Berberine as a potential agent for breast cancer therapy

Breast cancer (BC) is a common malignancy that mainly occurred in women and it has become the most diagnosed cancer annually since 2020. Berberine (BBR), an alkaloid extracted from the Berberidacea family, has been found with broad pharmacological bioactivities including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-obesity, antidepressant, and anticancer effects. Mounting evidence shows that BBR is a safe and effective agent with good anticancer activity against BC. However, its detailed underlying mechanism in BC treatment remains unclear. Here, we will provide the evidence for BBR in BC therapy and summarize its potential mechanisms. This review briefly introduces the source, metabolism, and biological function of BBR and emphasizes the therapeutic effects of BBR against BC via directly interacting with effector proteins, transcriptional regulatory elements, miRNA, and several BBR-mediated signaling pathways. Moreover, the novel BBR-based therapeutic strategies against BC improve biocompatibility and water solubility, and the efficacies of BBR are also briefly discussed. Finally, the status of BBR in BC treatment and future research directions is also prospected.

• Publication year

  2022

• Venue

  Frontiers in Oncology

• Publication date

  2022-09-02

• Fields of study

  Medicine

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.3389/fonc.2022.993775PMID 36119505PMCID 9480097
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar, PubMed

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

• Identification of a cytisine-based EED-EZH2 protein-protein interaction inhibitor preventing metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer cells

  2022cited by this paper
• Cancer statistics, 2022

  2022cited by this paper
• Anticancer Effects and Mechanisms of Berberine from Medicinal Herbs: An Update Review

  2022cited by this paper
• Deubiquitination of TNKS1 Regulates Wnt/β-Catenin to Affect the Expression of USP25 to Promote the Progression of Glioma

  2022cited by this paper
• Berberine as a Potential Agent for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

  2022cited by this paper
• Berberine alkaloids inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of breast carcinoma cells involving Wnt/β-catenin signaling and EMT.

  2022cited by this paper
• Distinctive role of SIK1 and SIK3 isoforms in aerobic glycolysis and cell growth of breast cancer through the regulation of p53 and mTOR signaling pathways.

  2021cited by this paper
• MMP1 drives tumor progression in large cell carcinoma of the lung through fibroblast senescence.

  2021cited by this paper
• Biomimetic co-assembled nanodrug of doxorubicin and berberine suppresses chemotherapy-exacerbated breast cancer metastasis.

  2021cited by this paper
• p53 Antibodies as a Diagnostic Marker for Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

  2021cited by this paper
• Ox-LDL Aggravates the Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Responses of THP-1 Macrophages by Reducing the Inhibition Effect of miR-491-5p on MMP-9

  2021cited by this paper
• 9-O-Terpenyl-Substituted Berberrubine Derivatives Suppress Tumor Migration and Increase Anti-Human Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Activity

  2021cited by this paper
• Discovery of a tetrahydroisoquinoline-based CDK9-cyclin T1 protein–protein interaction inhibitor as an anti-proliferative and anti-migration agent against triple-negative breast cancer cells

  2021cited by this paper
• Pharmacological inhibition of KDM5A for cancer treatment.

  2021cited by this paper
• Efficacy and safety of berberine in preventing recurrence of colorectal adenomas: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

  2021cited by this paper
• Targeting Akt in cancer for precision therapy

  2021cited by this paper
• Demethyleneberberine induces cell cycle arrest and cellular senescence of NSCLC cells via c-Myc/HIF-1α pathway.

  2021cited by this paper
• An optimized BRD4 inhibitor effectively eliminates NF-κB-driven triple-negative breast cancer cells.

  2021cited by this paper
• Evaluation of the Effects of Nanomicellar Curcumin, Berberine, and Their Combination with 5-Fluorouracil on Breast Cancer Cells.

  2021cited by this paper
• Application of serum exosomal hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) as potential circulating biomarker for bacterial peritonitis

  2021cited by this paper
• Annual review of LSD1/KDM1A inhibitors in 2020.

  2021cited by this paper
• Avermectin induced DNA damage to the apoptosis and autophagy in human lung epithelial A549 cells.

  2021cited by this paper
• Berberine as a Potential Anticancer Agent: A Comprehensive Review

  2021cited by this paper
• Annual review of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1/KDM1A) inhibitors in 2021.

