdx۱) expression were analyzed.Results: Berberine exhibited a ۶۰-min half-life, with blood concentration declining to ۰.۶۳ and ۰.۹۵ µmol/l within ۹۰ min. Treatment significantly elevated GABA levels (۳.۰ and ۳.۸ mg/dl vs diabetic group: ۰.۴۴ mg/dl) and reduced FBS by ۵۰% (۳۲۷ and ۲۹۶ mg/dl vs diabetic group: ۶۱۶ mg/dl). Gastrin levels increased to ۸.۷۰ and ۸.۹۳ pg/ml (vs diabetic group: ۵.۹۶ pg/ml). Histopathology revealed reduced islet shrinkage and vacuolization. Pdx۱ expression was increased in the treated groups compared with diabetic controls. Conclusion: Berberine from B. vulgaris effectively stimulates pancreatic β-cell regeneration, as evidenced by restored histoarchitecture, up-regulated Pdx۱, and sustained glycemic control despite rapid clearance. This validates its traditional antidiabetic use and positions berberine as a promising disease-modifying agent.

کلیدواژه ها:

Berberine ، Diabetes mellitus type ۱ ، Streptozocin ، Gamma-aminobutyric acid ، Gastrins ، Islets of Langerhans