Progress of the anti-obesity of Berberine

TL;DR

This review summarizes recent research on berberine's anti-obesity effects, mechanisms, clinical trials, and challenges like poor absorption, highlighting its potential as a natural obesity treatment.

Contribution

It compiles current findings on berberine's anti-obesity properties, mechanisms, and clinical progress, emphasizing its potential as a natural therapeutic option.

Findings

Berberine shows significant anti-obesity effects in studies.

Clinical trials indicate promising results for berberine.

Bioavailability remains a challenge for clinical use.

Abstract

Obesity is defined as the excessive accumulation or abnormal distribution of body fat. According to data from World Obesity Atlas 2024, the increase in prevalence of obesity has become a major worldwide health problem in adults as well as among children and adolescents. Although an increasing number of drugs have been approved for the treatment of obesity in recent years, many of these drugs have inevitable side effects which have increased the demand for new safe, accessible and effective drugs for obesity and prompt interest in natural products. Berberine (BBR) and its metabolites, known for their multiple pharmacological effects. Recent studies have emphatically highlighted the anti-obesity benefits of BBR and the underlying mechanisms have been gradually elucidated. However, its clinical application is limited by poor oral absorption and low bioavailability. Based on this, this review summarizes current research on the anti-obesity effects of BBR and its metabolites, including advancements in clinical trail results, understanding potential molecular mechanisms and absorption and bioavailability. As a natural compound derived from plants, BBR holds potential as an alternative approach for managing obesity.