  2021cited by this paper
• Inhibition of the CDK9–cyclin T1 protein–protein interaction as a new approach against triple-negative breast cancer

  2021cited by this paper
• The emerging role of KDM5A in human cancer

  2021cited by this paper
• Delivery Capacity and Anticancer Ability of the Berberine-Loaded Gold Nanoparticles to Promote the Apoptosis Effect in Breast Cancer

  2021cited by this paper
• Effects of Berberine on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota

  2021cited by this paper
• Notch activation in the mouse mammary luminal lineage leads to ductal hyperplasia and altered partitioning of luminal cell subtypes.

  2020cited by this paper
• The highly diverse TATA box-binding proteins among protists: A review.

  2020cited by this paper
• Effects of Berberine and Its Derivatives on Cancer: A Systems Pharmacology Review

  2020cited by this paper
• Berberine induces apoptosis in glioblastoma multiforme U87MG cells via oxidative stress and independent of AMPK activity

  2020cited by this paper
• The effect and safety of Berberine on polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review

  2020cited by this paper
• Berberine and Emodin abrogates breast cancer growth and facilitates apoptosis through inactivation of SIK3-induced mTOR and Akt signaling pathway.

  2020influential reference
• Biological Activity of Berberine—A Summary Update

  2020cited by this paper
• Therapeutic aspects of AMPK in breast cancer: Progress, challenges, and future directions.

  2020cited by this paper
• Current Status of Circulating Tumor Cells, Circulating Tumor DNA, and Exosomes in Breast Cancer Liquid Biopsies

  2020cited by this paper
• Promising Anti-atherosclerotic Effect of Berberine: Evidence from In Vitro, In Vivo, and Clinical Studies.

  2020cited by this paper
• CTAB Enhances Chemo-Sensitivity Through Activation of AMPK Signaling Cascades in Breast Cancer

  2019cited by this paper
• Different mechanisms involved in the berberine‐induced antiproliferation effects in triple‐negative breast cancer cell lines

  2019cited by this paper
• Structure-Based Discovery of a Selective KDM5A Inhibitor that Exhibits Anti-Cancer Activity via Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest and Senescence in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

  2019cited by this paper
• Determining the interaction behavior of calf thymus DNA with berberine hydrochloride in the presence of linker histone: a biophysical study

  2019cited by this paper
• Preventive and Therapeutic Roles of Berberine in Gastrointestinal Cancers

  2019cited by this paper
• Berberine Inhibits Proliferative Ability of Breast Cancer Cells by Reducing Metadherin

  2019cited by this paper
• LncRNA TSLNC8 inhibits proliferation of breast cancer cell through the miR-214-3p/FOXP2 axis.

  2019cited by this paper
• Two telomerase-targeting Pt(ii) complexes of jatrorrhizine and berberine derivatives induce apoptosis in human bladder tumor cells.

  2019cited by this paper
• Effect miR-214-3p on proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells by targeting survivin protein.

  2019cited by this paper
• Identifying Methylation Pattern and Genes Associated with Breast Cancer Subtypes

  2019cited by this paper
• Pharmacological Inhibition of LSD1 for Cancer Treatment

  2018cited by this paper
• Identification of a rhodium(iii) complex as a Wee1 inhibitor against TP53-mutated triple-negative breast cancer cells.

  2018cited by this paper
• Antitumor activity of NAX060: A novel semisynthetic berberine derivative in breast cancer cells

  2018cited by this paper
• Berberine: A potential adjunct for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers?

  2018cited by this paper
• Drug-Carrying Capacity and Anticancer Effect of the Folic Acid- and Berberine-Loaded Silver Nanomaterial To Regulate the AKT-ERK Pathway in Breast Cancer

  2018cited by this paper
• Selective Inhibition of Lysine-Specific Demethylase 5A (KDM5A) Using a Rhodium(III) Complex for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Therapy.

  2018cited by this paper
• Trends of LSD1 inhibitors in viral infections.

  2018cited by this paper
• The role of microRNAs regulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in breast cancer development, progression, and metastasis

  2018cited by this paper
• A Comprehensive Review

  2017cited by this paper
• Barriers and facilitators related to the implementation of a physiological track and trigger system: A systematic review of the qualitative evidence

  2017cited by this paper
• Berberine Reverses Hypoxia-induced Chemoresistance in Breast Cancer through the Inhibition of AMPK- HIF-1α

  2017cited by this paper
• Berberine inhibits the proliferation and migration of breast cancer ZR-75-30 cells by targeting Ephrin-B2.

