Berberine encapsulated nanoparticles stimulate osteoblast differentiation in vitro

Abstract

Berberine has been known as a traditional component for treatment of intestinal-related diseases in Asian countries. Additionally, it possesses a variety of pharmacological properties, which were studied for treating tumor, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, bacterial and viral infections, cerebral ischemia trauma, and mental disease. Moreover, berberine has been known as an anti-osteoporotic agent by controlling both osteoclast (bone resorption cells) and osteoblast (bone-forming cells) functions. This result indicated that NBB could be a potential biological agent for inducing bone formation. Overall, our data indicated that NBB could improve bioavailability, especially osteogenesis activity in vitro compared to free berberine.