Description
Tetrahydroberberine (THB) is an isoquinoline alkaloid originally found in Corydalis. THB exhibits antithrombotic/anticoagulant, anti-arrhythmic, neuroprotective, and gastric motility-modulating activities. In vitro, THB inhibits tissue factor pro-coagulant activity; in vivo, it inhibits arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation. In animal models of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion, THB decreases levels of xanthine oxidase and malondialdehyde, decreasing ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. In neurons, THB exhibits potential benefit in animal models of Parkinson’s disease, inhibiting K(ATP) K+ channels and increasing firing of action potentials. THB also inhibits D2 dopaminergic receptors and activates 5-HT1A receptors, increasing gastric emptying in animal models and displaying potential benefit in the treatment of functional dyspepsia.
References
Ge HX, Zhang J, Chen L, et al. Chemical and microbial semi-synthesis of tetrahydroprotoberberines as inhibitors on tissue factor procoagulant activity. Bioorg Med Chem. 2013 Jan 1;21(1):62-9. PMID: 23199480.
Lee TH, Kim KH, Lee SO, et al. Tetrahydroberberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from corydalis tuber, enhances gastrointestinal motor function. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2011 Sep;338(3):917-24. PMID: 21659472.
Wu C, Yang K, Liu Q, et al. Tetrahydroberberine blocks ATP-sensitive potassium channels in dopamine neurons acutely-dissociated from rat substantia nigra pars compacta. Neuropharmacology. 2010 Dec;59(7-8):567-72. PMID: 20804776.
Xuan B, Wang W, Li DX. Inhibitory effect of tetrahydroberberine on platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1994 Mar;15(2):133-5. PMID: 8010106.
Zhou J, Xuan B, Li DX. Effects of tetrahydroberberine on ischemic and reperfused myocardium in rats. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1993 Mar;14(2):130-3. PMID: 8352004.
