Advanced progress on the effect and mechanism of tetrandrine

Tetrandrine(TET), bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, belonging to the traditional Chinese medicine, has attented great attention by researchers in the phamalogical and medical industries. It was found that tetrandrine had effect of anti-tumor, anti-microbial, reversal of multi-drug resistance, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic. This article reviewed the research on the biological activity through inhibition of protein expression and signal pathway regulation of tetrandrine, and summarized the problem and solution of tetrandrine in order to provide the basis for the further studies. Key words: Tetrandrine; Antineoplastic agents; Antimicrobial; Reverse drug resistance; Signaling pathway; Review