  2017cited by this paper
• The metabolism of berberine and its contribution to the pharmacological effects

  2017cited by this paper
• Berberine activates caspase-9/cytochrome c-mediated apoptosis to suppress triple-negative breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

  2017cited by this paper
• Berberine Enhances Chemosensitivity and Induces Apoptosis Through Dose-orchestrated AMPK Signaling in Breast Cancer

  2017cited by this paper
• Berberine and Evodiamine Act Synergistically Against Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells by Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis.

  2017cited by this paper
• Bioformulation of silver nanoparticles as berberine carrier cum anticancer agent against breast cancer

  2017cited by this paper
• The protective effect of berberine hydrochloride on LPS‑induced osteoclastogenesis through inhibiting TRAF6‑Ca2+‑calcineurin‑NFATcl signaling pathway.

  2017cited by this paper
• Critical role of SIK3 in mediating high salt and IL-17 synergy leading to breast cancer cell proliferation

  2017cited by this paper
• Potential anticancer effect of prostratin through SIK3 inhibition.

  2017cited by this paper
• Berberine binds RXRα to suppress β-catenin signaling in colon cancer cells

  2017cited by this paper
• Natural alkaloids as P-gp inhibitors for multidrug resistance reversal in cancer.

  2017cited by this paper
• An Implantable Depot That Can Generate Oxygen in Situ for Overcoming Hypoxia-Induced Resistance to Anticancer Drugs in Chemotherapy.

  2016cited by this paper
• Overcoming cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer cells by targeting HIF-1-regulated cancer metabolism.

  2016cited by this paper
• Berberine ameliorates chronic relapsing dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice by suppressing Th17 responses.

  2016cited by this paper
• Berberine and inflammatory bowel disease: A concise review.

  2016cited by this paper
• EphrinB2/EphB4 pathway in postnatal angiogenesis: a potential therapeutic target for ischemic cardiovascular disease

  2016cited by this paper
• EphrinB2 regulates the emergence of a hemogenic endothelium from the aorta

  2016cited by this paper
• Suppression of SIK1 by miR-141 in human ovarian cancer cell lines and tissues.

  2016cited by this paper
• Ursolic acid sensitized colon cancer cells to chemotherapy under hypoxia by inhibiting MDR1 through HIF-1α

  2016cited by this paper
• EphrinB2/EphB4 pathway in postnatal angiogenesis: a potential therapeutic target for ischemic cardiovascular disease

  2016cited by this paper
• Phosphorylation of LSD1 at Ser112 is crucial for its function in induction of EMT and metastasis in breast cancer

  2016influential reference
• Berberine regulates AMP‐activated protein kinase signaling pathways and inhibits colon tumorigenesis in mice

  2015cited by this paper
• Effects of berberine on proliferation, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis of human breast cancer T47D and MCF7 cell lines

  2015cited by this paper
• Autophagy in DNA Damage Response

  2015cited by this paper
• A specific LSD1/KDM1A isoform regulates neuronal differentiation through H3K9 demethylation.

  2015cited by this paper
• Recent Advances in Nucleic Acid Binding Aspects of Berberine Analogs and Implications for Drug Design.

  2015cited by this paper
• Current knowledge and pharmacological profile of berberine: An update.

  2015cited by this paper
• Curcumin and Emodin Down-Regulate TGF-β Signaling Pathway in Human Cervical Cancer Cells

  2015cited by this paper
• SUV39H2 methylates and stabilizes LSD1 by inhibiting polyubiquitination in human cancer cells

  2015cited by this paper
• SCTR regulates cell cycle-related genes toward anti-proliferation in normal breast cells while having pro-proliferation activity in breast cancer cells.

  2015cited by this paper
• TATA boxes in gene transcription and poly (A) tails in mRNA stability: New perspective on the effects of berberine

  2015cited by this paper
• Berberine inhibits Chlamydia pneumoniae infection-induced vascular smooth muscle cell migration through downregulating MMP3 and MMP9 via PI3K.

  2015cited by this paper
• The beneficial role of curcumin on inflammation, diabetes and neurodegenerative disease: A recent update.

  2015cited by this paper
• Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory activity of alkaloids from Rhizoma Coptidis and their molecular docking studies.

