# Berberis vulgaris and its role in atherosclerosis improvement: A review of in vitro and in vivo data

## TL;DR

This review explores how Berberis vulgaris, a plant containing berberine, may help prevent atherosclerosis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the potential of Berberis vulgaris extract, rather than just berberine, for atherosclerosis prevention.

## Key findings

- Berberis vulgaris contains 22 alkaloids and polyphenols that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- The whole extract of B. vulgaris may be more effective than berberine alone for preventing atherosclerosis.
- Berberine has poor bioavailability, limiting its therapeutic use despite its benefits.

## Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial condition influenced by various factors including inflammation and oxidative stress. Using drugs that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress is beneficial in preventing the formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. In light of the adverse effects associated with pharmaceutical interventions, natural compounds present a potentially safer therapeutic alternative for managing inflammation and oxidative stress. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Berberis vulgaris (B. vulgaris), not berberine, in relation to atherosclerosis.

Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were considered. The search terms were "Berberis vulgaris", "Cardiovascular", "Atherosclerosis", "Inflammation", "Oxidative stress", "Clinic", "Animal", "In vitro", "Cell line" and "Ingredient". The articles were reviewed from 2004 to 2024.

B. vulgaris known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties since it contains 22 alkaloid compounds, with berberine being the most prominent. Although berberine has been studied extensively in relation to atherosclerosis, its therapeutic use has been limited due to its poor oral bioavailability, which is less than 1%. Moreover, based on the literature the whole extract of B. vulgaris can be useful for atherosclerosis prevention.

Inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in the formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Due to the presence of alkaloids and polyphenols, B. vulgaris exhibits strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, making its consumption potentially useful in preventing atherosclerosis.