Berberine

Berberine (BRB) is an isoquinoline alkaloid commonly extracted from a medicinal herb, Rhizoma coptidis, and plays a significant role in the inhibition of pathogenesis via suppression of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. This alkaloid stimulates the pro-inflammatory responses

Berberine is effective in the prevention of coronary artery diseases and may decrease the total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The main effect of berbamine is blocking calcium channels. This alkaloid showed peroxidation activities in experiments on lipid peroxidation of red blood cells and could exert anti-myocardial ischemia and anti-arrhythmia effects. Moreover, oxycanthine acted as a sympatholytic agent and a vasodilator.