  2015cited by this paper
• an update on

  2014cited by this paper
• Berberine in combination with doxorubicin suppresses growth of murine melanoma B16F10 cells in culture and xenograft.

  2014cited by this paper
• Targets and mechanisms of berberine, a natural drug with potential to treat cancer with special focus on breast cancer.

  2014cited by this paper
• Inhibition of Retinoblastoma mRNA Degradation through Poly (A) Involved in the Neuroprotective Effect of Berberine against Cerebral Ischemia

  2014cited by this paper
• Beta Human Papillomavirus E6 Expression Inhibits Stabilization of p53 and Increases Tolerance of Genomic Instability

  2014cited by this paper
• Berberine Targets AP-2/hTERT, NF-κB/COX-2, HIF-1α/VEGF and Cytochrome-c/Caspase Signaling to Suppress Human Cancer Cell Growth

  2013cited by this paper
• Berberine and its derivatives: a patent review (2009 – 2012)

  2013cited by this paper

• Botanical Adjuvants in Oncology: A Review on Natural Compounds in Synergy with Conventional Therapies as Next-Generation Enhancers of Breast Cancer Treatment.

  2026cites this paper
• Investigation of exercise-mimetic bioactive molecules as modulators of MMP activity and expression in cancer cells

  2026cites this paper
• PLANT-DERIVED PHYTOCONSTITUENTS WITH ANTI-BREAST CANCER POTENTIAL: MECHANISTIC INSIGHTS, EVALUATION, AND THERAPEUTIC IMPLICATIONS

  2026cites this paper
• Computational evaluation of berberine derivatives as potential modulators of TGF-β signalling in cancer

  2026cites this paper
• Novel aminophosphoryl hybridization of natural berberine and heterocyclic azoles with large potential to combat global increasing bacterial resistance.

  2026cites this paper
• Berberine Interferes with the Molecular Landscape of Biofilm-Driven Pathogenicity.

  2026cites this paper
• Drug Repurposing in Oncology: A Strategic Pathway to Unlocking New Therapeutic Potential

  2025cites this paper
• Tussilagone suppresses triple-negative breast cancer progression by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and enhancing anti-tumor immunity

  2025cites this paper
• Anticancer potential of different phytoconstituents against breast cancer: Is the hope for the new drug discovery

  2025cites this paper
• Correction: A comparative study of alkaloid and phenolic compounds in different organs and tissues of Berberis integerrima

  2025cites this paper
• Applications of bioactive compounds of traditional Chinese medicine in breast cancer management

  2025cites this paper
• Comprehensive pharmacokinetic profiling and molecular docking analysis of natural bioactive compounds targeting oncogenic biomarkers in breast cancer

  2025cites this paper
• Modulation of Wnt/Beta-Catenin Pathway by Major Dietary Phytochemicals Against Breast Cancer Development

  2025cites this paper
• Phytoconstituents as emerging therapeutics for breast cancer: Mechanistic insights and clinical implications

  2025cites this paper
• Synergistic anti-Triple Negative Breast Cancer Study with Paclitaxel/Berberine Nanoparticle Co-Delivery System

  2025cites this paper
• Emerging phytochemical-based nanocarriers: redefining the perspectives of breast cancer therapy

  2025cites this paper
• Exploring Natural Compound Libraries for Breast Cancer Targets: An In Silico Study

  2025cites this paper
• Coptidis Rhizoma and Berberine as Anti-cancer Drugs: a 10-year updates and future perspectives.

  2025cites this paper
• Fingerprint of ubiquitin coupled enzyme UBC13 in health and disease.

  2025cites this paper
• A comparative study of alkaloid and phenolic compounds in different organs and tissues of Berberis integerrima

  2025cites this paper
• Recent Breakthroughs in Exosome-Based Drug Delivery: A Comprehensive Review for Cancer Therapy

  2025cites this paper
• Targeting Skin Neoplasms: A Review of Berberine’s Anticancer Properties

  2025cites this paper
• Berberine and its impact on breast cancer: unveiling key signalling pathways

  2025cites this paper
• Lysine demethylases 6 A and 6B as epigenetic regulators in therapeutic resistance of cancer

  2025cites this paper
• Berberine as a Multi‐Targeted Therapeutic Agent in Melanoma: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Combination Therapies

  2025cites this paper
• Unveiling promising bioactives for breast cancer: a novel approach for herbal-based drug discovery

  2024cites this paper
• Cancer Pathways Targeted by Berberine: Role of microRNAs.

