A new study shows that berberine, a natural compound found in plants such as barberry and goldenseal, prevents the proliferation of lung cancer cells in the laboratory.
Research has also found that it reduces airway inflammation and damage to healthy lung cells exposed to chemicals in cigarette smoke.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with approximately 1.8 million deaths reported annually.
Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for lung cancer and other diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
“Berberine has shown therapeutic benefits for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We are eager to explore its potential to suppress lung cancer and reduce inflammation, ”said lead researcher Dr. Kamal Dua, Senior Lecturer at the Technological University of Sydney (UTS).
Results of the effect of berberine on non-small lung cancer cells were published in the journal Pharmaceutics, stating that berberine shows strong anti-cancer activity, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in vitro.
The possible mechanism of action of anticancer activity is determined by measuring the mRNA levels of tumor -associated genes and their protein expression levels.
The results showed that berberine increases tumor suppressor genes and reduces the regulation of proteins involved in the migration and proliferation of cancer cells.
The study came on the heels of recently published research on Antioxidants led by Drs. Dua, who showed that berberine can prevent oxidative stress and reduce inflammation and cellular aging caused by cigarette smoke extract in human lung cells. healthy grown in the laboratory.
Berberine has long been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. However, its therapeutic benefits are limited by lack of water solubility and absorption in the intestine, as well as toxicity at high doses.
To overcome these challenges, Dr. developed. Dua uses liquid crystal nanoparticles, an advanced drug delivery system that encapsulates berberine in small, soluble, decomposing polymer spheres to improve safety and effectiveness.
Decades of research have shown that cigarette smoke is toxic to lung cells, causing bronchitis and accelerating the development of diseases such as cancer, chronic infectious lung disease, and asthma.
The researchers discovered that berberine inhibits the production of inflammatory chemicals, called reactive oxygen species, that cause harmful effects on cells. They also modify genes responsible for inflammation, oxidative stress and reduce premature cell aging.
The research team includes Professor Phil Hansbro, Professor Brian Oliver, Dr Bikash Manandhar and Dr Keshav Raj Pudel from the University of Technology Sydney, along with international collaborators from International Medical University Malaysia and Qassim University in Saudi Arabia. .
Dr. Dua is now working closely with Sydney -based companies to take this research to the next level and determine the best formulation and delivery system for these nanoparticles so that they can be tested in the clinic.
Source: Medical Express
Source: Arabic RT
