Anti-diabetic Effects of Berberis cretica Extract in INS-1E Cells

Berberine has been used for the adjuvant treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia (high levels of fats), and hypertension (high blood pressure). Also, it has different effects on diarrhea, inflammation, and cancer. Berberine, is a profoundly common compound in Berberis species. Although Berberis cretica is one of the Berberis species, it is unknown whether it has anti-diabetic effects yet. Also, synergistic effects of various compounds together with berberin or similar chemical forms of berberine within Berberis species can lead to find new anti-diabetic agents. The aim of this study is to investigate possible drug potential of Berberis cretica extract containing berberine and, its potential signaling pathways on Rat Insulinoma (INS-1E) cells. According to our results, Berberis cretica extract has anti-apoptotic effects in INS-1E cells decreasing expression p53, p38 and Bax genes. Suppressive effects of Berberis cretica plant extracts on apoptotic signalling pathways in β cells show that the extract contents can have a drug potential for treatment of diabetes.