  2024cites this paper
• Research Progress of Natural Active Ingredients against Breast Cancer

  2024cites this paper
• Curriculum vitae of CUG binding protein 1 (CELF1) in homeostasis and diseases: a systematic review

  2024cites this paper
• Berberine: A natural modulator of immune cells in multiple sclerosis

  2024cites this paper
• The emerging role of deubiquitylating enzyme USP21 as a potential therapeutic target in cancer.

  2024cites this paper
• Berberine inhibits the progression of breast cancer by regulating METTL3‐mediated m6A modification of FGF7 mRNA

  2024cites this paper
• The Emerging Role of Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 36 (USP36) in Cancer and Beyond

  2024cites this paper
• Biosurfactant-amphiphilized hyaluronic acid: A dual self-assembly anticancer nanoconjugate and drug vector for synergistic chemotherapy.

  2024cites this paper
• The State-of-the-Art Antibacterial Activities of Glycyrrhizin: A Comprehensive Review

  2024cites this paper
• Pharmacological Potential of Three Berberine-Containing Plant Extracts Obtained from Berberis vulgaris L., Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt., and Phellodendron amurense Rupr

  2024cites this paper
• Radiotherapy Enhancing and Radioprotective Properties of Berberine: A Systematic Review.

  2024cites this paper
• Natural Compounds for Preventing Age-Related Diseases and Cancers

  2024cites this paper
• Natural Alkaloids in Cancer Therapy: Berberine, Sanguinarine and Chelerythrine against Colorectal and Gastric Cancer

  2024cites this paper
• Unraveling the role of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 5 (UBC5) in disease pathogenesis: A comprehensive review.

  2024cites this paper
• Exploring the interplay of natural products and long non-coding RNAs in colorectal cancer: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and overcoming drug resistance

  2024cites this paper
• A Descriptive Review of the Antioxidant Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Berberine and Silymarin

  2024cites this paper
• Marine Staurosporine Analogues: Activity and Target Identification in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

  2024cites this paper
• Structure-Based identification of a potent KDM7A inhibitor exerts anticancer activity through transcriptionally reducing MKRN1 in taxol- resistant and -sensitive triple-negative breast cancer cells.

  2024cites this paper
• IgE-FcεRI protein-protein interaction as a therapeutic target against allergic asthma: An updated review.

  2024cites this paper
• PRMT7 in cancer: Structure, effects, and therapeutic potentials.

  2024cites this paper
• Berberine in combination with anti-PD-L1 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression and metastasis via Erk signaling pathway

  2024cites this paper
• A Comprehensive Review Highlighting the Prospects of Phytonutrient Berberine as an Anticancer Agent

  2024cites this paper
• Targeting lncRNAs of colorectal cancers with natural products

  2023cites this paper
• Molecular and cellular aspects of the impact of secondary metabolites from common barberry and hybrid goat’s rue on the HeLa cell line

  2023cites this paper
• Lysine-specific demethylase 7A (KDM7A): A potential target for disease therapy.

  2023cites this paper
• Phytochemicals targeting glycolysis in colorectal cancer therapy: effects and mechanisms of action

  2023cites this paper
• Berberine inhibits the progression of renal cell carcinoma cells by regulating reactive oxygen species generation and inducing DNA damage

  2023cites this paper
• Bresmycins A and B, potent anti-breast cancer indolocarbazole alkaloids from the sponge-associated Streptomyces sp. NBU3142

  2023cites this paper
• Collective Syntheses of 8-Oxoprotoberberines via Sequential In(OTf)3-Catalyzed Cyclization and Pd(OAc)2-Catalyzed Heck Coupling.

  2023cites this paper
• Cuproptosis-Inducible Chemotherapeutic/Cascade Catalytic Reactor System for Combating with Breast Cancer.

  2023cites this paper
• The emerging roles of lysine-specific demethylase 4A in cancer: Implications in tumorigenesis and therapeutic opportunities

  2023cites this paper
• Current understanding and future prospects on Berberine for anticancer therapy

  2023cites this paper
• The role of lysine-specific demethylase 6A (KDM6A) in tumorigenesis and its therapeutic potentials in cancer therapy.

  2023cites this paper
• Targeting PGAM1 in cancer: An emerging therapeutic opportunity.

  2022cites this paper