Molecular mechanisms of berberine action on tumor cells

Malignant tumors remain one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, highlighting the urgent need to develop novel and effective therapeutic strategies. In recent years, the scientific community has actively pursued agents that combine high efficacy with minimal adverse effects and offer the potential to induce complete remission. In this context, berberine is a natural phytochemical derived from various Berberis species. It has garnered considerable interest due to its diverse pharmacological properties. Berberine, known as a nutraceutical, exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activity, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor effects. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that berberine exerts inhibitory activity against several cancer types, including breast, lung, liver, and colorectal cancers. Its antitumor properties are associated with several key molecular mechanisms through which it exerts effects on tumor cells. This review provides a detailed overview of the molecular pathways through which the antitumor effects of berberine are mediated. In particular, berberine activates the caspase cascade, leading to the induction of apoptosis in tumor cells, and inhibits cell proliferation by blocking key signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR. It also modulates the expression of genes involved in cell migration and invasion, including matrix metalloproteinases and E-cadherin, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic candidate. Additionally, berberine’s anti-inflammatory effects may contribute to cancer prevention by protecting cells from oxidative stress and chronic inflammation associated with tumor development. These pharmacological properties make berberine a promising agent for further investigation and clinical application, both as monotherapy and in combination with standard anticancer therapies. Thus, berberine represents a promising subject for further investigation of its molecular mechanisms of action and potential use in oncology, which may lead to the development of more effective and safer therapeutic strategies for patients with malignant tumors.