The effect(s) of berberine from Berberis vulgaris L. (Berberidaceae) on treating type 1 diabetes mellitus in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Pharmacognosy, Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

10.22038/ijbms.2026.90772.19575

Abstract

Objective(s): Berberis vulgaris (B. vulgaris) L. (Berberidaceae), deeply rooted in Iranian traditional medicine, exhibits significant antidiabetic potential attributed to its berberine content. This plant has been historically used for its glucose-lowering, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This research investigated berberine’s capacity to regenerate pancreatic β-cells in type 1 diabetic rats, specifically examining its dose-dependent effects on metabolic recovery, histopathological restoration, and molecular mechanisms underlying β-cell regeneration. 
Materials and Methods: Two groups of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats received daily oral berberine (50 and 100 mg/kg) for 60 days. We measured berberine half-life and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet-visible (Uv/Vis) and fluorescence detection (FD). Fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profiles, liver enzymes, insulin, and gastrin were assessed. Pancreatic histopathology (islet damage) and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1) expression were analyzed.
Results: Berberine exhibited a 60-min half-life, with blood concentration declining to 0.63 and 0.95 µmol/l within 90 min. Treatment significantly elevated GABA levels (3.0 and 3.8 mg/dl vs diabetic group: 0.44 mg/dl) and reduced FBS by 50% (327 and 296 mg/dl vs diabetic group: 616 mg/dl). Gastrin levels increased to 8.70 and 8.93 pg/ml (vs diabetic group: 5.96 pg/ml). Histopathology revealed reduced islet shrinkage and vacuolization. Pdx1 expression was increased in the treated groups compared with diabetic controls. 
Conclusion: Berberine from B. vulgaris effectively stimulates pancreatic β-cell regeneration, as evidenced by restored histoarchitecture, up-regulated Pdx1, and sustained glycemic control despite rapid clearance. This validates its traditional antidiabetic use and positions berberine as a promising disease-modifying agent.

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References

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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 24 February 2026

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