Molecular mechanisms of berberine’s effects on tumor cells

Malignant neoplasms remain one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, underscoring the need for the development of novel and effective therapeutic strategies for their treatment. In recent years, the scientific community has actively pursued the search for pharmaceutical preparations with minimal adverse effects and high efficacy, capable of achieving complete remission in patients. In this context, berberine, a natural phytochemical compound derived from various species of Berberis, has garnered increasing attention due to its diverse pharmacological properties. Berberine, recognized as a nutraceutical, exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor effects. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that berberine exerts inhibitory effects on several types of cancer, including breast, lung, liver, and colorectal cancers. Its antitumor properties are associated with several key molecular mechanisms through which it targets tumor cells. In this review, we have comprehensively examined the various molecular pathways through which the antitumor effects of berberine are mediated. Specifically, berberine activates the caspase cascade, leading to the induction of apoptosis in tumor cells, and inhibits cell proliferation by blocking key signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR. Additionally, berberine modulates the expression of genes associated with cell migration and invasion, including matrix metalloproteinases and E-cadherin, making it a promising candidate for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. It is also noteworthy that berberine exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to the prevention of carcinogenesis by protecting cells from oxidative stress and inflammatory processes linked to cancer development. These properties position berberine as a promising agent for further research and clinical application, both as a monotherapy and in combination with other anticancer drugs. Thus, berberine represents an intriguing subject for further investigation of its molecular mechanisms of action and potential use in oncology, which could lead to the development of more effective and safer therapeutic strategies for patients with malignant neoplasms.