Berberis
Berberine
Berberry extract reduces neuronal damage and N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 immunoreactivity in the gerbil hippocampus after transient forebrain ischemia. (1/10)
In the present study, we studied the neuroprotective effects of berberry extract (BE) against ischemic damage and the temporal and spatial alterations of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor type 1 (NR1) and NR2A/2B immunoreactivities in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 region after transient ischemia to examine anti-ischemic effects and its role in transient forebrain ischemia. In the vehicle-treated group, the percentage of cresyl violet positive pyramidal cells in the CA1 region was about 11.4% compared to the sham-operated group 4 d after ischemic insult. BE showed neuroprotective effects against ischemic damage after ischemia-reperfusion. In the BE-treated groups, about 60-75% of CA1 pyramidal cells were stained with cresyl violet 4 d after ischemic insult. We observed the percentage of berberine (7.45+0.85 mg/g in BE) by HPLC, which is active ingredient of BE. NR1 immunoreactivity in the stratum pyramidale of the CA1 region in the vehicle-treated group was significantly increased at 30 min after transient forebrain ischemia, while at this time the NR1 immunoreactivity in the BE-treated groups was significantly low compared to the vehicle-treated group. The pattern of NR2A/B immunoreactivity in the stratum pyramidale of the BE-treated group and its protein levels were similar to that in the vehicle-treated group after ischemic insult. These results suggest that BE has potent neuroprotective effects against ischemic damage via the reduction of NR1 activity. (+info)Molecular cloning and characterization of CYP80G2, a cytochrome P450 that catalyzes an intramolecular C-C phenol coupling of (S)-reticuline in magnoflorine biosynthesis, from cultured Coptis japonica cells. (2/10)
(+info)The anti-inflammatory effects of Curcuma longa and Berberis aristata in endotoxin-induced uveitis in rabbits. (3/10)
(+info)Century-old mystery of Puccinia striiformis life history solved with the identification of Berberis as an alternate host. (4/10)
(+info)Universal plant DNA barcode loci may not work in complex groups: a case study with Indian berberis species. (5/10)
(+info)Cytotoxic steroids from the trunk of Berberis koreana. (6/10)
A new steroid, itesmol 3-O-palmitate (1), along with two known steroids were isolated from the trunk of Berberis koreana. The structure of 1 was determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses involving 2D NMR and chemical reactions. Compound 1 exhibited potential antiproliferative activity against A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT-15 cell lines (respective IC(50) values of 7.41, 9.20, 4.53, and 12.91 microM). (+info)Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Berberis thunbergii (Berberidaceae). (7/10)
(+info)Novel synthetic derivatives of the natural product berbamine inhibit Jak2/Stat3 signaling and induce apoptosis of human melanoma cells. (8/10)
(+info)'Berberis' is a genus of shrubs and small trees that belong to the Berberidaceae family. These plants are commonly known as barberries and are native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. The name 'Berberis' comes from the Arabic word "barbar", which means "foreign".
While 'Berberis' is not a medical term itself, some species of this plant have been used in traditional medicine for their medicinal properties. For example, Berberis vulgaris (European barberry) contains berberine, an alkaloid that has been shown to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. However, it is important to note that the use of Berberis species in modern medicine is not well-studied, and more research is needed to establish their safety and efficacy.
Therefore, while 'Berberis' has some medicinal uses, it is not a medical term with a specific definition in the way that terms like "inflammation" or "hypertension" are defined in medicine.
Berberine is a chemical found in several plants including European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, phellodendron, and tree turmeric. It has a yellow color and has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes such as treating diarrhea, reducing inflammation, and fighting bacteria.
Berberine has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to lower blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, and improve cardiovascular health. It is thought to work by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that plays a role in regulating metabolism.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of berberine, and it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. As with any supplement, it's important to talk to your doctor before taking berberine or any other herbal remedy.
Basidiomycota is a phylum in the kingdom Fungi that consists of organisms commonly known as club fungi or club mushrooms. The name Basidiomycota is derived from the presence of a characteristic reproductive structure called a basidium, which is where spores are produced.
The basidiomycetes include many familiar forms such as mushrooms, toadstools, bracket fungi, and other types of polypores. They have a complex life cycle that involves both sexual and asexual reproduction. The sexual reproductive stage produces a characteristic fruiting body, which may be microscopic or highly visible, depending on the species.
Basidiomycota fungi play important ecological roles in decomposing organic matter, forming mutualistic relationships with plants, and acting as parasites on other organisms. Some species are economically important, such as edible mushrooms, while others can be harmful or even deadly to humans and animals.